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Great Fishing In Nevada

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All about fishing in the Silver State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

  • Lake Lahontan
  • Lake Mead
  • Lake Mohave
  • Lake Tahoe, NV
  • Pyramid Lake
  • Wild Horse Reservoir

Nevada is a diverse state with a variety of fishing opportunities that cater to different tastes and preferences. Anglers can find an impressive array of species in the state's waters, ranging from warm water to cold water fish. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake.

In the warm water fisheries of Nevada, popular species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and sunfish. These fish thrive in the state's larger reservoirs and lakes, such as Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. The warm desert climate makes these waters ideal habitats for these species, providing ample opportunities for anglers to reel in some impressive catches.

Beautiful Lake Tahoe in Nevada

On the other hand, Nevada also boasts some excellent cold water fisheries, particularly in the high-elevation mountain lakes and rivers. Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and lake (Mackinaw) trout are common in these cold waters. Places like Lake Tahoe and mountain streams provide pristine environments for these species, attracting anglers seeking a more tranquil and serene fishing experience.

Additionally, Nevada is home to numerous ponds, rivers, and streams, which offer a mix of warm and cold water species. These smaller bodies of water often present unique challenges and rewards for anglers looking to test their skills and techniques.

Overall, Nevada's fishing opportunities are as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you prefer the warm waters of the desert reservoirs or the cool mountain lakes, the state has something to offer for every angler. From the bustling urban fishing locations to the remote and secluded spots, Nevada promises an unforgettable fishing adventure for all who cast their lines in its waters.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Nevada

Typically Nevada is perceived as a barren, hot, dry desert. Some parts are. Other areas include high-country lakes, trees and snow ski areas. Nevada offers the full spectrum of fishing, from trout and salmon fishing in Lake Tahoe, to bass, crappie, catfish and striper fishing in Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.

The state of Nevada offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, redear sunfish, white bass, yellow perch, coho salmon, kokanee salmon, stripers, northern pike and tiger muskie in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams.

Major Nevada Lakes & Species

Nevada major lakes and fish chart

Lake & Fish Chart

Major angling destinations, cross referenced with the fish species found in each of the lakes. For a detailed list of primary fish species in NV, plus state fish records, see the list below.

Fishing lake sizes and locations in the state.

Lake Lahontan, aka Lahontan Reservoir is a 10,000-acre lake in the western part of the state at Silver Springs.

Lake Mead is a 160,000-acre lake on the eastern border of the state, at Henderson.

Lake Mohave is a 28,800-acre lake on the arizona border in the far southeast corner of the state, at Laughlin.

Lake Tahoe is a 123,000-acre lake on the western border of the state, at Glenbrook.

Pyramid Lake is a 120,000-acre lake in the west-central part of the state, 4 miles north of Nixon.

Ruby Lake is a 15,000-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, 5 miles south of Ruby Valley.

Rye Patch Reservoir is a 11,000-acre lake in the northwest part of the state, 35 miles southwest of Winnemucca.

Topaz Lake is a 1,200-acre lake on the southwest border of the state, 8 miles southwest of Wellington.

Washoe Lake is a 5,800-acre lake in the west central part of the state, 5 miles north of Carson City.

Wild Horse Reservoir is a 2,800-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, 12 miles south of Mountain City.

Fish Species & State Records in Nevada

Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass

World record: 22 lbs 4 oz

State Record: 12 lbs 0 oz

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass

World record: 11 lbs 15 oz

State Record: 8 lbs 11 oz

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass

World record: 9 lbs 8 oz

State Record: 4 lbs 6 oz

Catfish

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish

World record: 58 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 32 lbs 7 oz

White Catfish

White catfish

World record: 22 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 17 lbs 4 oz

Crappie

Black Crappie

Black crappie

World record: 6 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 3 lbs 5 oz

White Crappie

White crappie

World record: 5 lbs 3 oz

State Record: 3 lbs 1 oz

Walleye

Walleye

Walleye

World record: 25 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 15 lbs 4 oz

Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout

World record: 42 lbs 2 oz

State Record: 16 lbs 8 oz

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout

World record: 41 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 24 lbs 12 oz

Brook Trout

Brook trout

World record: 14 lbs 8 oz

State Record: 5 lbs 10 oz

Brown Trout

Brown trout

World record: 40 lbs 4 oz

State Record: 27 lbs 5 oz

Lake Trout

Lake trout (Mackinaw)

World record: 72 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 37 lbs 6 oz

Golden Trout

Golden trout

World record: 11 lbs 4 oz

State Record: 0 lbs 15 oz

Panfish & Sunfish

Bluegill

Bluegill

World record: 4 lbs 12 oz

State Record: 3 lbs 10 oz

Green Sunfish

Green sunfish

World record: 2.2 lbs

State Record: 1 lbs 13 oz

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Pumpkinseed sunfish

World record: 2 lbs 4 oz

State Record: 0 lbs 15 oz

Redear Sunfish

Redear sunfish

World record: 5.4 lbs

State Record: 2 lbs 5 oz

White Bass

White Bass

World record: 6.8 lbs

State Record: 4 lbs 0 oz

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch

World record: 4 lbs 3 oz

State Record: 1 lbs 8 oz

Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon (silver)

World record: 33 lbs 7 oz

State Record: 8 lbs 12 oz

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon

World record: 9 lbs 10 oz

State Record: 5 lbs 2 oz

Striped bass

Striped Bass

Stripers

Inland world record: 64 lbs 8 oz

State Record: 63 lbs 0 oz

Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid Striper (Wiper)

World record: 27 lbs 5 oz

State Record: 25 lbs 9 oz

Other species

Northern Pike

Northern pike

World record: 55 lbs 1 oz

State Record: 27 lbs 0 oz

Tiger Muskie

Tiger muskie

World record: 51 lbs 2 oz

State Record: 17 lbs 10 oz

Click the images and links above for species details.

NV Department of Wildlife

Click here to obtain a Nevada Fishing License. Enjoy additional information about fishing in Nevada when you visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife website.

Lake Tahoe is home to excellent fishing for big mackinaw trout

Fishing Guides Serving Nevada

We are looking for information on local guides who offer services within Nevada. You can find a listing of NV fishing guides here. If you are a fishing guide in Nevada or know of a good resource, please send us information for consideration.

Boating In Nevada

Visit AA-Boats-Boating.com to find information about fishing boats in Nevada and other boating information. Be sure to visit section dedicated to activities for kids in NV.

Pickleball In Nevada

Many outdoor enthusiasts are taking up the game of pickleball. Click here to find places to play pickleball in Nevada!

Bass fishing book

Fish for big bass

Excellent largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fishing opportunities are available to anglers.

 

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