Great Fishing In Nevada
All about fishing in the Silver State
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.
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.
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
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
World record: 22 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 12 lbs 0 oz
Smallmouth bass
World record: 11 lbs 15 oz
State Record: 8 lbs 11 oz
Spotted bass
World record: 9 lbs 8 oz
State Record: 4 lbs 6 oz
Catfish
Channel catfish
World record: 58 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 32 lbs 7 oz
White catfish
World record: 22 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 17 lbs 4 oz
Crappie
Black crappie
World record: 6 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 3 lbs 5 oz
White crappie
World record: 5 lbs 3 oz
State Record: 3 lbs 1 oz
Walleye
Walleye
World record: 25 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 15 lbs 4 oz
Trout
Rainbow trout
World record: 42 lbs 2 oz
State Record: 16 lbs 8 oz
Cutthroat trout
World record: 41 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 24 lbs 12 oz
Brook trout
World record: 14 lbs 8 oz
State Record: 5 lbs 10 oz
Brown trout
World record: 40 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 27 lbs 5 oz
Lake trout (Mackinaw)
World record: 72 lbs 0 oz
State Record: 37 lbs 6 oz
Golden trout
World record: 11 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 0 lbs 15 oz
Panfish & Sunfish
Bluegill
World record: 4 lbs 12 oz
State Record: 3 lbs 10 oz
Green sunfish
World record: 2.2 lbs
State Record: 1 lbs 13 oz
Pumpkinseed sunfish
World record: 2 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 0 lbs 15 oz
Redear sunfish
World record: 5.4 lbs
State Record: 2 lbs 5 oz
White Bass
World record: 6.8 lbs
State Record: 4 lbs 0 oz
Yellow perch
World record: 4 lbs 3 oz
State Record: 1 lbs 8 oz
Salmon
Coho salmon (silver)
World record: 33 lbs 7 oz
State Record: 8 lbs 12 oz
Kokanee salmon
World record: 9 lbs 10 oz
State Record: 5 lbs 2 oz
Striped bass
Stripers
Inland world record: 64 lbs 8 oz
State Record: 63 lbs 0 oz
Hybrid Striper (Wiper)
World record: 27 lbs 5 oz
State Record: 25 lbs 9 oz
Other species
Northern pike
World record: 55 lbs 1 oz
State Record: 27 lbs 0 oz
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.
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
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!
Fish for big bass
Excellent largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fishing opportunities are available to anglers.
Fishing in all states