Fishing Wild Horse Reservoir, NV
AKA: Wildhorse Lake
Boat and bank fishing
Last updated on .
Popular Fish Species
Rainbow Trout
Consistent stocking programs by the Nevada Department of Wildlife have maintained a good population of rainbow trout for anglers. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass get fat and feisty here. They make their home here in the fertile waters of Wildhorse Reservoir. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good here anytime they are shallow - especially in spring, during high water, mornings in summer, and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, ned rigs, drop shots, jigs and spoons.
Brown Trout
Currently, fishing for brown trout in Wildhorse Reservoir is fairly good, occasionally delivering quality fish. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of crayfish and baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, jerkbaits, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed.
Lake & Fishing Video
Fishing tips for boat or bank fishing
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, brown trout and yellow perch at Wildhorse Reservoir in Nevada.
Primary fish species residing in Wild Horse Reservoir
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Fishing License
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Map - Fishing
Contact Information
Wild Horse State Recreation Area
HC31 Box 265
Elko, NV 89801
775 385-5939
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020826
Information about fishing lakes in Nevada
Fishing for bass, catfish, trout and perch in north-central NV.
