Nevada is well-known for its vast desert and for the lights of Las Vegas, the world’s gambling capital. Although most of Nevada is desert, the Silver State has over 100 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that offer nearly 400,000 acres of sport-fishing opportunities. Lahontan cutthroat trout is the state’s official fish, but other species like rainbow trout, bluegill, catfish, sunfish, salmon, crappie, perch, and walleye are abundant. Anglers 12 and up need a valid fishing license for fishing in Nevada.
Some of the best spots are spread far apart: striped bass on Lake Mead near Las Vegas, trout and ice fishing at remote reservoirs in the northeast, a cluster of state park lakes near Pioche, and big-lake trolling at Lake Tahoe. Many of these spots are hours from the nearest town. An RV lets you camp right at the reservoir, carry your gear and groceries with you, and hit several fishing stops in one road trip.
Best Places for RV Fishing in Nevada
| Fishing spot | Best for | RV camping experience | Good to know |
| Wild Horse Reservoir | Trout, perch, ice fishing | State park campground, no hookups (hookups being added); private RV park nearby | Remote; stock up in Elko |
| Cave Lake | Brown and rainbow trout | Two state park campgrounds, no hookups | 7,300 ft elevation; snow in winter |
| Truckee River | River trout, fly fishing | Private RV parks in and near Reno | Special regulations on some stretches |
| Sheep Creek Reservoir | Rainbow trout | Tribal campground with electric sites or dry camping | Tribal permit required, not a Nevada license |
| Lake Mead | Striped bass, black bass, catfish | NPS campgrounds (no hookups) and full-hookup RV parks | Water levels well below full |
| Eagle Valley Reservoir | Stocked trout, ice fishing | State park campground; full hookups at a private resort nearby | Paved road ends at the dam |
| Echo Canyon Reservoir | Trout, bass, crappie | State park campground with 20 full-hookup sites | Boat ramp usable only at higher water |
| Lake Tahoe | Mackinaw, kokanee, trout | Forest Service campground and resort RV park on the Nevada shore | Book early in summer |
Fishing Spots in Nevada
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Nevada. You’ll find plenty of trout fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Wild Horse Reservoir
Located in northern Elko County, Wild Horse Reservoir is one of Nevada’s good fishing spots. This spot is popular with summer tourists who like boating, swimming, and hiking. Some of the fish species you can catch here include brown trout, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, tiger trout, and yellow perch. The 2,830-acre reservoir sits at about 6,200 feet and freezes early, which makes it a popular ice fishing spot in winter. You can camp around the reservoir and expect to see pronghorn, elk, mule deer, and waterfowl.
RV Trip Snapshot
- Where to camp: Wild Horse State Recreation Area campsites have tables, shade, and fire pits. The BLM’s North Wild Horse campground is just to the north.
- Fishing access: The campground and boat ramp sit on the reservoir. Shore anglers often fish the Penrod and Hendricks arms.
- Hookups vs. dry camping: The state campground has historically had no hookups, but Nevada State Parks is installing water and power on Campground Loop 2. Restrooms and showers are open year-round; water spigots and the dump station are summer-only. Nearby Wildhorse Resort has RV pads with power, water, and sewer, plus a general store, bar and restaurant, and motel.
- Rig size and access: Pull-through sites fit large RVs. The reservoir is on remote NV-225 north of Elko, so fill fuel, water, and groceries before you go. Cell service is limited.
- Best for: Self-contained rigs and anglers who want trout fishing in summer or ice fishing in winter.
Cave Lake
Fishing and camping in Nevada are fantastic at Cave Lake. Located about 14 miles southeast of Ely, this spot remains open throughout the year, and it’s a good place to catch German brown trout, which live in the lake and park streams, along with stocked rainbow trout. The lake reopened after a multi-year dam rehabilitation and reached full capacity in 2025. Motorized boats are allowed but can’t go over 5 mph. There are restrooms and campgrounds equipped with picnic tables and fire pits nearby.
RV Trip Snapshot
- Where to camp: Cave Lake State Park has two campgrounds. Lake View Campground is near the lake and is open year-round with flush toilets and showers. Elk Flat Campground is near the park entrance and is typically open from early May to mid-October.
- Fishing access: Lake View is the closer option for walking to the water. Elk Flat is a short drive away.
- Hookups vs. dry camping: No hookups. A dump station with water fill is at the Elk Flat entrance. Individual sites are first-come, first-served.
- Rig size and access: The park sits at about 7,300 feet. Campers report the park is best for rigs under about 35 feet, and Lake View’s loop is tighter than Elk Flat’s. Winter snow can be deep.
- Best for: Trout anglers traveling US-50 or US-93, and winter visitors who want ice fishing.
Truckee River
The Truckee River flows about 121 miles from Lake Tahoe through California and Nevada to Pyramid Lake. The river is home to rainbow and brown trout, along with stocked Lahontan cutthroat trout, a federally threatened species that wildlife agencies are working to reintroduce. You can fish here year-round, and night fishing is allowed.
Reno is a convenient base camp for anglers, and you can fish right downtown. Whether you are into bait fishing or fly-fishing, there are multiple spots in and around Reno where you can cast a line, including a fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release section close to downtown. Other rivers and streams, plus less-crowded alpine reservoirs and lakes, are within a short drive.
RV Trip Snapshot
- Where to camp: Private RV parks in the Reno-Sparks area put you minutes from the river. River West Resort sits along the Truckee with private river access, and Reno KOA Journey at Boomtown is west of town toward Verdi.
- Fishing access: Public access points run through Reno’s riverside parks and downtown. Some RV parks offer walk-to-the-river access.
- Hookups vs. dry camping: Most Reno-area RV parks offer full hookups. BLM land along the river near Mustang offers rustic options.
- Rig size and access: Reno-area RV parks are close to I-80. For downtown river access, a tow vehicle or smaller rig makes parking easier.
- Best for: Anglers who want city amenities and a good spot for side trips to Lake Tahoe or Pyramid Lake. Be aware that Pyramid Lake requires a tribal permit, not a Nevada license.
Sheep Creek Reservoir
Located near Owyhee on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, Sheep Creek Reservoir offers a unique fishing experience. The reservoir is owned and managed by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, who stock it with rainbow trout. It has camping areas, restrooms, and boat launch areas. Because it’s on tribal land, you’ll need a Shoshone-Paiute tribal fishing permit instead of a Nevada fishing license.
RV Trip Snapshot
- Where to camp: Tribal campgrounds at the reservoir, with electrical sites and dry camping.
- Fishing access: Camping is at the reservoir, and shore anglers fish right off the boat dock.
- Hookups vs. dry camping: Electrical sites can be reserved and paid for online. Dry camping requires a daily camping permit or is included with an annual fishing permit.
- Rig size and access: The reservoir is remote, and access roads can turn wet and muddy after storms.
- Best for: Trout anglers who want to stop by with Wild Horse Reservoir on the same trip.
Lake Mead
Situated on the Colorado River about 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States by capacity. When full, this fishing spot spans more than 110 miles in Arizona and Nevada, with 759 miles of shoreline, a depth of 532 feet, and a surface of 247 square miles. The lake has been below full capacity since 1983, so expect a much smaller lake today. It’s a beautiful fishing destination that offers an impressive variety of fish, including striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, and crappie. Lake Mead is best known for its striped bass. Besides fishing, you can enjoy water skiing, canoeing, boating, and kayaking, and then rest in a shady picnic area with fire grills, tables, and water.
There are several campgrounds run by the National Park Service around the lake, including Boulder Beach and Echo Bay. There are also concessioner-run RV parks inside the recreation area. Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach and the Echo Bay RV park both have full hookups. On nearby Lake Mohave, also within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Cottonwood Cove RV Park has full hookups and easy access to the marina.
RV Trip Snapshot
- Where to camp: Boulder Beach (closest to Las Vegas and Hoover Dam) or Echo Bay (quieter, on the Overton Arm).
- Fishing access: Fishing is allowed 24 hours a day from boats and shore. Fish-cleaning stations are at several marinas, including Hemenway Harbor, Callville Bay, and Echo Bay.
- Hookups vs. dry camping: NPS campgrounds have no hookups but offer restrooms, water, and dump stations. RV parks such as Lake Mead RV Village offer full hookups.
- Rig size and access: Paved roads and big-rig-friendly sites. Check launch ramp status before you go, since low water has closed some ramps.
- Best for: Striper anglers, boaters, and winter trips. Be aware that summer heat often tops 100°F.
Eagle Valley Reservoir
Eagle Valley Reservoir, inside Spring Valley State Park, is another great option for fishing in Nevada. Located about 18 miles from Pioche, this reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout and also holds tiger trout and brown trout. This spot also has plenty of fishable shoreline as well as a fishing pier and boat launch accessible to anglers. The reservoir usually freezes from December through February, when ice fishing is popular. There is a small resort with RV hookups, cabins, and a market nearby.
RV Trip Snapshot
- Where to camp: Horsethief Gulch Campground is just west of the reservoir. The smaller Ranch Campground is two miles north. Eagle Valley Resort is about 3 miles downstream from the reservoir.
- Fishing access: Horsethief Gulch is a short walk from the water.
- Hookups vs. dry camping: For full hookups, stay at Eagle Valley Resort.
- Rig size and access: The paved road ends at the dam. Horsethief Gulch is reported to fit RVs up to about 35 feet; Ranch Campground is better for smaller rigs.
- Best for: Trout anglers who want to combine it with nearby Echo Canyon Reservoir.
Echo Canyon Reservoir
The 65-acre Echo Canyon Reservoir in Echo Canyon State Park is a good fishing spot for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, and an occasional brown trout. You can fish here year-round, and there is a campground if you want to spend the night. You will find a boat launch ramp on the north shore of the lake, but you will have to launch your boat from the shore when water levels are low.
RV Trip Snapshot
- Where to camp: Echo Canyon State Park’s campground, about 12 miles east of Pioche, overlooks the reservoir. Campsites can be reserved.
- Fishing access: Shore fishing is available around the reservoir, with picnic areas along the shoreline.
- Hookups vs. dry camping: The park has 33 campsites, 20 of which have full hookups. Flush toilets and an RV dump station are available. Hookup sites carry an extra nightly fee.
- Rig size and access: The RV campground sits on a hill reached by a dirt road along the west side of the reservoir.
- Best for: RVers who want hookups at a state park lake, plus easy access to Eagle Valley Reservoir and Cathedral Gorge State Park.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the United States, spanning Washoe County, Carson City, and Douglas County. Formed nearly 2 million years ago, it is best known for mackinaw (lake trout) and kokanee salmon, along with rainbow and brown trout. This mountain lake can be awe-inspiring for visitors who may not have fully comprehended its size. Because it’s so big and deep, it can be helpful to hire a local guide to direct you to the top fishing spots. There are several campgrounds around the lake, providing panoramic views and a memorable outdoor experience.
RV Trip Snapshot
- Where to camp: On the Nevada side, Nevada Beach Campground and Zephyr Cove RV & Campground sit near the southeast shore.
- Fishing access: Both are a short walk from the lake. Zephyr Cove Resort’s marina rents boats.
- Hookups vs. dry camping: Nevada Beach has no hookups. Zephyr Cove offers resort amenities and RV sites.
- Rig size and access: Sites fill fast in summer, so reserve early. Confirm length limits with each campground before booking.
- Best for: Anglers who want to troll for big mackinaw and kokanee, and families who want both fishing and beach time.
How to Plan an RV Fishing Trip in Nevada
Here are some tips for planning an RV fishing trip in Nevada.
Choose an RV-Friendly Base Camp
- Pick a campground near several fishing spots – In the Pioche area, one campground can get you to Eagle Valley and Echo Canyon reservoirs, which are only a few miles apart. In the northeast, you can hit both Wild Horse and Sheep Creek on the same trip.
- Check reservations – Lake Mead’s NPS campgrounds book through Recreation.gov. Many Nevada State Parks sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early on weekends.
- Know the stay limits – Many Nevada State Parks campgrounds limit stays to 14 days in a 30-day period, and some are shorter (Cave Lake only allows seven).
- Plan for remote stretches – Several reservoirs are an hour or more from fuel and groceries. Arrive with full fresh water, empty tanks, and a full fuel tank.
- Consider the season – Northern and eastern reservoirs often freeze from December through February, and some campgrounds and dump stations close for winter. Southern Nevada, including Lake Mead, is most comfortable from fall through spring.
Pack Your RV for a Fishing Trip
Along with the usual things you pack in an RV for a camping trip, remember to bring the following:
- Rods, tackle, and a valid Nevada license (or tribal permit)
- Waders or wading boots for the Truckee River
- Ice fishing gear (auger, ice cleats, sled) for winter trips to northern and eastern reservoirs
- Float tube or kayak for reservoirs where ramps may be closed at low water
- A cooler so you can take some fish home for dinner
- An extra change of quick-dry clothes, since you may get wet
- Leveling blocks, extra fresh water, and a sewer hose for dry-camping sites
- Shade and sun protection for Lake Mead; warm layers for high-elevation reservoirs
- Offline maps, since cell service is limited at many remote reservoirs
Know Before You Go
Here’s what else to know before you head out on a Nevada fishing trip.
- Licenses: Anglers 12 and older need a Nevada fishing license. Buy one through the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
- Shared waters: Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Tahoe have reciprocal license rules with Arizona or California. Check the NPS Lake Mead fishing page and NDOW before fishing from a boat or the other state’s shore.
- Tribal waters: Sheep Creek Reservoir requires a Shoshone-Paiute tribal permit, and Pyramid Lake requires a Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe permit.
- Special regulations: Some stretches of the Truckee River have gear and harvest restrictions. Check NDOW’s current fishing regulations before you go.
- Water levels: Ramp access at Lake Mead and Echo Canyon depends on water levels. Check current status before towing a boat.
Find an RV for Your Nevada Fishing Trip
Nevada’s best fishing is spread across hundreds of miles of open road. An RV makes it easier to reach it all. You can find campsites that let you stay close to the water and be fishing as soon as the sun comes up. An RV also allows you to bring all your own gear along, and it’s easy to store in a rig. You can move from spot to spot and still sleep in the same bed each night. It also allows you to bring along family and friends. Anyone who doesn’t want to fish can hike, swim, or explore the area while others fish.
Start in Las Vegas with an RV rental in Las Vegas for Lake Mead and the Pioche-area lakes, or pick up an RV rental in Reno for the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe. Browse all Nevada RV rentals to plan your route.
