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 200 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.
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 Elko, 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, wiper, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, tiger trout, and yellow perch. You can camp around the 2,830-acre reservoir and expect to see pronghorn, elk, mule deer, and waterfowl. Near the lake is the Wild Horse Resort, which offers RV hookups, a convenience store, a motel, a well-stocked bar, and a restaurant.
Cave Lake
Fishing and camping in Nevada are fantastic when you visit Cave Lake. Located about 15 miles west of Ely, this spot remains open throughout the year, and it’s a perfect place to catch trout species, including cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, tiger trout, and wild brown trout. If you plan to extend your stay, you will find restrooms, fish-cleaning stations, and campgrounds equipped with picnic tables and fire pits nearby.
Truckee River
The Truckee River is western Nevada’s biggest river, running for 121 miles northeast through California and Nevada. The river has an abundance of the endangered Lahontan cutthroat trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. You can fish here year-round, and night fishing is allowed.
Sheep Creek Reservoir
Located just 13 miles from Owyhee, Sheep Creek Reservoir offers a unique fishing experience. This reservoir has picnic areas, shaded camping areas, restrooms, and boat launch areas. Although it’s known for giant rainbow trout, you can also catch smallmouth bass that might have migrated from the Wild Horse Reservoir that empties into the Sheep Creek fishery.
Lake Mead
Situated on the Colorado River about 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the biggest artificial impoundment in the United States. This fishing spot, which spans more than 110 miles in Arizona and Nevada, boasts 759 miles of fishable shoreline, has a depth of 532 feet, and a surface of 247 square miles. It’s a beautiful fishing destination that offers an impressive variety of fish, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. 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 lots of private campgrounds nearby. Echo Bay RV Village has full hookups, laundry, and a convenience store. Cottonwood Cove RV Park has full hookups, laundry, and easy access to the marina.
Eagle Valley Reservoir
If you are wondering where to fish in Nevada, Eagle Valley Reservoir is a perfect destination for you. Located about 18 miles from Pioche, this reservoir is full of tiger trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. This spot also has plenty of fishable shoreline as well as a fishing dock and boat launch accessible to anglers. There is a small resort with RV hookups, cabins, and a convenience store nearby.
Echo Canyon Reservoir
The 65-acre Echo Canyon Reservoir in Echo Canyon State Park is a perfect fishing spot for brown trout, largemouth bass, speckled dace, brown bullhead, crappie, and rainbow trout. You can fish here year-round, and there is a beautiful campsite if you wish to spend a 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 the water levels fall during summer.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the United States, spanning Washoe, Carson City, and Douglas counties. Formed nearly 2 million years ago, it contains numerous trout species, including brookies, browns, rainbow, and golden trout. This mountain lake can be awe-inspiring for visitors who may not have fully comprehended its size. Because it’s so big, it can be helpful to hire a local tour guide to direct you to the top fishing spots. There are several campgrounds around the lake, providing panoramic views and a memorable wilderness experience.
Where to Fish in Nevada
With numerous places where you can cast your fishing line in the middle of downtown, Reno is every angler’s dream. Whether you are into bait fishing or fly-fishing, there are multiple spots in and around Reno where you can cast a line and realize your dream of making a big catch. With trout-filled rivers and streams and less-crowded alpine reservoirs and lakes, fishing opportunities in Reno flow endlessly.
Camping and Fishing in Nevada
Before you head out on your RV fishing trip in Nevada, make sure you have a valid fishing license. Also, ensure that you have all of your fishing gear. Carry a cooler to help you take some fish home for dinner. You may get wet, so carry an extra change of clothes that can dry quickly.
The Silver State is a trout angler’s paradise, with plenty of trout species thriving in the state’s waters. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
