Nevada is well-known for its vast desert and its biggest city, Las Vegas, the world’s gambling capital. Although Nevada’s most extensive part is covered in desert terrain, 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 fish species like rainbow trout, bluegill, catfish, sunfish, salmon, crappie, perch, and walleye are in abundance. A valid fishing license for fishing in Nevada is a must for anglers 12 and up.
Fishing Spots in Nevada
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 is 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 land 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 via Nevada and California. This spot 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 angling experience. This fishing destination boasts picnic areas, camping shades, restrooms, and boat launch areas. Although it’s known for giant rainbow trout, you can also encounter 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 long 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.
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, a convenience store, and a salon 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 24/7 all 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 this destination, 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 a surprise for visitors who are not familiar with its size. Thus, it’s 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 a variety of fishing gear and some shooting glasses for low-light situations. Carry a freezer or fridge with ample space to hold your anticipated catch and 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. If you like fishing in the morning sunshine with snow-topped peaks behind your back or cooking your fresh catch on a campfire under a starry sky, Nevada must be at the top of your fishing vacation locations list. 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.
