Washoe County, NV · Lake
Pyramid Lake
A 125,000-acre desert terminal lake on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation north of Reno — the only fishery on earth for the giant Lahontan cutthroat trout, a strain that routinely tops 10 lb and historically exceeded 40. Anglers fish from shoreline ladders and drop-offs through the cool months for trophy cutthroat and Sacramento perch.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Cutthroat Trout — Marginal conditions for Cutthroat Trout.
Best conditions of 1 species tracked at Pyramid Lake.
Red Flag Warning issued June 5 at 9:29AM PDT until June 6 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Pyramid Lake
1 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Cutthroat Trout Marginal conditions for Cutthroat Trout. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Oncorhynchus clarkii — The West's native trout, named for the red-orange slash under the jaw. Many subspecies — Yellowstone, Snake River fine-spotted, Bonneville, Colorado River, and the giant Lahontan strain of Pyramid Lake, which routinely tops 10 lb and once produced fish over 40. Feeds hard in cold water, which makes it a year-round target on tailwaters and a marquee winter–spring fishery at Pyramid. Hybridizes readily with stocked rainbows, so wild-cutthroat waters carry strict release rules.
Prefers. Water 39–62°F (ideal 54°F) · either tide · depth 1–25 ft.
- Min size
- 17"
- Daily creel
- 2
Pyramid Lake is managed by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe — a tribal permit (not a Nevada license) is required, and only barbless hooks are allowed. Lahontan cutthroat trophy slot: keepers must be 17–20" or over 24"; everything under 17" and the protected 20–24" slot must be released. Daily limit 2 fish, no more than one over 24". Season October 1–June 30.
Source: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Lake
Access
Shoreline access
Jurisdiction
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
Coordinates
Notes
Tribal water: a Pyramid Lake Paiute permit is required (not a Nevada license); barbless hooks only. Trophy slot — keepers 17–20" or over 24". Season Oct 1–Jun 30.
Local reports & rules for Pyramid Lake: Nevada Dept. of Wildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Pyramid Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Pyramid Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Pyramid Lake?
Pyramid Lake is listed on this site for 1 commonly-targeted species: Cutthroat Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Pyramid Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Pyramid Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Pyramid Lake have?
Pyramid Lake has shoreline / wading access. There is no pier or boat ramp at this location. Tribal water: a Pyramid Lake Paiute permit is required (not a Nevada license); barbless hooks only. Trophy slot — keepers 17–20" or over 24". Season Oct 1–Jun 30.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Pyramid Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Pyramid Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Pyramid Lake tidal water?
No. Pyramid Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.