Pyramid Lake is located 30 miles North of Reno Nevada. It’s a large picturesque High Desert lake, 29 miles long and 8 miles wide with 188 square surface miles.

What makes Pyramid Lake a destination adventure is the fish, Lahontan Cutthroat trout. Fish exceeding 30 pounds are being landed. Best time to catch these special fish is when the water is cold, mid October till the end of April. That’s when these big fish patrol the shore line looking for food. When the water warms they head for deep water & out of the reach of fly fisherman.

Equipment

– 6 to 9wt rods with matching reel & lots of backing

– Floating, intermediate & fast sinking fly lines

– 10 to 15 pound leaders

– Flies- buggers, balanced leaches, popcorn beetles, boobies, chironomid pupa & streamers

– waders, layered clothing, be ready for everything, it’s high desert, can be cold & windy

– Step ladder, nice but not necessary, helps keep you out of the cold water

– Float tube, pontoon boat

Pyramid lake is on the Paiute Indian reservation. I’ve found the people and businesses to be friendly & happy you are there. Tribal fishing permits are $11 a day or $28 for 3 days. Camping is available. Reno is 30 minutes away.

Information? Just Google up Pyramid lake, there’s a ton of information about this fishery. This a destination fishery without the high cost, should be on your “Bucket” list.

The plan

I’m leaving early Saturday morning March 24th to attend the CFF Fish-A-Long on the Crooked River. Afterwards I’ll proceed to Pyramid lake to fish the lake for 3 days before going to the Owyhee river in Eastern Oregon. Late March is prime time to fish the Owyhee River; it will still be in Winter water flows of 35 to 45 CFS. There are usually good hatches at this time that provides some prime dry fly fishing. CFF members are invited to join me on all or any part of this outing. I can help with equipment, flies and knowledge. If interested, questions, contact me, I’ll be at the March CFF meeting to finalize plans.

Lane Hoffman