ABOUT
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake, famous for its Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) fishery, is located about 35 miles north of Reno on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Reservation. Pyramid is a “high desert” lake (elevation 3,817 feet), and the water is about 1/6 as salty as sea water. The lake is flanked on the east and west by rugged mountain ranges, and around the lake shore there are many large “tufa” rock formations (formed by calcium carbonate deposits). Lots of folks come here just to enjoy the scenery. Water skiing, jet skiing, camping, and observing wildlife are popular activities during the summer months!
The food web in Pyramid Lake is dependent upon flows in the Truckee River. High river flows bring more nutrients to the lake, which increases production of algae, zooplankton, forage fish, and ultimately the trout. The tui chub minnow is the most abundant fish in Pyramid Lake, and it is the primary prey of the voracious Lahontan cutthroat trout.
Fishing
Fishing can be successful from either boat or shore. Bait fishing is prohibited; only artificial lures may be used. Trout are very active in their search for food, and are often in shallow water. Boaters do best by trolling flatfish, Apex lures, Holograms, and other minnow imitations. Many trollers use down riggers or outriggers. Jigging can be another successful technique when you have located a school of fish. We suggest trying a light action spinning rod, with 6 to 8 pound line and 1/8 to 1/4 ounce black marabou jigs, or crippled herring. Be willing to alter your technique - trout in Pyramid move around a lot, and something that worked yesterday, may not work today.
Fly fishermen catch more than their share of big fish at Pyramid Lake. We recommend a fast-sinking shooting head, and retrieving along the bottom near drop-offs. Black and purple woolly worms and woolly buggers are traditional favorites. Try using two different sizes, using one as a dropper, to find out what the fish are hitting on. Many anglers bring a small ladder to stand on.
