Pyramid Lake
lake in Nevada
A unique desert lake fishery where anglers chase large, often surface-feeding cutthroat; boat fishing and shoreline access at several bays.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Pyramid Lake
- 01Lahontan Cutthroat Trout season officially opened on October 1st, signaling the start of prime angling.
- 02Expect to find Lahontan Cutthroat Trout actively cruising the shorelines, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities.
- 03Midge and leech activity are paramount right now, offering consistent subsurface action for discerning trout.
- 04Boat anglers have excellent access to deeper waters to follow trout schools.
- 05Focus on early morning and late evening bites for the most productive fishing.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, effective year-round for predatory Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in lakes like Pyramid. Excellent for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in fall.
Tiger Midge
A midge pattern known for its effectiveness on Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake. Midges are a consistent food source in this large, stillwater environment.
Balanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake year-round. This pattern is highly effective in stillwaters, mimicking sluggish leeches.
Clouser Minnow (Trout)
A universal baitfish imitation, effective year-round for predatory Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake. Its weighted eyes help it get down to cruising fish.
Wino's
A popular midge pupa pattern for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake, especially when fished under an indicator. This is a local favorite for a reason.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake year-round. This weighted pattern gets into the strike zone.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
With the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout season opening October 1st, fall is prime egg season for these fish in Pyramid Lake. This pattern is highly effective for opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Anaho Bay (boat access)
Remote, protected bay known for big cutts; frequently fished by boat for sight and topwater opportunities.
Nixon Boat Ramp / South Shore
Common shore-fishing and boat launch area with good access to productive flats.
Sutcliffe Launch / North Shore
Primary public launch and boat-access point used for lake-side trolling and guided trips.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Pyramid Lake Fly Fishing
Sierra Troutdoorsman
Lacey's Guide Service
Get Pyramid Lake reports by email
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Nevada season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Quick answers
Common questions about Pyramid Lake.
What flies work best on Pyramid Lake?
Our top scored fly patterns for Pyramid Lake right now are Chironomid Pupa (80% confidence), Zebra Midge (80% confidence), Damsel Nymph (Olive) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Pyramid Lake?
Pyramid Lake holds Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Pyramid Lake fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Pyramid Lake each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.