Skip to content Best Months for Fishing Pyramid Lake, Nevada
I, Hans Grotewold, have been fly fishing Pyramid Lake since 2015 and started a Pyramid Lake fly fishing Guide Company (Lacey’s Guide Service) here in 2021. I have spent thousands of hours on and in the water at Pyramid Lake, both from the shore and a boat. Over the years, I’ve come to understand the unique patterns and behaviors of the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout that inhabits this stunning lake. If you’re wondering about the best time to fish Pyramid Lake, let me share my insights and personal experiences to help you plan your next fishing adventure.
Shore and Shallows Fishing: Winter and Spring Prime Time at Pyramid Lake
Fishing from the shore at Pyramid Lake offers its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Shore anglers are limited to the western side of the lake, but during the winter and spring months, this can be a prime location. The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout move into the shallow waters, ranging from 5 to 15 feet deep, starting in late February. This migration coincides with their spawning season, making March and April the best months for shore fishing.
Personal Experience: A Cold March Morning
I remember one particularly cold March morning when the sun had just begun to rise over the mountains. The air was crisp, and the water was calm. I stood on my ladder, casting my line into the shallows. Within minutes, I felt a strong tug. After a thrilling fight, I landed a beautiful 10-pound Lahontan Cutthroat. These moments, when the fish are so close to shore – which are typically March and April, are truly magical and probably the best time of year for shore fishing.
Boat Fishing: All Season Opportunities
Boat fishing at Pyramid Lake offers unparalleled access to the entire lake. Unlike shore anglers, boat fishermen can explore 95% of the lake, following the schools of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout wherever they may roam. With advanced fish-finding electronics and spot-lock trolling motor anchors, boat anglers can locate fish throughout the fishing season and at various depths.
Personal Experience – October and June… But
Last season, October 2023 – June 2024, we caught a least one 20 LBS + fish every month (in some months over 5). Additionally, we landed at least 10 fish to the boat, a minimum of 70% of the time – and believe me when I say this, we had some insane days recording over 50 fish to the boat numerous times throughout the year. It is important to note, we are all catch and release with barbless hooks and take extra steps to making sure the fish we bring to the boat are released properly. So when someone asks me what the best months are to fish at Pyramid Lake it can be kind of hard to answer – but, If I had to choose a couple of months – it would be October and June – but, at the end of the day, because of our mobility on boats – the fly fishing at Pyramid Lake all season (October 1 – June 30) is pretty phenomenal.
The Evolution of Fishing at Pyramid Lake
Historical Perspective: Near Extinction and Recovery
The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout population at Pyramid Lake faced near extinction in the late 1930s. It wasn’t until the late 1940s that efforts to restore this iconic fish began, with extensive stocking programs playing a crucial role. The original strain of Lahontan Cutthroat, known as the Summit strain, was introduced to the lake. These fish, while hardy and capable of reaching up to 15 pounds, did not grow as large as the original strain, which could exceed 20 pounds.
Summit Strain: A Revival in the 1980s
By the 1980s, Pyramid Lake was once again on the map for anglers, thanks to significant stocking of the Summit strain. Thousands of these trout would gather in the shallows during the winter and spring months, making March and April the prime time for fishing. I vividly recall stories from my father and his friends about the excitement of those days, with anglers lining the shores and boats scattered across the lake, all eager to catch these impressive fish.
Pilot Peak Strain – A Closer DNA match to the Original Lahontan Cutthroat Giants
In the late 1970s, a strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout with DNA similar to the original Pyramid Lake trout was discovered in a small Utah creek. This strain, known as Pilot Peak, was reintroduced to Pyramid Lake in 2007 after being propagated in state and Paiute Tribe hatcheries. The Pilot Peak strain grows significantly larger, often exceeding 20 pounds, and has become the new target for anglers.
Changes in Pyramid Lake Stocking Practices and Fishing Techniques
Stocking Efforts Before and After 2020
Before 2020, Pyramid Lake saw annual stockings of 1 to 2 million Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. This abundance made trolling and shore fishing highly productive, with some guides reporting catch rates of 200 to 300 fish per day. However, as of 2020, stocking strategies shifted. The National Lahontan Fish Hatchery and the Pyramid Lake Fish Hatcheries now focus just on the Pilot Peak strain, considering the re-population of the lake successful with these larger fish. Last year, approximately 500,000 Pilot Peak trout were planted in Pyramid Lake. The Summit Lahontan strain is no longer being stocked.
Less Summit Strain Than in the Past – But – The Pilots are Plentiful and Bigger
Moving forward, there are clearly going to be less Summit strain Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake because they are not being stocked at such large numbers anymore. But, we believe this can be a good thing for the Pilot Peak population. The bait fish population will continue to thrive, which means the Pilot Peak Lahontan Cutthroat Trout will have less competition for food, resulting in chances for them to INCREASE IN SIZE because they are able to eat more bait. We feel strongly that 30 LBS fish being caught is just around the corner. Only time will tell, but, we are excited about the prospects of this occurring (note: in October 2023 – a 30 pounder was caught for the first time since 1928).
Evolving Fishing Techniques at Pyramid Lake
Ladder Fishing: Adaptation Needed
Pyramid Lake became famous not only for its large fish but also for the unique method of ladder fishing in the shallows. While this technique remains effective, it is not as successful as it once was. The fish’s behavior has evolved, and so must our fishing strategies. While standing on a ladder casting into deeper shelves can still yield results, anglers need to be prepared to adapt and try different methods. Simply put, a lot of the fish being caught on the shore and ladders were the Summit Strain of Lahontan Cutthroats, which are no longer being stocked in the Lake.
Personal Experience: Adapting to New Techniques
I recall a recent trip with a client who was determined to catch a trophy fish using the traditional ladder method. After several hours with limited success, we decided to switch tactics. We moved to a different location, deeper in the lake, and used a different fly pattern. The change paid off almost immediately, and we landed several impressive trout. This experience underscored the importance of adaptability and the need to evolve our techniques to match the fish’s changing behavior.
Boat Fishing: Advanced Technology and Techniques
Boat fishing continues to offer significant advantages at Pyramid Lake. With access to 95% of the lake, boat anglers can follow the schools of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout wherever they may be, whether in the shallows near shore or in deeper, less accessible waters. Advanced electronics help us locate fish, while spot-lock technology allows us to anchor without an anchor, keeping us in prime fishing spots.
Personal Experience: A Day of Trophy Fishing
One memorable day stands out when discussing the advantages of boat fishing. We were using advanced electronics to track a school of Pilot Peak trout. The technology allowed us to pinpoint their location and depth, and we set up our lines accordingly. Throughout the day, we caught multiple trophy-sized fish, each one seemingly larger than the last. The combination of technology and knowledge of the lake’s patterns made this one of the most successful and enjoyable trips I’ve ever guided.
The Best Months to Fish Pyramid Lake
In conclusion, the best time to fish Pyramid Lake depends on your fishing method and goals. For shore anglers, the winter and spring months, particularly March and April, offer the best opportunities as Lahontan Cutthroat Trout move into the shallows to spawn. Boat anglers, on the other hand, can enjoy productive fishing throughout the season, with October and June standing out as particularly good months due to the fish’s behavior and availability of baitfish.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of fishing at Pyramid Lake. From the introduction of the Summit Strain and Pilot Peak strain, this lake continues to be a top destination for anglers seeking trophy Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or a boat, the key to success lies in understanding the fish’s patterns, adapting your techniques, and making the most of the unique opportunities this incredible lake has to offer. Go to the following link to learn how our Pyramid Lake Fly Fishing Guide Service can help you land your Trophy Trout of a lifetime.
