Best Months for Fishing Pyramid Lake, Nevada
I, Hans Grotewold, have been fly fishing Pyramid Lake since 2015 and founded Lacey’s Guide Service in 2021. I’ve spent thousands of hours fishing from both shore and boat, studying the lake’s patterns and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout behavior. Over the years, I’ve gained valuable insights into the best fishing times and strategies. If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to share my experience to help make your adventure successful.
Shore and Shallows Fishing: Winter and Spring Prime Time at Pyramid Lake
Fishing from the shore at Pyramid Lake presents unique challenges and rewards. Shore anglers are limited to the lake’s western side. However, during winter and spring, this area becomes a prime fishing spot. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout move into shallow waters, between 5 and 15 feet deep, starting in late February. This migration aligns with their spawning season, making March and April the best months for shore fishing.
Personal Experience: A Cold March Morning
I recall a cold March morning as the sun rose over the mountains. The air was crisp, and the water calm. Standing on my ladder, I cast my line into the shallows. Within minutes, I felt a strong tug. After an exciting fight, I landed a stunning 10-pound Lahontan Cutthroat. These moments, when fish are near the shore—typically in March and April—are magical and the best time for shore fishing.
Boat Fishing: All Season Opportunities
Boat fishing at Pyramid Lake provides unmatched access to nearly the entire lake. Unlike shore anglers, boat fishermen can explore 95% of the water. They can follow Lahontan Cutthroat Trout schools wherever they move. Advanced fish-finding electronics and spot-lock trolling motors help locate fish throughout the season at different depths.
Personal Experience – October and June… But
Last season (October 2023 – June 2024), we caught at least one 20+ pound fish every month, sometimes over five. Additionally, we landed at least ten fish per trip 70% of the time. Some days were incredible, with over 50 fish brought to the boat multiple times throughout the season. We practice strict catch-and-release using barbless hooks and take extra care to release fish properly. When asked about the best months to fish Pyramid Lake, it’s hard to pick. If I had to choose, October and June stand out. However, thanks to boat mobility, fly fishing remains phenomenal all season (October 1 – June 30).
The Evolution of Fishing at Pyramid Lake
Historical Perspective: Near Extinction and Recovery
The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout at Pyramid Lake nearly went extinct in the late 1930s. Restoration efforts began in the late 1940s, with extensive stocking programs playing a key role. The Summit strain of Lahontan Cutthroat was introduced to the lake. These fish were hardy and could reach 15 pounds but remained smaller than the original strain, which exceeded 20 pounds.
Summit Strain: A Revival in the 1980s
By the 1980s, Pyramid Lake regained its reputation among anglers due to extensive Summit strain stocking. Thousands of trout gathered in shallow waters during winter and spring, making March and April peak fishing months. My father and his friends often shared stories about those thrilling days. Anglers lined the shores, and boats covered 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, researchers found a strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout with DNA similar to the original Pyramid Lake trout in a small Utah creek. Known as the Pilot Peak strain, it was propagated in state and Paiute Tribe hatcheries before being reintroduced to Pyramid Lake in 2007. This strain grows much larger than others, often surpassing 20 pounds, making it a prized catch for anglers.
Changes in Pyramid Lake Stocking Practices and Fishing Techniques
Stocking Efforts Before and After 2020
Before 2020, Pyramid Lake received annual stockings of 1 to 2 million Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. This abundance made both trolling and shore fishing highly productive, with some guides reporting daily catch rates of 200 to 300 fish. In 2020, stocking strategies changed. The National Lahontan Fish Hatchery and the Pyramid Lake Fish Hatcheries now focus solely on the Pilot Peak strain, considering the lake successfully repopulated with these larger fish. Last year, around 500,000 Pilot Peak trout were planted in the lake. The Summit Lahontan strain is no longer stocked.
Less Summit Strain Than in the Past – But – The Pilots are Plentiful and Bigger
Moving forward, fewer Summit strain Lahontan Cutthroat Trout will inhabit Pyramid Lake since they are no longer heavily stocked. However, this change could benefit the Pilot Peak population. With a thriving baitfish population and less competition for food, these trout have more opportunities to grow larger. As a result, we believe 30-pound fish will become more common. Only time will tell, but we are excited about this possibility. Notably, in October 2023, a 30-pound trout was caught—the first of its size since 1928.
Evolving Fishing Techniques at Pyramid Lake
Ladder Fishing: Adaptation Needed
Pyramid Lake gained fame for its large fish and the unique ladder fishing method in the shallows. While still effective, this technique is not as successful as before. Fish behavior has changed, requiring anglers to adapt their strategies. Standing on a ladder and casting into deeper shelves can still work, but flexibility is key. Many fish previously caught from shore and ladders were Summit strain Lahontan Cutthroats, which are no longer stocked in the lake.
Personal Experience: Adapting to New Techniques
I recall a recent trip with a client determined to catch a trophy fish using the traditional ladder method. After hours of limited success, we decided to change tactics. Moving to a deeper location and using a different fly pattern made an immediate difference. We quickly landed several impressive trout. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and evolving techniques to match the fish’s changing behavior.
Boat Fishing: Advanced Technology and Techniques
Boat fishing provides key advantages at Pyramid Lake. With access to 95% of the lake, anglers can follow Lahontan Cutthroat Trout wherever they roam. Whether in shallow waters near shore or deeper, less accessible areas, mobility is a major benefit. Advanced electronics help locate fish, while spot-lock technology allows anchoring without a physical anchor, keeping anglers in prime spots.
Personal Experience: A Day of Trophy Fishing
One memorable day highlights the advantages of boat fishing. Using advanced electronics, we tracked a school of Pilot Peak trout. The technology pinpointed their location and depth, allowing us to set up our lines effectively. Throughout the day, we caught multiple trophy-sized fish, each seemingly larger than the last. Combining technology with knowledge of the lake’s patterns made this one of my most successful and enjoyable guided trips.
The Best Months to Fish Pyramid Lake
In conclusion, the best time to fish Pyramid Lake depends on your method and goals. For shore anglers, winter and spring—especially March and April—offer prime opportunities as Lahontan Cutthroat Trout move into the shallows to spawn. Boat anglers, however, can find success throughout the season, with October and June being particularly productive due to fish behavior and baitfish availability.
I’ve seen firsthand how fishing at Pyramid Lake has evolved. From the introduction of the Summit and Pilot Peak strains, the lake remains a top destination for trophy Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Whether fishing from shore or a boat, success comes from understanding fish patterns, adapting techniques, and taking advantage of the lake’s unique opportunities. Follow the link below to learn how our
Pyramid Lake Fly Fishing Guide Service can help you land your Trophy Trout of a lifetime.
