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Fly Fishing Pyramid Lake in May can be exceptional. Pyramid Lake, located in the high desert of Nevada (45 minutes outside of Reno), is renowned among fly fishing enthusiasts for its unique landscape, vibrant ecosystem, and, most importantly, extraordinary fishing opportunities. Among the various times of the year, there are many reasons why fly fishing in May can be good, including the lake’s ideal water temperatures, active post-spawning trout, and abundant insect hatches. And since we exclusively fly fish from boats, our clients have better access, mobility, and comfort, making it the best choice for anglers during this prime fishing month.
The Unique Environment of Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is situated within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation, the terminus of the Truckee River. This endorheic lake, meaning it has no outlet, is one of the largest natural lakes in Nevada and one of the most impressive in terms of size and depth (28 miles long and 11 miles wide). The lake’s alkalinity and mineral-rich waters create a unique environment that supports a diverse array of aquatic life.
The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
One of the primary reasons Pyramid Lake is a fly fishing haven is its population of Lahontan cutthroat trout. This species, native to the lake, is known for its size, strength, and the challenge it presents to anglers. The Lahontan cutthroat trout can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching over 20 pounds. May is a particularly favorable month for targeting these fish due to several biological and environmental factors.
10 Reasons Why Fly Fishing at Pyramid Lake in May Can be Optimal
- Optimal Water Temperatures
- In May, water temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for Lahontan cutthroat trout. This temperature range makes the fish more active and eager to feed, increasing catch rates.
- Post-Spawning Feeding Frenzy
- After spawning in April and early May, Lahontan cutthroat trout are hungry and actively feeding to replenish their energy. This period of increased feeding activity makes them more likely to bite.
- Abundant Insect Hatches
- May sees a high number of insect hatches, including midges, mayflies, and caddisflies. These abundant food sources attract trout to shallower waters, where they are easier to target with flies.
- Comfortable Weather
- The weather in May is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 70s Fahrenheit. These pleasant conditions make for a more enjoyable fishing experience compared to the colder months of winter or the scorching heat of summer.
- Less Crowded
- Compared to peak summer months, May tends to have fewer anglers. This means more fishing spots are available, and you can enjoy a more peaceful and solitary fishing experience.
- Ideal Light Conditions
- Longer daylight hours in May provide ample time for fishing. Early mornings and late afternoons, with their lower light conditions, are particularly productive times for catching trout.
- Improved Fish Health
- After the stress of winter and spawning, trout are in better health and condition in May. This makes for stronger, more energetic fish that provide a better fight on the line.
- Shallow Water Accessibility
- The optimal water temperatures in May keep the trout in shallower areas, making them more accessible to shore anglers. This reduces the need for boats and specialized deep-water equipment.
- Diverse Fly Options
- The variety of insect hatches in May allows anglers to use a wide range of fly patterns. This increases the chances of matching the hatch and successfully enticing trout to bite.
- Scenic Beauty
- Pyramid Lake is particularly beautiful in May, with blooming desert flowers and clear skies enhancing the scenic backdrop. This adds to the overall experience, making each fishing trip not only productive but also visually stunning.
Pyramid Lake Fishing Has Changed - Fish Stocking Program Not What it Once Was
The amount of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout being stocked at Pyramid Lake before 2020, ranged from 1 to 2 million annually. It is now known that the Pilot Peak strain significantly resembles the original strain of Lahontans in the Lake, and The National Lahontan Fish Hatchery and the Numana Paiute Tribal Fish Hatchery officials consider the fish population successful with the Pilot Peaks and are no longer stocking the Summit Strain. Last year, the Numana Paiute Tribal Fish Hatchery planted approximately 500,000 Pilot Peak Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake.
The days of guides reporting 200 – 300 fish days with their clients are over. It has also become clear that a significant portion of the Lahontans caught on shore were from the Summit strain. Although the Pilots Peak strain does come into the shallows to spawn, the total numbers of fish (both strains combined) are not coming in nearly at the numbers seen before 2020.
Ladder Fishing is Not as Effective as it used to Be
Pyramid Lake has been made famous throughout the past 20 years for not only its large fish but, for the way you can fish for them in the shallows of the lake standing on top Ladders and casting in the deeper shelves where they are schooling. However, like everything in life, things can change, and so have the fishing strategies at Pyramid Lake. This method is still effective, but not nearly as successful as it used to be.
Fish Stocking - The Re-Birth of Pyramid Lake Fishing
The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout population was fished to extinction in the late 1930s. Subsequent efforts to bring back the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout started in the late 1940s with vigorous stocking programs. The original strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout planted in the Lake was the Summit strain. This strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout is hearty fish that can reach up to 15 LBS. However, not nearly the size of the original strain that could reach sizes over 20 LBS (the lake record is 41 LBS set in the 1920s).
By the 1980’s, the fishing at Pyramid Lake started to get noticed again with Anglers eager to catch Trout over 10 LBS. Thousands of the Summit Strain of Lahontan’s would come to shallows of the shore during the Winter (Nov – Feb) and Spring Months – which were typically the best months for fishing – March and April.
The Pilot Peak Strain - Game Changer
In the late 1970s, a strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout was discovered in a small creek in Utah that had very similar DNA to the original Lahontan at Pyramid Lake. Subsequently, this strain of Lahontans, called Pilot Peaks, was placed in State and Paiuite Tribe fish hatcheries and reintroduced to Pyramid Lake in 2007. This strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout grows to significantly larger sizes – over 20 LBS and are the giants that Anglers fish for today.
Fishing from Boats is Really Good
Pyramid Lake fishing regulations limit shore anglers to fish only on the West side of the Lake. The Pilot Peaks fish school all over the Lake, not only in the shallows off the shore but, in deeper waters as well.
Boat fishing guides have access to 95% of Pyramid Lake whether the fish are schooling near the shore or in the depths unreachable for the anglers from shore or Ladders. The Pilot Peak population is alive and well at Pyramid Lake (and the fish are getting BIGGER), and our ability to locate the fish with advanced electronics, coupled with Spot-Lock (the ability to anchor up without an anchor), and improved fly fishing methods has allowed us to locate these Trophy fish daily.
10 Reasons Why It Is Better to Fly Fish from a Boat at Pyramid Lake, Nevada
- Access to Deeper Waters
- A boat allows anglers to reach deeper parts of the lake where larger Lahontan cutthroat trout often reside, especially during warmer parts of the day when fish move to cooler depths.
- Mobility and Flexibility
- Fishing from a boat provides the flexibility to move to different spots around the lake quickly. This mobility helps locate fish more efficiently and respond to changing conditions.
- Better Angling Angles
- Casting from a boat offers better angles and opportunities to present flies more naturally, which can be difficult from the shore due to limited casting space and obstructions.
- Access to Remote Areas
- Boats can reach less accessible parts of the lake that shore anglers cannot, increasing the chances of finding undisturbed and more abundant fish populations.
- Avoid Shoreline Crowds
- Shore fishing spots can become crowded, especially during peak times. A boat allows anglers to fish away from these crowded areas, providing a more peaceful and productive experience.
- Improved Casting Distance
- Being on a boat often allows for longer casts without the hindrance of vegetation, rocks, or other shoreline obstacles that can interfere with casting techniques.
- Optimal Use of Electronics
- Boats can be equipped with fish finders and other electronics that help locate fish more effectively, providing real-time data on fish depth and underwater structures.
- Enhanced Safety
- Fishing from a boat can be safer, especially in areas with steep or slippery shorelines. Boats provide a stable platform and reduce the risk of accidents related to rough or uneven terrain.
- Comfort and Convenience
- Boats can offer more comfort with seating, storage for gear, and even shelter from the elements, making the fishing experience more enjoyable and less physically demanding.
- Greater Variety of Fishing Techniques
- A boat allows anglers to employ a wider range of fishing techniques, such as trolling or using sinking lines in deep water, which are not feasible from the shore. This versatility can lead to more successful and diverse fishing experiences.
Successful Fly Fishing Techniques for Success in May
To maximize your success while fly fishing at Pyramid Lake in May, it’s essential to use the right techniques and gear. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Fly Selection: As mentioned earlier, matching the hatch is crucial. Use fly patterns that imitate the lake’s prevalent insects, such as midge larvae, mayfly nymphs, and caddisfly pupae. Streamer patterns that mimic baitfish can also be highly effective, especially during post-spawning when trout are feeding aggressively.
- Fishing Depth: Since the water temperatures are cooler in May, the trout are often found in shallower areas. Fishing in depths of 5 to 15 feet can yield good results. A floating line with a long leader or a slow-sinking line can help you present your flies at the right depth. However, if the fish are deeper we will go get them and use significantly longer leaders with an indicator.
- Retrieval Techniques: Vary your retrieval speed and technique to find what works best. Slow, steady retrieves often work well for midge patterns, while more erratic, fast retrieves can entice strikes on streamers. Pay attention to how the fish respond and adjust accordingly.
- Best Times of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times for fly fishing in May. The lower light conditions and cooler temperatures during these times encourage trout to feed more actively.
- Equipment: Use a sturdy rod capable of handling large fish, typically in the 7 to 8-weight range. A reel with a good drag system is essential for managing the powerful runs of the Lahontan cutthroat trout.
Conservation and Respect for the Environment
While enjoying the excellent fly fishing at Pyramid Lake, it’s important to remember the principles of conservation and respect for the environment. The Lahontan cutthroat trout is a prized species that requires careful management to ensure its continued health and availability for future generations. Practice catch-and-release fishing whenever possible, handle fish gently, and avoid disturbing spawning areas.
Additionally, respect the local regulations and guidelines set forth by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. These regulations are in place to protect the lake’s ecosystem and the rights of the indigenous people who have stewarded these waters for centuries.
Conclusion
Pyramid Lake in Nevada offers an unparalleled fly fishing experience, particularly during May. The combination of optimal water temperatures, post-spawning feeding activity, abundant insect hatches, and ideal weather conditions creates a perfect storm for anglers seeking to catch the impressive Lahontan cutthroat trout. By employing the right techniques and respecting the environment, fly fishers can enjoy a rewarding and memorable adventure at this unique and beautiful destination. So book a Guided Fly Fishing Trip with us, we will provide all the gear you will need (except clothes), and head to Pyramid Lake this May for an unforgettable fly fishing experience.
Hans is a United States Coast Guard Boat Captain and is now in his 4th year of fly fish guiding from a boat at Pyramid Lake.
Hans has learned throughout the years of guiding that the best way to navigate through the water to ensure every day on the lake is something to remember! “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” This is the core foundation of his company, Lacey’s Guide Service.
