...

Unlocking the October Magic of Pyramid Lake Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Boat Charter Pyramid Lake - 20lbs Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 10-23
Jeff Gets a 26 LBS

October holds a special place in my heart. It represents a new beginning for the Pyramid Lake Fishing Season.   I will explore why October stands out as one of the best months for fly fishing at Pyramid Lake, and specifically from a boat. From the fall colors to the strategic advantages presented by the lake’s dynamics, let’s dive into the reasons that make October a must for anglers seeking the thrill of catching Lahontan cutthroat trout.

The Symphony of Fall - A Visual Feast on Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake Nevada - Beautiful Morning

Fall Colors and Cooling Waters

Pyramid Lake Nevada View

October ushers in the beauty of fall at Pyramid Lake. The landscape transforms into a vibrant canvas of autumn hues, setting the stage for a visually enchanting fishing experience. Moreover, the cooling waters signal to the fish that winter is approaching, igniting a feeding frenzy as they prepare to gorge themselves on baitfish. This time of year, the fish have not come into the shore yet, so the fishing is all about boats and float tubes or the similar.

The Grand Reopening - Pyramid Lake Fishing Season Begins

Pyramid Lake Fly Fishing - 20 LBS Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 10-23
Our Good Friend Will Got a 20 LB and 5 more over 17 LBS

October 1: The Gateway to Trophy-Sized Catches

Double Hook Up Lahontan Cutthroat Trout - Pyramid Lake fishing Guide
Jeff and Randy had an Incredible 2 days with Captain Brett in October

After being closed to trout fishing during the hot summer months, Pyramid Lake reopens its doors on October 1. This signals the beginning of a season marked by the pursuit of truly huge Lahontan cutthroat trout. Anglers flock to the lake, eager for the opportunity to reel in these magnificent creatures.  It is not unusual to see over 100 boats fighting for a launching position at the Pelican Beach Boat Ramps. In other words, we get the Launch Ramp very EARLY.

Depths, Temperature, and Bait Dynamics

Pyramid Lake Big Fish Eats Bait Fish

Anglers navigate the water, targeting depths ranging down to 60 feet. The surface temperature fluctuates between 68 and 72 degrees throughout the day, with a warm layer extending down to the 50-foot level. The annual temperature cycle sees the lake cooling to the middle 50s in November, prompting the migration of trout and baitfish into the shallows.

October Strategies - Tactics for Successful Fly Fishing

Baitfish Bonanza – The Key to Success

Pyramid Fly Lake Fishing guide - Giant Lahontan Cutthroat

The foundation for Pyramid Lake’s large trout lies in its food chain, mainly Tui Chub minnows. Screenshots from fish finders reveal massive bait balls below the surface, attracting feeding cutthroats. Successful days on the water hinge on finding these bait schools and fishing close to them.

Techniques for Success

While some anglers vertically jig next to schools of minnows, others opt for trolling using spoons, flies, and plugs on down riggers. The preferred approach for our guides involves heavily weighted fly lines, allowing them to reach the desired depth and retrieve streamer flies and balanced leeches vertically through the water column.

Pyramid lake fishing Guides - 20lbs Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
Put in the Time and Get the Reward

Navigating Challenges - Safety First on Pyramid Lake

Windy Realities and Safety Concerns

Fly Fishing Pyramid Lake - 20 LBS Lahontan Cutthroat Trout to the Boat
Its Been a Big Fish Year - Ryan Got (2) 20 LBS

The east side of the lake, known as “Hell’s Kitchen” or “The Wall,” boasts depths of 60 to 80 feet just off shore—a hotspot for fishing. However, crossing the nearly 8 miles of lake to reach this area poses challenges, especially considering Pyramid Lake’s notorious winds. Safety is our top priority as boat captains, and we take precautions to ensure a secure fishing experience.

The Opening Week Extravaganza - Anticipation and Epic Conditions

Pyramid Lake Fly Fishing Guides - Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 18 Lbs.
Rory got a 18 LBS

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Await

As Pyramid Lake reopens for Lahontan cutthroat trout on October 1, anglers are met with big, hungry fish that have enjoyed three months of respite. These creatures, having feasted on Tui Chub bait balls, are ready to test the tackle of anglers seeking trophy catches.

Pyramid Lake Fishing Season Opener - Size Matters 20 LBS
Bakos Lands a 20LBS

Electronics, Bait Balls, and October Fishing Dynamics

Our guides rely on electronics to locate bait balls, adhering to the mantra: find the bait, find the fish. In October, the trout tend to stay just off shore in 40 to 100 feet of water. Boating to areas like Hell’s Kitchen or Anderson Bay with custom-made flies proves successful, putting the flies right in the fish’s face for optimal bites.

Tackle Tips for October Fishing at Pyramid Lake

Center Console Boats - Spacious Storage Easy Access for Rods

Gear Essentials for Success

For fly fishing, 9-foot rods in 7- to 10-weight with large arbor reels are recommended. Lines should be full sink type 7, with leaders made of straight 15- to 20-pound Seagar Yellow Label fluorocarbon. A variety of baitfish patterns in olive and white, including balanced baitfish in Tui Chub pattern, Wooly Buggers, Deceivers, Clousers, Articulated Streamers, and game changers, are go-to choices.

Depth Matters More Than Color

Focus on the depth of your offering over color, looking for beaches and locations with deep drops nearby. Warrior Point is a perennial favorite in October, and observing the boats in the area is a good indicator of the right fishing spot.

Fishing Finder - Pyramid Lake

The Finale - Savoring the October Fishing Experience

Glowing Turquoise Waters and Trophy Pursuits

The ideal conditions of warm days and calm waters create a natural phenomenon on Pyramid Lake. Baitfish ball up in massive sizes, herded by the largest cutthroat trout, providing a rare spectacle for anglers. As the first cold snap approaches, the fishing becomes tougher, dispersing baitfish to deep lake depths.

Pyramid Lake Fishing Season Opener Oct 1 2022
Parker with his second 20 LBS of the Trip

From 10+ to 20+ Pounders

Reflecting on years past, the pursuit of a 10+ pounder has shifted to seeking 20+ pound Lahontan cutthroat trout. The glowing turquoise water, the captivating scenery, and the joy of scoring big catches make October an unforgettable month for anglers at Pyramid Lake.

Conclusion - October's Triumph: A Boat Angler's Paradise on Pyramid Lake

20lbs Lahontan Cutthroat Trout - Lacey's Guide Service Pyramid Lake
Ryan with his second 20 LBS of the Trip

In conclusion, October is more than just a month; it’s a triumph for boat anglers at Pyramid Lake. From the mesmerizing fall colors to the strategic advantages presented by the lake’s dynamics, every element aligns to create a fishing paradise. As boat captains, safety remains our top concern, ensuring that anglers experience the thrill of catching Lahontan cutthroat trout in a secure environment. Book your October adventure, and join us on the tranquil waters of Pyramid Lake for a fishing experience like no other.

 

As we start our journey into our next Month, November, the fish start moving into shallower waters and towards the West side of the Lake.  We change things up when this occurs,  click the following link to discover how we fly fish Pyramid Lake in November.

October Fly Fishing Pyramid Lake, Nevada

Hans Grotewold
Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.