Pyramid Lake is a stunning 125,000-acre natural lake located in northwestern Nevada, approximately 35 miles northeast of Reno. This magnificent desert lake is renowned worldwide for its exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for trophy-sized Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. As the largest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, Pyramid Lake features dramatic tufa formations, including its namesake Pyramid rock, and displays mesmerizing color changes from blue to gray depending on the sky conditions. The lake is owned and managed by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, who have maintained this sacred body of water for generations. With a maximum depth of 330 feet and covering 172 square miles, Pyramid Lake offers anglers a truly unique fishery with opportunities to catch fish of a lifetime in a breathtaking desert setting.
Learn what type of fish are at Pyramid Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Ameiurus nebulosus
Archoplites interruptus
Ameiurus catus
Learn how to get on Pyramid Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Pyramid Lake, and when to apply.
Boater pass · All boaters · Required year-round
Boating on Pyramid Lake needs a Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe boating permit, daily or for 3 days, along with its day-use or camping permits.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Pyramid Lake Ranger Station
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
All persons fishing are subject to the license requirements listed below. Except for some “interstate waters” (Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Colorado River), anglers 12 years of age and older are required to obtain and possess a license or permit to fish. Nonresident anglers under 12 years of age are not required to have a license, but the number of fish taken by such nonresident anglers must not exceed 50 percent of the limit as provided by law. (For instance, if the limit is five, these young anglers may take only two fish.) Fishing license and permit requirements also apply to persons taking fish by means of spear or bow and arrow. (Refer to NRS 502.010)
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
In Nevada, navigable streams are those capable of being used or that have been used for commerce, such as floating logs to market. These streams can be floated, and probably fished, recreationally. The right to portage obstructions is undecided in Nevada. It is unlawful for any person to hunt, fish in non-navigable waters or trap upon land which is private property where the person has been warned by the owner or occupant of the property not to trespass.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Pyramid Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Pyramid Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
Get the onWater Fish app
Free on iOS and Android
See the best times to fish Pyramid Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
Loading popular cities...
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.
