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Wild Horse Reservoir

Boat Ramps
2
Access Points
3
Species
12

Wild Horse Reservoir is a picturesque 2,830-acre body of water nestled in the high desert landscape of northeastern Nevada. Located approximately 70 miles north of Elko in Elko County, this remote and remarkable destination sits at an elevation of over 6,200 feet surrounded by towering mountains that often remain snow-capped for much of the year. Originally constructed in 1937 for irrigation purposes, Wild Horse Reservoir has become a popular fishing destination known for its diverse fish populations and seasonal fishing opportunities. The reservoir is named after the wild horses that once roamed abundantly in the area, though ranching has since restricted their movements. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Owyhee Mountains in a treeless high, cold desert typical of the Great Basin, Wild Horse offers anglers a tranquil escape with extraordinary natural beauty, particularly in late spring when wildflowers blanket the area.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout11,997 fish · 5.8 inNov 5, 2026
  • Brown Trout6,423 fish · 5.1 inOct 29, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout2,528 fish · 9.2 inOct 27, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout3,531 fish · 9.2 inOct 27, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout6,099 fish · 9.2 inOct 26, 2026

Source

Nevada Department of Wildlife

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Wild Horse Reservoir. 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.

Know where you can legally fish on Wild Horse Reservoir

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.

Nevada licenses and regulations

Nevada Boating Regulations

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.

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Nevada Fishing License

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)

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Nevada Fishing Regulations

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.

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Nevada Stream Access Laws

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.

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Take Wild Horse Reservoir with you

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.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Wild Horse Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Wild Horse Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Wild Horse Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.

OWYHEE RV NR GOLD CK, NV

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