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Mac the Naw: Open October to June, Pyramid Lake offers a special locale for fishing

Doug Busey
Special to the Tribune

A special place has opened its doors to fishing. Pyramid Lake opened Saturday, Oct. 1, and will remain through June 2017. For those interested in making the two-hour trip from Tahoe, I would recommend viewing the 2016 regulations and permit fees online at http://www.pyramidlake.us.

A Nevada license is not required to fish Pyramid Lake, but you must obtain a tribal permit available at the Ranger Station or Crosby Lodge. They can also be purchased at Sportsman’s Warehouse in Carson City or The Angler’s Edge Fly Shop in Minden.

At Pyramid Lake, special regulations are to be strictly adhered to. That starts with artificial lures or flies only with barbless hooks, a maximum of two hooks on any lure (single, double or treble) and no scents allowed on your presentation.



The size limit is between 17 and 20 inches — no trout under or over that range is allowed in possession. The size restrictions are in place to protect the large fish for spawning and to produce trophy-sized fish. The length of the trout is determined by measuring in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the center of the tail.

Make sure to make your decision before landing your catch, as any fish not immediately released will count towards the possession limit of the person that caught it. Each angler is required to have a separate stringer for his or her catch, and filleting of trout (or other acts the would prevent verification of fish length) is not allowed within the exterior boundaries of the reservation.



These may sound like very strict rules to abide by, but that is why the Paiute tribe and Pyramid Lake Fisheries are so successful in producing trophy sized Lahontan Cutthroat trout.

Day use fees for Pyramid Lake are $10 per day, $25 for three days and $80 for the season. Boating fees are $12 per day, $30 for three days and $96 per season. Camping fees are $15 per day and $38 for three days. Pyramid Lake is located approximately 30 miles north of Reno on Highway 445 (Pyramid Highway). Make sure to use caution while boating and be aware of the weather and your surroundings; winds can pick up very fast, causing dangerous conditions.

There are a few areas around the lake close to non-tribal members that must be observed at all times. Hope to see you on Pyramid Lake this year, and don’t be surprised if your first catch of the day is over 10 pounds. Good fishin’ and tight lines.


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