Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Nevada (Full Guide)

Nevada offers some of the best fishing in the western United States. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in Nevada can impact your success.

The best time to fish for trout in Nevada is typically during the spring and fall, while striped bass are most active in the summer months, and largemouth bass fishing is most productive in the spring and early summer.

Month	Nevada Fishing Location
January	Lake Mead for striped bass.
February	Lake Mohave for smallmouth bass.
March	Topaz Lake for trout and bass.
April	Pyramid Lake for Lahontan cutthroat trout.
May	Eagle Valley Reservoir for rainbow trout.
June	South Fork Reservoir for catfish.
July	Wildhorse Reservoir for channel catfish.
August	Ruby Lake for tiger trout.
September	Spooner Lake for rainbow trout.
October	Lake Tahoe for lake trout.
November	Walker Lake for wipers.
December	Lake Mead for striped bass.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Nevada. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish in Nevada

Truckee River (Reno Area): Fly fish for rainbow and brown trout in the spring and fall.

East Walker River: Fish for brown and rainbow trout in the spring and early summer.

Lamoille Creek: Target brook, rainbow, and brown trout from late spring to early summer.

Walker River (West Fork): Fish for wild rainbow and brown trout in the spring.

Carson River (East Fork): Excellent for rainbow and brown trout in the spring and early summer.

Virgin River: Fish for wild rainbow and brown trout in the fall and spring.

Muddy River: Target white bass in the spring and fall.

Owyhee River: Fish for large brown and rainbow trout in the fall.

Little Truckee River: Ideal for fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the spring and fall.

Amargosa River: Fish for desert suckerfish in the spring and fall.

Bishop Creek: Great for trout fishing in the spring and early summer.

Bruneau River: Fly fish for rainbow and bull trout in the spring.

Jarbidge River: Fish for cutthroat and bull trout in the summer months.

Robinson Creek: Ideal for brook and rainbow trout in the spring and summer.

Washoe Lake: Fish for channel catfish and largemouth bass in the spring and fall.

Kirman Lake: Target rainbow and brook trout in the summer.

Wilson Reservoir: Great for rainbow trout fishing in the spring and early summer.

Spring Valley Reservoir: Fish for rainbow trout in the spring and fall.

Ruby Lake: Ideal for cutthroat trout fishing in the spring and fall.

Angel Lake: Fish for rainbow and tiger trout in the spring and summer.

Best Times: Lake Fishing in Nevada

Lake Mead: Best in spring and fall for striped bass and largemouth bass.

Lake Mohave: Excellent in late spring and early summer for smallmouth bass.

Topaz Lake: Prime fishing in March and April for rainbow trout and bass.

Pyramid Lake: Best in fall and winter for Lahontan cutthroat trout.

Eagle Valley Reservoir: Great for rainbow trout from May to October.

South Fork Reservoir: Ideal for catfish in June.

Wildhorse Reservoir: Excellent for channel catfish in July and August.

Ruby Lake: Best for tiger trout in August and September.

Spooner Lake: Great for rainbow trout in September and October.

Lake Tahoe: Ideal for Mackinaw (Lake) trout in October.

Walker Lake: Prime time for wipers (white bass/striped bass hybrid) is in November.

Colorado River: Good for striped bass year-round, but particularly productive in December.

Lake Mead: Target largemouth and striped bass in January.

Lake Mohave: Best for striped bass in February.

Topaz Lake: Excellent for trout and bass in March.

Pyramid Lake: Prime time for Lahontan cutthroat trout in April.

Eagle Valley Reservoir: Great for rainbow trout in May.

South Fork Reservoir: Ideal for catfish in June.

Wildhorse Reservoir: Excellent for channel catfish in July.

Ruby Lake: Best for tiger trout in August.

Best Times: Top 20 Best Fishing Locations in Nevada

Lake Mead: Best for striped bass and largemouth bass in spring and fall.

Lake Mohave: Ideal for smallmouth and striped bass in late spring and early summer.

Topaz Lake: Prime for rainbow trout and bass in March and April.

Pyramid Lake: Excellent for Lahontan cutthroat trout in fall and winter.

Eagle Valley Reservoir: Great for rainbow trout from May to October.

South Fork Reservoir: Best for catfish in June.

Wildhorse Reservoir: Excellent for channel catfish in July and August.

Ruby Lake: Ideal for tiger trout in August and September.

Spooner Lake: Best for rainbow trout in September and October.

Lake Tahoe: Prime time for Mackinaw trout in October.

Walker Lake: Good for wipers (white bass/striped bass hybrid) in November.

Colorado River: Target striped bass year-round, with December being productive.

Lake Mead: Great for largemouth and striped bass in January.

Lake Mohave: Best for striped bass in February.

Pyramid Lake: Excellent for Lahontan cutthroat trout in April.

Eagle Valley Reservoir: Prime for rainbow trout in May.

Wildhorse Reservoir: Ideal for channel catfish in June.

Ruby Lake: Excellent for tiger trout in July.

Lake Mead: Best for striped bass in August.

Lake Tahoe: Great for rainbow and brown trout in September.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Rainbow Trout

The best months for rainbow trout fishing are typically from early spring to late fall when the weather is mild. March through October are prime months, as rainbow trout are more active during this time.

The best time of day to catch rainbow trout is often in the early morning or late evening when they are actively feeding.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing rainbow trout:

Kirch Wildlife Management Area: This area in eastern Nevada offers several ponds and reservoirs stocked with rainbow trout. Spring and early summer are excellent times to fish here.
Eagle Valley Reservoir: Located in the Spring Valley State Park, this reservoir in eastern Nevada is known for its rainbow trout. Spring and early fall are great times for rainbow trout fishing here.
Topaz Lake: In the northwest part of the state, Topaz Lake is another spot where you can find rainbow trout, especially in the cooler months of spring and fall.

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout

The best months for Lahontan cutthroat trout fishing are typically from late spring through early fall when the weather is mild. May through September are prime months as these trout are more active during this period.

The best time of day to catch Lahontan cutthroat trout is often in the early morning or late afternoon when they are closer to the surface and actively feeding.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing Lahontan cutthroat trout:

Pyramid Lake is located in western Nevada and renowned for its Lahontan cutthroat trout. Spring and fall are ideal times to target these large trout.
Independence Lake: In northern Nevada, Independence Lake offers excellent opportunities for Lahontan cutthroat trout fishing, particularly during summer.
Summit Lake: Situated in the north-central part of the state, Summit Lake is another spot where you can find Lahontan cutthroat trout, especially in the spring and early summer.

Lake Trout

The best months for lake trout fishing are typically during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring. November through April are prime months, as lake trout are more active in colder water.

The best time of day to catch lake trout is often in the early morning or late afternoon when they are closer to the surface.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing lake trout:

Lake Tahoe: The iconic Lake Tahoe in western Nevada is known for its lake trout population. Winter and early spring are ideal times to target lake trout here.
Pyramid Lake: Located in western Nevada, Pyramid Lake also offers opportunities for catching lake trout, especially during the cooler months of late fall and winter.
Washoe Lake: In western Nevada, Washoe Lake is another spot where you can find lake trout, particularly in the winter and early spring.

Tiger Trout

The best months for tiger trout fishing are usually from late spring through early fall when the water is warmer. May to September are prime months as tiger trout become more active during this period.

The best time of day to catch tiger trout is often in the early morning or late afternoon when they are actively feeding.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing tiger trout:

Kirch Wildlife Management Area: This area in eastern Nevada offers opportunities to catch tiger trout in its ponds and reservoirs. Spring and early summer are great times to target them.
Cave Lake State Park: Located in eastern Nevada, Cave Lake is known for its tiger trout population. Spring and early fall are ideal for tiger trout fishing here.
Wildhorse Reservoir: In the northeastern part of the state, Wildhorse Reservoir is another spot where you can find tiger trout, especially during the warmer months.

Brown Trout

The best months for brown trout fishing are typically from late spring to early fall when the water temperatures are cooler. May through September are prime months as brown trout become more active during this period.

The best time of day to catch brown trout is often in the early morning or late evening when they are actively feeding near the surface.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing brown trout:

East Walker River: This river in eastern Nevada offers excellent opportunities for brown trout fishing, especially in the spring and early summer.
Truckee River: Located in the northern part of the state, the Truckee River is known for its brown trout population. Spring and fall are ideal times to target brown trout here.
Lake Tahoe: The iconic Lake Tahoe in western Nevada is another spot where you can find brown trout, especially during the cooler months of spring and early fall.

Largemouth Bass

The best months for largemouth bass fishing are typically from late spring to early fall when the water is warmer. May through September are prime months as largemouth bass become more active during this time.

The best time of day to catch largemouth bass is often in the early morning or late afternoon when they are closer to the shore and actively feeding.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing largemouth bass:

Lake Mead: This large reservoir in southern Nevada is known for its largemouth bass population. Spring and early summer months, from April to June, are good for largemouth bass fishing here.
Lake Mohave: Located downstream from Lake Mead, Lake Mohave offers excellent opportunities for largemouth bass fishing during the warmer months, from May to September.
Topaz Lake: In the northwest part of the state, Topaz Lake is another spot where you can find largemouth bass, especially in the spring and summer.

Smallmouth Bass

The best months for smallmouth bass fishing are typically from late spring through early fall when the water is warmer. May through September are prime months, as smallmouth bass become more active.

The best time of day to catch smallmouth bass is often in the early morning or late evening when they are feeding closer to the shore.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing smallmouth bass:

Lake Mead: This large reservoir in southern Nevada is known for its smallmouth bass population. Spring and early summer months, from April to June, are good for smallmouth bass fishing here.
Lake Mohave: Located downstream from Lake Mead, Lake Mohave offers excellent opportunities for smallmouth bass fishing during the warmer months, from May to September.
Topaz Lake: In the northwest part of the state, Topaz Lake is another spot where you can find smallmouth bass, especially in the spring and summer.

Striped Bass

The best months for striped bass fishing are typically from April to October when the water is warmer. During these months, striped bass become more active and easier to catch.

The best time of day for striped bass fishing is often in the early morning or late evening when feeding near the surface.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing striped bass:

Lake Mead: This large reservoir in southern Nevada is renowned for its striped bass population. From June to August, summer months are particularly good for striped bass fishing here.
Lake Mohave: Located downstream from Lake Mead, Lake Mohave offers excellent opportunities for striped bass fishing during the warmer months, from May to September.
Colorado River: The Colorado River, especially near Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu, is another prime spot for striped bass fishing in Nevada. The summer season is ideal for this.

Hybrid Striped Bass “Wipers”

The best time to catch them is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall. May through September are prime months as the water temperatures rise, making wipers more active.

The best time of day to fish for wipers is often in the early morning or late afternoon when they are actively feeding.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing wipers:

Lake Mead: This expansive reservoir in southern Nevada is known for its wiper population. The summer months are great for wiper fishing here.
Lake Mohave: Located downstream from Lake Mead, Lake Mohave is another hotspot for wipers. Spring and early summer can yield excellent results.
Willow Beach: Situated on the Colorado River below Hoover Dam, Willow Beach is a popular spot for wiper fishing, especially in the warmer months.

Catfish

The best months for catfish fishing are typically from late spring to early fall when the water is warmer. May through September are prime months as catfish become more active.

The best time of day to catch catfish is often in the late afternoon and evening when they are most active and come closer to the shore to feed.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing catfish:

Lake Mead: This reservoir in southern Nevada is known for its catfish population. From June to August, summer months are good for catfish fishing here.
South Fork Reservoir: Located in Elko County, this reservoir offers excellent opportunities for catfish fishing during the warmer months, from May to September.
Wildhorse Reservoir: In the northeastern part of the state, Wildhorse Reservoir is a popular spot for catfish fishing, especially in the summer.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for them is spring and early summer, typically from April to June. During this period, pike are more active as they move to shallow waters for spawning.

The best time of day to catch northern pike is often in the early morning or late afternoon when they are actively hunting for prey.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing northern pike:

Wildhorse Reservoir: This reservoir in the northeastern part of the state is known for its northern pike population. The spring months are perfect for pike fishing here.
South Fork Reservoir: Located in Elko County, this reservoir is another excellent spot for pike fishing in the spring and early summer.
Ruby Lake: In northern Nevada, Ruby Lake is known for its tiger trout, but you can also find northern pike here. Spring is a good time to target them.

Walleye

The best months for catching walleye are usually from April to June and then again in the fall from September to November. The water temperatures are ideal during these times, and walleye become more active.

The best time of day to fish for walleye is often during low-light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. Walleye have excellent low-light vision, making them more active during these times.

Here are a few great locations in Nevada for fishing walleye:

Lake Mead: This reservoir in southern Nevada is known for its walleye population. Spring and fall are good times to target walleye here.
Lake Mohave: Located downstream from Lake Mead, Lake Mohave also offers good walleye fishing, especially in the spring and fall.
Wildhorse Reservoir: In the northeastern part of the state, Wildhorse Reservoir can be productive for walleye in the spring and fall.
Rye Patch Reservoir: In northern Nevada, Rye Patch Reservoir is another spot to find walleye, especially during the cooler months.

Crappie

The best months for crappie fishing are typically from late spring to early summer when they are spawning. May and June are prime months as crappie are more active.

The best time of day to catch crappie is often in the early morning or late afternoon when they come closer to the shore to feed.

Here are three great locations in Nevada for fishing crappie:

Lake Mead: This large reservoir in southern Nevada is known for its crappie population. Spring months, from April to June, are good for crappie fishing here.
Topaz Lake: Located in the northwest part of the state, Topaz Lake offers good opportunities for crappie fishing in the spring.
Wildhorse Reservoir: In the northeastern part of the state, Wildhorse Reservoir can be productive for crappie fishing during the spring and early summer.

Best Fishing in Nevada on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lake Mead: During the winter, you can fish for striped bass and largemouth bass at Lake Mead. It’s a bit colder, but these fish are still active.
Topaz Lake: In the winter, try your luck at Topaz Lake for rainbow trout and bass. Even though it’s chilly, you can find some good catches.
Wildhorse Reservoir: Visit Wildhorse Reservoir in the winter for fishing and try to catch rainbow trout and yellow perch.
Ruby Lake: During winter, you can find tiger trout at Ruby Lake. Even in the cold, these fish can be quite active.

Spring

Lake Mead: In the spring, visit Lake Mead to catch striped bass and largemouth bass. As the weather warms up, these fish become more active.
Pyramid Lake: Spring is a great time to fish for Lahontan cutthroat trout at Pyramid Lake. The trout are active, and you can have a good chance of catching them.
Eagle Valley Reservoir: During the spring, head to Eagle Valley Reservoir to try your luck with rainbow trout. The fish are active and hungry after winter.
Wildhorse Reservoir: In the spring months, Wildhorse Reservoir is a good spot for catching channel catfish. As the temperatures rise, these fish become more active.

Summer

Lake Mead: In the summer, head to Lake Mead to catch striped bass and largemouth bass. The warm weather makes these fish more active.
Lake Mohave: During the summer months, try your luck at Lake Mohave for smallmouth bass. The sunny days make it a great time to fish for them.
Wildhorse Reservoir: In the summer, Wildhorse Reservoir is a good spot to catch channel catfish. These fish become more active when it’s warmer.
Ruby Lake: Summer is a great time to visit Ruby Lake and fish for tiger trout. The trout are more active in the warmer months.

Fall

Lake Mead: In the fall, try fishing for striped bass and largemouth bass at Lake Mead. The weather is cooler, and these fish are more active.
Pyramid Lake: In the fall, head to Pyramid Lake for Lahontan cutthroat trout. These trout are easier to catch as the weather cools down.
Wildhorse Reservoir: During the fall, Wildhorse Reservoir is a great place to catch channel catfish. The cooler temperatures make these fish more active.
Lake Tahoe: In September, visit Lake Tahoe for rainbow and brown trout. The fish are more active in the fall, and it’s a beautiful time to fish by the lake.

Click here to see a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Utah. Click here to see a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Arizona.