UTERCutthroat trout fishing in Nevada freshwater
In Nevada freshwater, cutthroat trout peak November–May and are around October–June, spawning in April–May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat — ladders and beetle flies off the beaches (tribal permit; season Oct–Jun).
Pyramid Lake opens October 1.
Cutthroat trout in Nevada freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakPyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat — ladders and beetle flies off the beaches (tribal permit; season Oct–Jun).
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeakPyramid's classic month: big cutts cruise the shore.
- AprilSpawning
- MaySpawning
- JuneLeaving
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberArrivingPyramid Lake opens October 1.
- NovemberPeakPyramid's other classic month.
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish cutthroat trout near Pyramid Lake, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave
Pyramid Lake's giant Lahontan cutthroat, Lake Mead and Mohave's stripers and bass on the Colorado, Lake Tahoe's macks, and high-desert reservoirs.
What to use for cutthroat trout
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–68°F water, best at 46–60°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch cutthroat trout in Nevada freshwater?
Peak season is November–May, with fish spawning in April–May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Cutthroat trout are in Nevada freshwater October–June. January: Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat — ladders and beetle flies off the beaches (tribal permit; season Oct–Jun).
Where do cutthroat trout hold in Nevada freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir — around Pyramid Lake, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Tahoe, Truckee River, Wild Horse Reservoir.
What is the best bait for cutthroat trout in Nevada freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for cutthroat trout in Nevada freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and change — read the current rule at https://www.eregulations.com/nevada/fishing/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.ndow.org/apply-buy/fishing/.
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