Gone fishin’! The best fishing in and around Carson City, NV
Looking to plan your next fishing trip? Consider exploring the many different lakes and streams in and around Carson City, Nevada, where you will surely be left with a noteworthy fishing tale or two. Try your hand at catching mackinaw, rainbow trout, brown trout or kokanee salmon – or perhaps all of the above. By making Carson City your home base, you’ll have numerous fishing opportunities to choose from, perfect for people of all ages, skill levels and methods of angling.
Carson River
The Carson River flows through southern Carson City from the Lake Tahoe Basin, offering plenty of small stream fishing. It has a variety of easily accessible access points including Carson River Park in downtown Carson City. The park offers a handicap-accessible fishing pier at Bailey Fishing Pond, walking paths, river access and established parking. Those looking to fish from a vessel can check out the boat launch in Morgan Mill Park, also in Carson City.
Carson River is an excellent fly fishing and spin fishing destination, where anglers are often tempted to cast a line into the river’s legendary rapids, home to large, natural populations of large and smallmouth bass along with channel and bullhead catfish. The river is annually stocked with rainbow trout, a main draw for many.
Lake Fishing
After spending some time at the Carson River, anglers looking for another Nevada fishing experience can turn to one of the many diverse lakes surrounding Carson City.
Just 30-minutes west of Nevada’s state capital lies the picturesque and pristine shores of Lake Tahoe. America’s premier Alpine lake has a number of fishing charter experiences people can treat themselves to including Mile High Fishing Charters and Lake Tahoe Sportfishing. While fishing the shores of Lake Tahoe is indeed a possibility, fishing charters help ensure visitors unlock the best fishing locations the lake has to offer.
Another world-class fishery near Carson City is Pyramid Lake, the site of the world record Lahontan Cutthroat Trout weighing in at 41 pounds. It is the only place in the world where the ancient Cui-ui fish can be found. From Carson City, anglers will enjoy a scenic 1.5 hour drive northeast to Pyramid Lake where they can fish from the shore or charter a boat. Learn more about fishing at Pyramid Lake.
South of Carson City, past Minden and Gardnerville, is Topaz Lake. Bordering California and Nevada, Topaz Lake covers nearly 2,500 acres with nearly 25 miles of shoreline. While many locals have their favorite fishing spots along the lake, trolling is also very popular for those looking to hook brown or rainbow trout. The manmade lake is a popular fishing spot in winter and early spring when many alpine lakes are still frozen. In fact, there is an annual winter fishing derby, between January and April, offering anglers an outdoor fix in the midst of the chilly winter months.
Fishing the Carson Range
If peace and quiet are what appeal to you most about fishing, you’re in luck. Located at 7,650 feet in the Carson Range, within the Toiyabe National Forest, anglers can drop a line in Hobart Reservoir. Approximately 10 surface acres with a maximum depth of 15 feet, rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and hybrids (rainbow + cutthroat) have been introduced to the lake though the brook trout population has exploded. Visitors can easily spend the day in a beautiful location catching lots of fish, often with the most success in August and September. Due to its high elevation, much of the lake may still be covered with ice in early May depending on weather conditions. Hobart Reservoir is closed to vehicular access, so anglers will have to hike or bike in.
Homebase
Now that you know where to cast, it’s time to determine where to stay. Since Carson City is the perfect jumping off point with multiple fishing opportunities available around the foothills of the Eastern Sierra, your decision is made even sweeter with affordable and quality lodging accommodations. It’s also likely that all the fresh air and dreams of fishing glory will up an appetite. Carson City restaurants offer an array of dining choices for every palate. From Mexican to American, Chinese to Basque, visitors will enjoy fantastic cuisine and exceptional experiences.
Now, all that’s left to do is check out the latest fishing reports and start planning. Nevada fishing permits can be purchased online at ndow.org and the Nevada Department of Wildlife also has a new online tool available to help anglers get to know Nevada waters and the species living in them. Check out the new interactive FishNV tool.
Here’s hoping you’ll be shouting, “Fish On!” in no time.