Pyramid Lake

About Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake, located 40 miles northeast of Reno, Nevada, is the geographic sink of the Truckee River basin. This endorheic salt lake, with salinity about one-sixth that of seawater, is the deepest point and largest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, reaching a maximum depth of 356 feet. The lake stretches approximately 27 miles long and 11 miles wide, fed by the Truckee River which delivers turbid waters. Tufa formations, some cone- or pyramid-shaped, are prominent along the shores and within the lake, with Anaho Island being the largest and host to a large colony of American white pelicans. The Pyramid, also known as Fremont's Pyramid, is another notable tufa island near the southeastern shore. White bands of calcium carbonate on these formations indicate past high water levels, offering visual cues to the lake's history and structure. The entire lake is within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation. Access to the north and east sides of the lake, including the Needles tufa formation, has been restricted to the public and non-Tribal members since 2011. Anglers typically access the lake from the west shore, particularly around Sutcliffe, which is located along State Route 445. Nixon, situated on the Truckee River southeast of the lake on State Route 447, provides another point of reference for the area. Shore anglers often use ladders to position themselves for casting into deeper water, extending their reach beyond the immediate shoreline. For those with boats, the lake's vastness opens up, allowing exploration of its extensive underwater topography, which includes ledges and drop-offs that transition from sandy flats. These ledges are key areas where fish relate to the structure. Pyramid Lake is renowned for its Lahontan cutthroat trout, recognized as one of the largest inland trout species globally. While the original Lahontan cutthroat trout became extinct in the lake by 1939 due to water diversion by Derby Dam, a remnant population was discovered and successfully reintroduced. Today, fish weighing up to 24 pounds are regularly caught, with the world record cutthroat trout having come from these waters. These trout, along with the endangered Cui-ui lakesucker, are obligate freshwater spawners, relying on sufficient inflow from the Truckee River. Fish populations are sustained through tribally-run hatcheries and support from state and federal agencies. Anglers should be aware of the endemic Cui-ui lakesucker and Tui chub also present in the lake. Targeting Lahontan cutthroat trout at Pyramid Lake often involves blind casting and stripping flies through what are known as "cruising lanes." Fish frequently hug the bottom and cruise ledges, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Midges are a consistently effective fly pattern here. When you hook one of these large trout, proper handling is crucial for their survival. Weigh fish while they are still in the net, and if you lift them for a photo, support their body fully to minimize stress before a healthy release. Remember to respect all tribal regulations and access restrictions when fishing Pyramid Lake.