Nevada · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Nevada.

Nevada is high-country trout in the north (Pyramid Lake's giant Lahontan cutthroat is iconic) and Colorado River bass in the south — desert fishing with surprising depth.

Nevada Department of Wildlife · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Nevada. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the NDOW and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. A Nevada or California reciprocal license is required for Lake Tahoe; the boundary depends on which side of the lake you're fishing. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the NDOW before purchase.

Freshwater

Trout (rainbow, brown, brook, lake, cutthroat) and Lahontan cutthroat trout (the state fish) plus largemouth bass and striped bass in southern Nevada. Pyramid Lake holds trophy Lahontan cutthroats up to 20 pounds. Lake Tahoe holds large lake trout.

Rivers

Limited but quality stream fishing — the Truckee River, East Walker, and various small mountain streams. The Colorado River below Hoover Dam offers striped bass and trophy rainbow trout.

Special

Pyramid Lake (Paiute Tribal water) requires a tribal permit in addition to or in place of state license — verify on the tribal website. Lake Tahoe boundary rules between NV and CA. Lahontan cutthroat trout regulations specific to Pyramid.

Popular species

Lahontan cutthroat trout · Rainbow trout · Brown trout · Lake trout · Largemouth bass · Striped bass

State agency

Nevada Department of Wildlife

Agency site →

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