Ruby Lake Fishing Report

Ruby Lake NWR - Elko, NV (Elko County)


by Nevada Department of Wildlife
8-12-2022
Website

Little or no change here. The water level is low in the south marsh and weed growth is getting thick, but boats with electric motors can still get around the main channels as gas motors are helping to chop up some of the more popular paths through the marsh.  With surface water temperatures in the mid 70’s the bass bite at Ruby Lake NWR continues to be good, though it is taking approximately 10 bass to catch a keeper.  Minimum keeper size is 10 inches.  Most of the keepers are in the 10-12-inch size due to recent drouths and growth cycle due to 12 years of low water.  Many anglers report catching as many as 50 bass days per angler but limits of 10 bass per angler are hard to come by.  Soft plastic grubs in blue, black or purple seemed to work the best.  Fishing conditions in the collection ditch have been fair to good recently for 13 to 18-inch trout depending upon the day and location. Dry flies have been working well as hoppers are out and trout are keying on them.  Hoppers, yellow stimulators and yellow elk hair caddis have all produced fish.  Damselflies are hatching as well so both damsel dries and nymphs are also working.  Chironomid patterns such as zebra midges, Yankee buzzers, chromies and ice cream cones will catch a few fish. Other flies such as leech patterns, balanced leeches, crystal buggers, #14-16 hare’s ears, and #16-18 PT nymphs fished under an indicator are recommended. However, weed growth is up and fishing subsurface flies is limited to those areas of the ditch that are deeper and have less vegetative growth. Spin anglers should be using small spinners in black or olive with contrasting yellow or red colors as well as small minnow imitations.