Fly fishing at Pyramid Lake has improved following a seasonal turnover. With the cooler weather we received in early October, the surface of Pyramid Lake cooled off. This cold surface water sank to the bottom (being denser than warm water) and resulted in the upwelling of algae. This turnover has since settled and fishing conditions have improved drastically.

With cooling water temperatures, shore anglers have had improved success in the last few days. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are keyed in on baitfish but are more accessible in shallow water. Water depths to target from shore range from 10-20’. In choosing a location to fish, look for steep ledges or drop offs that offer access to deep zones. In October, Lahontan Cutthroat use these drop offs as a corral for Tui Chub minnows and will blitz bait balls along the shore! This activity is fun to watch but even more fun to fish. Flies like the Tui Chub or Perch Fry stripped fast through a bait ball can result in violent takes and angry fish. In times that there are no Tui Chub present, try fishing the classic standby Pyramid Lake flies like the Pyramid Lake Beetle, Booby, and Pyramid Lake Bugger. In low light conditions, try darker colors in either purple or black. As the sun comes out, switch over to brighter offerings in the white, chartreuse, or tan offering.

Boat fishing continues to produce at Pyramid Lake. Vertical jigging techniques with Marabou Super Jigs is a great way to present a baitfish pattern to trout at deeper depths. As stated earlier, target depths have trended shallower following lake turnover. When boat fishing, look for depths of 15-30’. Lahontan Cutthroat are simply following Tui Chub schools. If you find Tui Chub, you find cutthroat. 

Flies We Suggest: Tui Chub, Perch Fry, Pyramid Lake Beetle, Booby, Pyramid Lake Bugger, Marabou Super Jigs