Just 35 minutes from Reno, Nevada, Pyramid Lake is home to the world’s largest Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, American White Pelicans, striking tufa formations, and the Paiute Tribe. This iconic lake marks the end of the Truckee River’s journey, where it empties into its alkali-rich waters. Renowned for its Pilot Peak and Pyramid "Summit" strain Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, the lake boasts many fish weighing over 10 pounds. On the right day, it’s not uncommon to witness a catch exceeding 20 pounds.
Pyramid Lake is a remnant of Lake Lahontan, which used to cover a large portion of Nevada. The Paiute Tribe has lived off of Pyramid Lake and the nearly half a million acres of surrounding land for centuries. Members of the tribe speak pridefully on the history of the lake and they have tales of fish weighing in over 80 pounds! However, only a few photos have been documented to show the size of the fish that historically grew in this special lake. Pyramid Fly Co. is very appreciative of the Paiute Tribe for sharing this amazing fishery with the public.
Fish Species Found In Pyramid Lake:
"Pilot Peak" Lahontan Cutthroat Trout:
The Pilot Peak strain of cutthroat trout is the biggest that exists in the world today. Most fishermen never encounter a trout the size of these Pilot Peak. They grow at such a rapid pace and many of these fish can exceed over 20 pounds! This strain of cutthroat trout has an extra row of teeth that will make them the top predators of the lake. Most of these fish have had their adipose fins clipped at the hatchery, therefore it is very easy to distinguish them from the Pyramid “Summit” strain of cutthroat. Their colors can range from a variety of hues and patterns. Some fish are very colorful with reds and olive hues while other fish can be bright chrome. The bottom line is that when a big pilot peak takes your flight, you had better be prepared to see your backing and hold on tight!
"Pyramid Strain" or "Summit" Lahontan Cutthroat Trout:
As all cutthroat in the lake are hatchery raised, these “Summits” are produced by the tribe whereas the Pilots are produced by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. These fish seem to show up in numbers while fishing and they can be, on average, a little smaller than the Pilots, by no means does that mean they don't come in big shapes and sizes. The Pyramid Strain fish will always have an adipose fin.
Ancient Cui-ui:
Cui-ui are large sucker fish that are native to Pyramid Lake and once lived in numbers in the lake until the construction of Derby Dam in the early 1900s. These fish are naturally freshwater spawners but they can no longer pass through to spawn in the river. The construction of the dam led to less water moving into Pyramid Lake and eventually the water became too high in alkaline for the Cui-ui eggs. They have a long cylinder-like body with a flat head and they can weigh in at over 5lbs. This is an endangered fish, so please use precautions and handle carefully when caught.
Tui Chub:
Tui Chub is the “main entree” on the menu for most of the trout in the lake. These are the cutthroat’s number one food source. These dark olive, brownish fish cruise the shallows during the warmer months. In the colder seasons, they hunker down in the depths. These fish usually aren’t too aggressive until they reach adulthood. Their aggressiveness seems to be a reason for the slow decline of the number of Sacramento Perch in the lake.
Sacramento Perch:
In 1880 Sacramento perch were moved from Washoe Lake to Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake. The Sacramento Perch is a rare sight these days for most anglers across California and Nevada unless you fish the handful of locations where they still exist. As these fish are members of the sunfish family, they share many similarities with bluegill and crappie. Pyramid Lake currently holds Nevada’s state record for the Sacramento Perch which weighs in at 4lbs 9ozs. These fish are best fished late in the spring after the water has begun to warm up significantly.
Learn More About Pyramid Lake
Discover the rich history, cultural significance, and ecological importance of Pyramid Lake by exploring these trusted resources:
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe: Learn about the Paiute Tribe’s stewardship of Pyramid Lake and its cultural heritage.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Explore conservation efforts for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and other species native to the lake.
Nevada Department of Wildlife: Get up-to-date information on fishing regulations and wildlife at Pyramid Lake.
U.S. Geological Survey: Dive into the geological and hydrological history of Pyramid Lake and its connection to ancient Lake Lahontan.
These resources provide a deeper understanding of Pyramid Lake’s unique environment and why it remains a treasured destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike.