Monsters in the Desert - Cutthroat Fishing at Pyramid Lake

In the high desert of northern Nevada, just 35 miles from Reno, lies one of the most legendary trophy trout fisheries in the West—Pyramid Lake. Stark, surreal, and surrounded by jagged mountains, this vast alkaline lake is home to the world’s largest strain of cutthroat trout: the Lahontan Cutthroat.

Fishing Pyramid Lake isn’t your typical trout trip. You’re not casting in a quiet mountain stream—you’re wading into a salty inland sea, often from a ladder, braving wind, waves, and winter chill in search of giants. And giants they are. Lahontan Cutthroats regularly top 10 pounds, with fish over 20 not just possible—but expected.

The magic happens from fall through spring, when water temps are cool and the big cutts cruise the shallows. Anglers line the shore with fly rods and spinning setups, working beaches like Pelican Point, Popcorn Rock, and Windless Bay. Stripping buggers and beetles on sinking lines is the fly-fishing go-to, while gear anglers troll spoons, jigs, and even drop shot rigs from boats or the bank.

What sets Pyramid apart isn’t just the size of the fish—it’s the whole experience. The desolate beauty of the landscape, the sudden violence of a take, and the heart-stopping moment when a double-digit trout surges through the surf. You’re not just fishing—you’re hunting dinosaurs.

And with strict tribal regulations and conservation efforts in place, Pyramid Lake’s fishery continues to thrive. It’s a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves trout and isn’t afraid of a little windburn.