Welcome to 2025 Nevada Fishing

Welcome to another exciting year of fishing in the beautiful waters of Nevada! Whether you’re here to catch a record-breaking trout or simply trying to outsmart the “elusive snag,” we’re thrilled to have you on the water. Now, before you cast your first line, let’s talk about the big catch of the day—our fishing regulations! Yes, I know, rules may not be as exciting as landing a trophy trout, but trust me, they’re here to help us keep Nevada’s fisheries thriving.

Nevada’s 2025 fishing forecast continues to look up with increased recruitment and holdover of fish populations thanks to the favorable precipitation the state received in the 2023 and 2024 water years. Consistent stream flows and full reservoirs have fish populations flourishing and fish growing at exceptional rates. Many waters throughout the state that are susceptible to fluctuating levels during drought periods are now full and spilling. This results in fishing conditions throughout the state that haven’t been seen in nearly a decade. During these times, our fisheries biologists have documented growth rates of ½ inch or more per month! Waters such as Lakes Mead and Mohave, Wildhorse Reservoir, and Lahontan Reservoir should offer some excellent fishing opportunities. We will also see the return of fishing at Cave Lake in White Pine County after the completion of a dam rehabilitation project.

Our simplified 365-day Nevada fishing license makes it easier than ever to go fishing. This license includes everything you need to fish for one year with no additional stamps or permits necessary. Speaking of easy, we want to make it as easy as possible for kids to fish in Nevada. Thanks to generous donations from Nevada’s conservation community, we are offering youth ages 12-17 years old a free 365-day license. Kids younger than 12 can go fishing in Nevada for free, however it doesn’t stop there. June 14, 2025, is Nevada’s Free Fishing Day where everyone in Nevada can fish for free that day. Throughout the state each year on Free Fishing Day we host locally led free fishing events. With all these opportunities, there is no excuse not to experience one of the nearly 800 fishable waters in Nevada. Let’s keep Nevada’s fishing legacy for generations to come. So, gear up, and let’s make some memories out there. Get online, get outside, and go have fun!

Sincerely,
Alan Jenne – Director, Nevada Department of Wildlife