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Nevada › Fishing › Western Region Regulations

Western Region Regulations

The Western Region includes the nine counties of northwestern Nevada: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey and Washoe. Several popular fishing waters are located within this region including Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake, Knott Creek Reservoir, Pyramid Lake, and the Truckee, Carson and Walker River systems. Pyramid Lake is managed by Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Please contact the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe for regulations and license requirements pertaining to Pyramid Lake. Waters that are popular for warmwater species are Lahontan, Chimney and Rye Patch reservoirs, Humboldt River, Washoe Lake, Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area and several canals and drains in the Lahontan Valley. The Western Region office is located at 1100 Valley Road, Reno, NV 89512, (775) 688-1506.

Important Note: Within the Western Region the general fishing seasons, hours, limits, and regulations apply to all waters EXCEPT those listed under “Western Region Special Regulations.” If the water in which you intend to fish is not listed under the Region’s Special Regulations, then the General Regulations shall apply.

All game fish must be dead before being transported away from the body of water where caught.

Western Region Special Regulations
Area	Season and hours of operation	Limit
Carson City
Baily Fishing Pond	Season is open year round during the hours the park is open to the public.	3 game fish.
Lake Tahoe	Special Regulations: Persons under 16 years of age are not required to have a fishing license. Persons 16 years of age or older must have either a Nevada fishing license or a Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters license; a Nevada short-term fishing permit or a California fishing license.
Lake Tahoe and Tributaries	Season is open year around, 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset, except for the following closed areas: within a 200 yard radius of the mouths of Third, Incline and Wood Creeks; 500 yard radius from Sand Harbor Boat Ramp; and within the boat launch area inside the jetty at Cave Rock Boat Ramp.	5 game fish.

Churchill County
Lahontan Reservoir	Season is open year around, any hour of the day or night except for the Lahontan Dam spilling pool (bowl) which is closed to fishing.	15 game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass, 5 may be walleye, and 2 may be white bass or white bass hybrids (wiper) 15 inches total length or longer. White bass or white bass hybrids (wiper) under 15 inches may be included in the 15 game fish limit.
Carson River below Lahontan Reservoir and all waters in Lahontan Valley	Season is open year around, any hour of the day or night.	25 game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass and 5 may be walleye.
	Health Advisory: The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has issued a health advisory recommending no consumption of any fish from the Carson River from Dayton to Lahontan Dam and all waters in Lahontan Valley due to elevated mercury levels in their flesh.
Liberty Pond	Season is open year around, during the hours the park is open to the public.	3 game fish.
CHURCHILL COUNTY CLOSED WATERS: Lahontan Dam spilling pool (bowl) on the Carson River below Lahontan Dam. All waters within the boundaries of the Stillwater NWR.
Douglas County
Lake Tahoe and Tributaries	See Carson City.
Mitch Park Pond, Lampe Parke Pond, Martin Slough Pond, Seeman Pond	Season is open year around, hours when park is open to the public.	3 game fish.
Spooner Lake	Season is open year around, 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset.	5 trout.
Topaz Lake	Season is open year around one hour before sunrise to two hours after sunset, except for the area within the jetties of Topaz Marina which is closed to fishing.	5 trout, 5 mountain whitefish, and 25 warmwater game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass.
	Special Regulations: There is no chumming at Topaz Lake (see page 33). Persons under 16 years of age are not required to have a fishing license. Persons 16 years of age or older must have either a Nevada fishing license or a Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters license; a Nevada short-term fishing permit or a California fishing license.
DOUGLAS COUNTY CLOSED WATERS: Lake Tahoe within the boat launch area, inside the jetty at the Cave Rock boat ramp, north end. Glenbrook Creek from Lake Tahoe to Hwy 50. Topaz Lake within the jetties of Topaz Marina.
Humboldt County
Big Springs Reservoir	Season is open the second Saturday in May through the last day of February, any hour of the day or night.	5 trout.
	Note: The reservoir has been dry for several years, check on conditions before heading out.
Bilk Creek Reservoir	Season is open year around any hour of the day or night.	5 game fish.
Blue Lakes	Season is open the second Saturday in June through November 15, any hour of the day or night.	5 trout.
	Special Regulations: Only boats without motors are permitted and the area is closed to vehicular traffic.
Chimney Reservoir	Season is open year around any hour of the day or night.	15 gamefish of which not more than 5 may be black bass, 5 may be walleye, 2 may be white bass hybrid (wiper) and zero (0) may be tiger muskie (catch and release only). The minimum length for white bass hybrid is 15 inches total length.
	Health Advisory: The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has issued a health advisory recommending no consumption of walleye from Chimney Reservoir due to elevated mercury levels in their flesh.
James Kinney Pond	Season is open year around, during the hours the park is open to the public.	3 game fish.
Knott Creek Reservoir including inlet and outlet streams	Season is open the second Saturday in June through November 15, any hour of the day or night.	1 trout, minimum size 18 inches total length.
	Special Regulations: Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used. Boats must be operated at a speed that leaves a flat wake.
Onion Valley Reservoir	Season is open the second Saturday in June through November 15, any hour of the day or night.	5 trout.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY CLOSED WATERS: All tributaries to Summit Lake. All waters of the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (within Humboldt County) except Big Springs Reservoir and Dufurrena Ponds. Crowley Creek in the Montana Mountains. Eightmile Creek in the Santa Rosa Range. Donnelly Creek in the Calico Range.
Lyon County
East Walker River	Season is open year around, any hour of the day or night.	5 trout, 10 mountain whitefish and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass.
	Special Regulations: Except in that portion of the East Walker River which is from ¼ mile above the confluence of the East Walker River and Sweetwater Creek downstream to ½ mile below the confluence of the East Walker River and Red Wash Creek, which is catch and release fishing only. Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
Lahontan Reservoir	See Churchill County.
Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area Fort Churchill Cooling Pond Cooperative Management Area	Season is open the second Saturday in February through September 30, 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset.	5 trout and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 2 may be black bass. Minimum size for black bass is 14 inches total length.
	Special Regulations: Fishing is prohibited from the center dike and posted areas. Wading or the use of boats and other floating devices is prohibited.
Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area	Season is open the second Saturday in February through September 30, any hour of the day or night on the following waters: Bass, Crappie, North Pond, Beaver Slough and that portion of the Walker River within the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area.	5 trout and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 2 may be black bass. Minimum size for black bass is 14 inches total length.
Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area Hinkson Slough	Same season as above.	2 trout and 15 warmwater gamefish of which not more than 2 may be black bass. Minimum size for trout is 16 inches total length. Minimum size for black bass is 14 inches total length.
	Special Regulations: Artificial lures only (see General Statewide Regulations).
Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area Eastside Waterfowl Series Ponds	Season is open Aug. 16 through Sept. 30, any hour of the day or night.	5 trout and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 2 may be black bass. Minimum size for black bass is 14 inches total length.
Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area Kuenzli Pond, Hatchery Outpond 1, Hatchery Outpond 2, and Hatchery Outpond 3	Season is open on the first Saturday in May, from 8 a.m. to sunset.	3 game fish of which not more than 1 may be black bass.
	Note: These ponds are open for one day only.
Mountain View Park Pond	Season is open year around when park is open to public.	3 game fish.
LYON COUNTY CLOSED WATERS: All waters within the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area except for those listed above.
Mineral County
Rose Creek Reservoir	Season open year around, any hour of the day or night.	3 game fish.
	Note: Anglers must obtain permission from the Hawthorne Army Depot at (775) 945-7101 or (775) 945-7601. Anglers can also email maryjean.a.belzer.ctr@army.mil for the forms and information.
MINERAL COUNTY CLOSED WATERS: Rose Creek Confluence from the diversion pipe downstream to Walker Lake and Walker Lake within a 100-yard radius of the inflow.
Pershing County
Rye Patch Reservoir and Humboldt River	Season open year around, any hour of the day or night.	25 game fish of which not more than 5 may be trout, 5 may be walleye, 5 may be black bass and 2 may be white bass or white bass hybrids over 15 inches total length or longer. White bass or white bass hybrids under 15 inches total length may be included in the 25 game fish limit.
	Health Advisory: The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has issued a health advisory recommending no consumption of wipers and walleye and no more than one eight-ounce meal per week of any other fish from Rye Patch Reservoir due to elevated mercury levels in their flesh.
Storey County
Truckee River	Season open year around, any hour of the day or night, except in that portion from Derby Dam downstream 1,000 feet, which is closed to fishing.	3 game fish except in that section from E Mustang Road bridge (I-80 Exit 23) downstream to Derby Dam and from 1,000 feet downstream from Derby Dam to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation boundary where the limit is three gamefish of which 1 may be trout.
	Special Regulations: In that portion from E Mustang Road bridge (I-80 Exit 23) to Derby Dam and from 1,000 feet downstream of Derby Dam to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation boundary, only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
STOREY COUNTY CLOSED WATERS: Five Mile Reservoir, and the Truckee River from Derby Dam downstream 1,000 feet.
Washoe County
Catnip Reservoir, tributaries and outlet stream	Season open the second Saturday in June through November 15, any hour of the day or night.	1 trout
	Special Regulations: Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
Hobart Reservoir and tributaries and Franktown Creek downstream from Hobart Reservoir to Red House	Season open May 1 through September 30, 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset.	5 trout, only one of which is longer than 14 inches.
	Special Regulations: Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
Lake Tahoe and Tributaries	See Carson City.
Marlette Lake, tributaries and outlet stream	Season is July 15 through Sept. 30, 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset.	Zero (0) fish, catch and release only.
	Special Regulations: Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
Truckee River	Season open year around, any hour of the day or night, except in that portion from Derby Dam downstream 1,000 feet, which is closed to fishing.	3 game fish except in that section from E Mustang Road bridge (I-80 Exit 23) downstream to Derby Dam and from 1,000 feet downstream from Derby Dam to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation boundary where the limit is three gamefish of which 1 may be trout.
	Special Regulations: In that portion from E Mustang Road bridge (I-80 Exit 23) to Derby Dam and from 1,000 feet downstream of Derby Dam to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation boundary, only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
Washoe County Urban Ponds: Sparks Marina, Davis Creek Park Pond, Marilyn’s Pond, Paradise Pond, Virginia Lake, Idlewild Ponds, Rancho San Rafael Pond, Wilson Common, and Verdi Pond	Season is open year around, during public park hours.	3 game fish.
Washoe Lake	Season open year around, any hour of the day or night.	10 game fish of which not more than 5 may be catfish.
	Special Regulations: Scripps Wildlife Management Area is closed to trespass February 15 through August 15.
	Health Advisory: The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has issued a health advisory recommending no consumption of white bass from Little and Big Washoe Lakes due to elevated mercury levels in their flesh.
WASHOE COUNTY CLOSED WATERS: Third Creek and its tributaries from Lake Tahoe to the Mt. Rose Highway No. 431. Incline Creek and its tributaries from Lake Tahoe to Ski Way and the Mt. Rose Highway No. 431. Wood Creek from Lake Tahoe to the Mt. Rose Highway No. 431. Lake Tahoe within a 200-yard radius of the mouths of Third, Incline and Wood Creeks. A 500-yard radius from Sand Harbor boat ramp. Truckee River from Derby Dam downstream 1,000 feet.

All Regulations are applicable to CR 21-15.

Western Region General Regulations

Open year around, any hour of the day or night.

An AIS Decal is not required for California registered watercraft on Topaz Lake or Lake Tahoe. All Nevada registered motorized and non-motorized vessels must display a current Nevada AIS Decal.

Western Region Limits

Except as noted under “Special Regulations” the limits are as follows:

Carson City, Douglas County, Mineral County, Storey County and Washoe County: The limit is 5 trout, 10 mountain whitefish and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass.

Churchill County and Lyon County: The limit is 5 trout, 10 mountain whitefish and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass and 5 may be walleye.

Humboldt and Pershing County: The limit is 5 trout and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass and 5 may be walleye.

Artificial Lure Waters

See General Statewide Regulations.

Tackle Restrictions

See General Statewide Regulations for more regulations on tackle restrictions.

Bait Regulations

See Fishing with Bait Fish for more regulations on the use of baitfish.

Interstate Waters Fishing and License Information

For information on fishing on interstate waters and license requirements: Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake. Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and the Colorado River, see above.

Attention Anglers - Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has stocked STERILE GRASS CARP in the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area. Grass carp are beneficial in controlling the aquatic vegetation, thereby enhancing habitat for sportfish populations. Their behavior is very different from common carp, which can be destructive to sport fisheries.

NDOW asks anglers that catch grass carp to please return them to the water unharmed. Images to the right help identify the differences between the two.

Health Advisory

The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has issued health advisories that recommend limited consumption of fish species due to elevated mercury levels in their flesh.

In the Western Region the health advisories recommend no consumption of any fish from the Carson River from Dayton to Lahontan Dam and all waters in Lahontan Valley. No consumption of white bass from Little and Big Washoe Lakes; no consumption of wipers and walleye and no more than one eight-ounce meal per week of any other fish from Rye Patch Reservoir and no consumption of walleye from Chimney Dam Reservoir. For more information, go to www.ndow.org.