Walker Lake, NV

Dropping lake levels "translate into" fewer fish over three pounds being captured. Catch rates are highest from March-May and mid- September through December.

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Walker Lake
Mineral County

Latest information from NDOW as of February 2006— Pat Sollberger Western region Biologist reports Walker Lake has slowed down some with boat and shore anglers expecting to catch 1-3 fish each outing. Results are about the same all over the lake.

Walker Lake is located 12 miles north of Hawthorne and 55 miles south of Fallon off U.S. 95. It is a terminal lake (lake with no outlet) that is fed by the Walker River. Walker Lake is a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan that once covered most of the Great Basin 50,000 years ago. The native Lahontan cutthroat trout still inhabit Walker Lake, but the fishery is now maintained by hatchery stocks. River barriers prevent any natural reproduction. Upstream water demands have decreased lake levels by 130 feet since the turn of the century. The decreased water levels have led to increased levels of dissolved solids (salts) and increased the alkalinity to near lethal limits for all fish life in the lake. An increase in lake elevations or a decrease in dissolved solid levels is needed to secure the future of the lake.

Regulations Season is open year round, any hour of the day or night. Possession is 5 trout per day or in possession. There are no restrictions on tackle, however, live minnows must be obtained from within the Walker River drainage. Boating Regulations No boating is allowed within a 100-yard radius of the Rose Creek confluence on the southwest side of the lake. Boats must maintain a flat wake within the marked buoy areas around docks and launching areas. Fish Species Cutthroat Trout Tui Chub Tahoe Suckers Camping Both improved (Sportsmen's Beach) and primitive camping are available at the lake. There are also two small stores that sell limited groceries and fishing supplies.

Advice and Tips Spoons and flatfish are the most productive lures. Shore fishing can, at times, be productive. Again, spoons are the preferred tackle. Getting Here FROM FALLON — Travel south of Fallon for 55 miles along US 95. FROM YERINGTON — Travel west of Yerington for 50 miles along US 95A.