Fishing at Boulder Lake, Elko County, Nevada

• Overview

  Boulder Lake sits within Elko County in Nevada. The ground around here is mixed forest. At roughly 6 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Nevada listings. Nearest town is Wells, 16 miles off. Then Spring Creek, 27 miles, and Elko, 34 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Boulder Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Elko County records list brook trout, rainbow trout and tahoe sucker among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Boulder Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 60°F; by January the average is down near 23°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Look for the thaw near early May; the fishing lifts straight after. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early May until roughly late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Time your trip to Boulder Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. The nearest alternative is Steele Lake, 0.6 miles out. Rules at Boulder Lake are worth checking on the day.