Josephine Reservoir, Nevada: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Josephine Reservoir is one of the Elko County waters in Nevada. Elevation runs to 5,161 feet. It runs to roughly 35 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Elko at 82 miles is the nearest place to stop. The nearest city of size is Boise, 119 miles away. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Josephine Reservoir

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Public occurrence data for Elko County names brook trout, rainbow trout, tahoe sucker, great basin cutthroat trout and mountain sucker. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. The shape of Josephine Reservoir decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 27°F in January to roughly 69°F in August. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Josephine Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Garat Reservoir G10 at 3.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Josephine Reservoir are worth checking on the day.