Manzanita Lake near Reno: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Manzanita Lake is a Washoe County water, Nevada side. It sits in dry open country. Supplies mean a trip to Reno, 0.6 miles off. Further out sit Sparks (3.4 miles) and Sun Valley (4.6 miles). Round about: Lower Peavine Creek Reservoir a shade over 1.9 miles, Virginia Lake lies 2.6 miles on, Hunter Creek Reservoir a shade over 4.3 miles, Alexander Lake lies 6.8 miles on and Swan Lake a shade over 8.5 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Manzanita Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Fish documented in Washoe County include tahoe sucker, great basin cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and brown bullhead. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Manzanita Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 34°F and July at about 71°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. The season on Manzanita Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Metered Parking is the nearest mapped car park, 90 yards out. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Lower Peavine Creek Reservoir is 1.9 miles off. Nothing here settles the position at Manzanita Lake for certain.