Smith Lake Fishing Guide, Elko County, Nevada

• Overview

  Out in Elko County, Nevada, sits Smith Lake. The land about it is lake country bush. At 5 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Most waters listed here for Elko County are larger. Nearest town is Wells, 8.6 miles off. Further out sit Spring Creek (33 miles) and Elko (38 miles). One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Smith Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Reported across Elko County: brook trout, rainbow trout and tahoe sucker. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Smith Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August runs about 61°F on average, January about 23°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Winter locks it down, and late April brings it back. The water is typically free of ice between late April and late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Smith Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Angel Lake, 0.6 miles away. Where Smith Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.