Swan Lake Reservoir, Nevada: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Swan Lake Reservoir sits within Washoe County in Nevada. The country here is open valley. At some 1,370 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The perimeter runs near 8.9 miles, so plan the walk before you start. Size puts it in the front rank of our Washoe County list. 50 miles away sits Lakeview, the nearest town. Alturas is 59 miles away, with Winnemucca at 109 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Swan Lake Reservoir

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Species logged across Washoe County include tahoe sucker, great basin cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Swan Lake Reservoir that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put August near 66°F and January near 28°F. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. On Swan Lake Reservoir that shapes the whole year. Spring fish sit shallower than most people expect.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Bald Mountain Lake is 3.6 miles off. Nothing on Swan Lake Reservoir should be assumed from this page alone.