Cave Lake was constructed in 1932, was purchased in 1971 by Nevada Department of Wildlife, and within a couple of years was transferred to Nevada Division of State parks. It is located entirely within Cave Lake State Park.
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- Region
- Eastern
- County
- White Pine
- Type of water
- Lake or Reservoir
Fishing Report
The lake is entirely covered with ice. The ice on the southeast end of the lake is sitting at 6 to 7 inches. The ice was not tested in the middle of the lake straight out from the large day-use cove and to the dam. Based on observation the ice quality in this area is poor and anglers should avoid it. Anglers should always use safety equipment while out ice fishing. Anglers are catching 9-to-10-inch rainbow trout right now on a variety of gear, including nightcrawlers, PowerBait, and jigs with soft body baits. There were 8,039 rainbow trout, averaging 9 inches stocked this fall. Anglers should expect to catch hatchery stocked trout, however, there is a chance that you can catch a trout carried over from previous years.
Cave Lake Angler Guide Information
01-30-2026Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Inches | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4020 | Rainbow Trout | 9.0 | 10-12-2025 | 28311 |
| 4019 | Rainbow Trout | 9.0 | 10-11-2025 | 24291 |
| 2940 | Rainbow Trout | 11.9 | 06-07-2025 | 20272 |
| 2150 | Rainbow Trout | 10.0 | 06-04-2025 | 17332 |
| 1134 | Brown Trout | 10.0 | 05-27-2025 | 1134 |
| 2533 | Rainbow Trout | 11.9 | 05-20-2025 | 15182 |
| 4754 | Rainbow Trout | 10.0 | 05-06-2025 | 12649 |
| 3924 | Rainbow Trout | 10.5 | 04-22-2025 | 7895 |
| 3971 | Rainbow Trout | 10.6 | 04-08-2025 | 3971 |
Pertinent Information
Cave Lake covers 32 surface acres with an average depth of 25 feet and a maximum depth of 60 feet. The reservoir consists of stocked rainbow and brown trout. The current state record for brown trout is 27 pounds 5 ounces, caught from Cave Lake back in 1984. Fishing is good all year long with ice fishing popular from December through March. Most trout fishing methods are productive in catching fish such as bottom fishing with salmon eggs, Power Bait, or nightcrawlers. Spinners also do well such as Mepps or Panther Martins. If fly fishing, try wooly bugger or nymph patterns with sinking line near Cave Creek inflow. The normal baits or bright colored jigs work well when ice fishing. Both Cave Creek (feeding the reservoir) and Steptoe Creek (exiting the reservoir) are home to wild, naturally spawned brown trout, but Steptoe Creek is additionally planted with hatchery rainbow trout. In addition, the lake is home to a large abundance of crayfish, which are easily caught from shore to provide for a delicious meal. Try using hot dogs or bacon at night with a minnow trap and net. There are a number of facilities in the park including an improved boat ramp and dock, picnic area, hiking trails, running water, fish cleaning station, restrooms, showers, and 34 camping sites with tables and fire pits. Fees are charged by Nevada State Parks to enter for the day or to camp.