– Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area (MVWMA) was purchased by the state in 1955 to develop wetlands for waterfowl. As the wetlands expanded, ponds and sloughs were created, which became ideal for warmwater fish such as largemouth bass and catfish. With the completion of the Mason Valley Hatchery in 1990, a constant supply of water was ensured and led to the expansion of the Fish Series ponds.
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- Region
- Western
- County
- Lyon
- Type of water
- Lake or Reservoir
Fishing Report
Fishing has slowed down significantly at Hinkson. Spin fisherman using small spinners are finding a few fish in the early morning from both shore and boats. Fly fisherman using small attractor nymphs and small streamers has been fair early in the day. If you plan on fishing Hinkson this season, please help us monitor the growth and health of the trout in the slough. Majority of the rainbow trout in Hinkson have green or red tags placed near their dorsal fins. If you catch a tagged trout, please report the tag number and size of your catch with NDOW to help continue improving our fishery.
07-10-2025
Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Inches | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1508 | Rainbow Trout | 10.8 | 09-17-2025 | 4446 |
| 2938 | Rainbow Trout | 9.3 | 02-06-2025 | 2938 |
| 1694 | Rainbow Trout | 11.8 | 10-16-2024 | 2635 |
| 941 | Rainbow Trout | 8.4 | 10-16-2024 | 941 |
| 544 | Rainbow Trout | 9.7 | 04-10-2023 | 3591 |
| 257 | Rainbow Trout | 11.9 | 02-07-2023 | 3047 |
| 2790 | Rainbow Trout | 11 | 02-07-2023 | 2790 |
Pertinent Information
The Fish Series Ponds include Hinkson Slough, Bass Pond, Crappie Pond, and North Pond and are the primary ponds that anglers fish. The ponds range from 15 to 200 acres and depths are generally less than five to eight feet deep, although North Pond is 13 feet deep. Management emphasis is generally toward quality largemouth bass angling, however, trout are stocked in North Pond and Hinkson Slough. Trout include bowcutt (rainbow trout x cutthroat trout hybrid), rainbow trout, brown rout, and tiger trout, with Hinkson Slough producing trophy-sizes. Channel catfish and bluegill are also present, with bluegill reaching over one pound. North Pond has an improved boat ramp, and paved parking, and Bass Pond and Hinson Slough have a padded and gravel boat ramp, respectively. Restrooms are placed throughout the management area and at North Pond and Hinkson Slough. Camping is only allowed at Sandridge and North Pond campground on the management area.