Lahontan Reservoir is located along the Carson River and is part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Newlands Irrigation Project for watering farmland in Lahontan Valley. Lahontan Dam was built in 1905 and water used for irrigation first occurred in 1916. Additionally, water is transferred from the Truckee River at Derby Dam to Lahontan Reservoir via the Truckee Canal.
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- Region
- Western
- County
- Churchill
- Type of water
- Lake or Reservoir
Fishing Report
Lahontan has been fishing very well for walleye, catfish, white bass, carp, and wipers. Carp and white bass can typically be found near the sandy beaches early and late in the day. The walleye, wipers, and catfish seem to prefer some structure. Look for submerged trees and ledges/deep drop-offs to find the wipers and walleye. Rapalas, swim baits, and large spoons have been effective. Catfish fishing has been best during low light periods early and late in the day.
Lahontan Reservoir Angler Guide Information
07-10-2025
Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Inches | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 482 | Wiper | 3.0 | 10-08-2025 | 2482 |
| 2000 | Wiper | 7 | 05-29-2025 | 2000 |
| 1000000 | Walleye | 1.0 | 04-25-2025 | 1000000 |
| 1019 | Wiper | 3.84 | 09-30-2024 | 3419 |
| 2400 | Wiper | 8-10 | 05-23-2024 | 2400 |
| 1950 | Wiper | 8 | 06-07-2023 | 1950 |
Pertinent Information
At maximum storage, Lahontan Reservoir is 17 miles long, covers 10,600 acres, and has a maximum depth of 85 feet near the dam. It has sandy beaches and rock outcroppings, flooded woody debris, a flooded river channel, and various islands. The water is constantly turbid in the upper basin and dense algae blooms generally occur in summer. Better water clarity exists in the large basin near the dam. The primary game fish include wipers (white bass x striper hybrid), white bass, walleye, channel catfish, white catfish, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and crappie. The best fishing occurs from April through July and October. Walleye are caught mostly in spring with the usual gear such as jigs and nightcrawlers trolled in a harness behind flashers, and live minnows. Wipers are caught with crank baits and live minnows. Spinners, spoons, and live minnows are great for white bass and dead minnows, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver fished off the bottom work best for catfish. Lahontan Reservoir is entirely located within Lahontan State Park where fees are charged to enter. Camping, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and boat launching facilities are available.