Rye Patch Reservoir was created in 1936 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation along the Humboldt River for flood control and irrigation for agriculture in the Lovelock Valley. The Pershing County Water Conservation District controls dam operations and reservoir storage, and the elevation is subject to drastic fluctuations. The Rye Patch State Recreation Area, designated in 1971, surrounds the reservoir.
- Region
- Western
- County
- Pershing
- Type of water
- Lake or Reservoir
Fishing Report
Fishing has been good at Rye patch. The abundant water over the last several years has helped significantly improve the overall health of this fishery. Fishing for smallmouth bass, carp, and walleye should continue to be good through the summer. Structure is key to finding good fish Rye Patch. Rapalas, swim baits, and larger spoons can produce both walleye and smallmouth through the summer.
Rye Patch Reservoir Angler Guide Information
07-10-2025Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Inches | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000000 | Walleye | 1 | 04-25-2025 | 1000000 |
| 1458 | Raibow Trout | 9.0 | 10-29-2024 | 10338 |
| 8880 | Rainbow Trout | 9.3 | 06-07-2024 | 8880 |
| 800 | Channel Catfish | 5 | 05-23-2024 | 800 |
| 600000 | Wiper | 0.25 | 05-20-2024 | 600000 |
| 700000 | Walleye | 0.25 | 04-25-2024 | 700000 |
| 600000 | Wiper | .25 | 05-18-2023 | 600000 |
Pertinent Information
The maximum depth is 61 feet with an average depth of less than 30 feet. The reservoir has a surface area of 10,820 acres when full. Game fishes include white crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, wipers (striper x white bass hybrid), walleye, yellow perch, channel catfish, bluegill, and white bass. The best time to fish is late March for walleye, early April and May for channel catfish, and early May for wipers. Late summer and early fall are the best times for white crappie. Fishing methods include throwing crankbaits, crappie jigs, and live minnows, which all work well during early to mid-spring and fall. Channel catfish are caught on live minnows, liver, nightcrawlers, and shrimp. Camping occurs at developed State Park sites near the dam (Westside and River campgrounds) and at the Pitt-Taylor Arm.