Humboldt River - NV

River Information

Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Common Carp, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Brown Bullhead, Wiper, Walleye
The Humboldt River, an extensive endorheic system traversing northern Nevada, presents a distinctive and predominantly warmwater fishery. Its lotic and lacustrine environments support significant populations of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), and various panfish. The river's hydrological regime, characterized by substantial seasonal and inter-annual fluctuations influenced by arid climate and agricultural demand, dictates fish distribution and activity.

Angling methodologies are adapted to these species. Bottom-fishing with natural or prepared baits is highly efficacious for Catfish. Bass species respond to a variety of artificial lures, particularly near submerged structures. Fly fishing with poppers or streamers can also be productive for bass. Optimal fishing periods for warmwater species span from late spring through early autumn. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) regulations concerning bag limits and any area-specific provisions. Access varies along its extensive course, often necessitating navigation of private land boundaries. The Humboldt River offers a unique, resilient fishery within an arid fluvial landscape.



Latest Photos

22 lbs. 5 oz.
Over 36 inches long with a 23 inch girth
Pedro Gonzales
8-16-2023
Photo Credit: Courtesy of CJ
3-16-2021
Photo Credit: Courtesy of CJ
3-16-2021
Photo Credit: Courtesy of CJ
3-15-2021

Humboldt River Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Common Carp 22 lbs. 5 oz. 8-16-2023 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSource# of Fish
9-09-2022Brown BullheadNDOW7251


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
2-20-2025 Humboldt River Report
Stocking – Fish in the Humboldt River are... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
11-30-2023 A Wave of Emotion
Banner day for one biologist, population of Lahontan... more »
Robyn Gerstenslager
8-16-2023 22.31 lb. Carp - Humboldt River
            Check out the latest new water record!   Pedro Gonzales... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
12-2-2022 Flows are better below the reservoir and fishing is slow to fair
Very little change here as flows on the... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
11-18-2022 Very little change here as flows on the South Fork of the Humboldt are very low
Very little change here as flows on the... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife

Detailed Map