Desert Creek - Wellington, NV

Desert Creek, located near Wellington, Nevada, predominantly within the Toiyabe National Forest, functions as a significant coldwater trout fishery. This lotic system, characterized by its diminutive size (averaging 9 ft wide, 2-3 ft deep), sustains populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Tiger Trout (Salmo trutta x Salvelinus fontinalis hybrid), alongside naturally reproducing Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta). Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) are also present. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) actively manages this stream to provide diverse angling opportunities.

Angling methodologies are adapted to small stream environments. Spin casting with diminutive artificial lures (micro-spinners, small spoons) is efficacious in riffles and small pools, requiring precise presentations. Fly fishing is the preeminent method, suitable for discerning trout in confined spaces. Nymphing with imitative patterns (e.g., caddis, small mayfly, stonefly) is consistently effective subsurface. Opportunistic dry fly presentations during active entomological hatches (e.g., Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, terrestrials) demand accurate, drag-free drifts. Optimal fishing periods span from early spring through early summer and again from late summer into fall, contingent upon snowmelt recession and thermal conditions. The creek is generally inaccessible during winter due to freezing. Access is primarily via unpaved Forest Service roads. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current NDOW regulations concerning specific bag limits (e.g., 5 trout, 10 mountain whitefish) and any area-specific provisions, crucial for the sustained management of this valuable high-elevation stream resource.