Ruby Lake NWR - Elko, NV

Spot Information

Fish Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Coastal Cutthroat, Tiger Trout
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), situated in a remote high-desert valley southeast of Elko, Nevada, functions as a regionally and ecologically significant fishery. This expansive wetland complex, fed by numerous springs, sustains one of the most genetically pure and robust populations of native Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi), making its conservation a paramount objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Concurrently, the refuge supports thriving warmwater populations of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and Sacramento Perch (Archoplites interruptus).

Angling methodologies are diversified by target species and refuge-specific regulations. For Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, fly fishing is the preeminent method; large streamer patterns (e.g., Woolly Buggers, baitfish imitations) aggressively stripped along weed lines or channels are highly efficacious. Nymphing and opportunistic dry fly presentations during prolific entomological or terrestrial hatches (e.g., Callibaetis, damsel flies, grasshoppers) also yield significant results for LCT. Warmwater species respond to conventional bass and panfish lures and bait. Optimal fishing periods span from spring through autumn, corresponding to ice-free conditions and species-specific thermal activity. Ice fishing constitutes a significant winter fishery. Access is often challenging via unpaved roads, and specific refuge regulations concerning areas, methods, and seasonal closures must be strictly adhered to. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current USFWS and NDOW regulations, crucial for the sustained ecological integrity and recreational quality of this unique and vital wetland ecosyste



Latest Photos

20 lbs. 4 oz.
Photo Credit: 📷 NDOW
Eric McBride
7-14-2022
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Will Wolf
5-19-2020
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Will Wolf
5-19-2020
12-10-2018

Ruby Lake NWR Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Tiger Trout 20 lbs. 4 oz. 7-14-2022 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSource# of Fish
5-20-2025Brown TroutNDOW977
4-15-2025Rainbow TroutNDOW696
4-10-2025Rainbow TroutNDOW700
4-09-2025Rainbow TroutNDOW2997
12-05-2024Tiger TroutNDOW1188


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
7-3-2025 Trout fishing has been fair to good following spring stockings
Trout fishing has been fair to good following... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
6-10-2025 Trout fishing has been fair to good following spring stockings
Harrison Pass is open. Trout fishing has been... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
5-23-2025 Spring stocking has begun
Harrison Pass is open. Spring stocking has begun... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
5-16-2025 Harrison Pass is open
Harrison Pass is open. Spring stocking has begun... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife
5-1-2025 Spring stocking has begun with rainbow trout stocked in Unit 21 and South Lakes
Harrison Pass is open. Spring stocking has begun... more »
Nevada Department of Wildlife

Detailed Map