Wilson Reservoir - Mountain City, NV

Wilson Reservoir, nestled within the remote Jarbidge Mountains near Mountain City, Nevada, constitutes a highly esteemed, high-alpine coolwater fishery. This impoundment, fed by tributaries of the Jarbidge River, sustains robust populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), significant populations of wild Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), and the highly prized Tiger Trout (Salmo trutta x Salvelinus fontinalis), a sterile hybrid renowned for its aggressive predatory behavior and substantial growth potential. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) consistently augments trout populations to ensure a high-quality, trophy-oriented recreational fishery.

Angling methodologies are comprehensive and adapted to lacustrine conditions, often targeting large piscivores. Conventional bait presentations utilizing PowerBait, worms, or salmon eggs are efficacious, requiring sufficient weight for deeper water. Spin casting with medium to large artificial lures (spinners, spoons, crankbaits) yields consistent results, particularly when trolling or casting along structural features. Fly fishing is exceptionally productive, predominantly from float tubes or small powerboats, facilitating effective coverage of the reservoir's extensive depths. Nymphing with imitative patterns (e.g., large midges, caddis, mayfly) and aggressively retrieved streamer patterns (e.g., large baitfish imitations) are consistently effective for eliciting strikes from trophy-sized fish. Optimal fishing periods span from late spring through autumn, correlating with ice-free conditions and elevated metabolic activity. Access is inherently challenging, necessitating navigation of primitive dirt roads, often requiring 4x4 capability, and preparedness for wilderness conditions. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current NDOW regulations concerning specific bag limits and any area-specific provisions, crucial for the sustained management of this premier high-alpine trophy trout resource.