Spring-Like Winter Brings Outstanding Fishing to Pyramid Lake
- Sam Vasily
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
February open days: 7-11th, 15-18th, 26-28th
March open days: 2nd-8th,11-12th,14-19th, 26-31st
April open days: 1st-4th, 6-12th
It’s been an unusually warm winter that feels more like spring at Pyramid Lake. With daytime highs reaching the 60s over the last few weeks, the forecast continues to look the same for the near future. The nice weather has allowed us to access all areas of the lake and continue to put our clients on great fishing throughout the day.
Water temperatures are warmer than normal for this time of year (47–49 degrees), which has been keeping the fish active and feeding. Both stripping and indicator fishing have produced equal numbers and sizes of fish, so pick your method and have some fun. (Continued below photos)
Stripping baitfish imitations has been best on bright, sunny days when there isn’t much wind or texture on the water. Under these conditions, being able to cover ground and fish deeper water is key to success. In low-light conditions or during mornings and evenings, stripping foam beetles, boobies, and buggers has been very effective in the shallower water along beaches and drop-offs.
Indicator fishing has also been very effective, especially when there is some current and texture on the lake. Even in flat, calm conditions, the right flies and location can still provide success. Balanced leeches, midges, and nymphs are all producing equally well, depending on conditions. A good rule of thumb is: the calmer the conditions, the more realistic your patterns should be. Downsize your flies when conditions call for it, and don’t be afraid to add some movement—we all know how much these trout love things that are bouncing around.
The remainder of the season is shaping up to offer some of the best fishing of the year as the fish begin to concentrate ahead of the mid-April spawn. If cold winter conditions have kept you from making the trip in the past, this is the year to change that. With spring-like weather and consistent action, now is an excellent time to get out on Pyramid Lake. Dates are filling quickly for late winter and early spring—reach out if you’d like to get on the water and spend a day chasing the world’s largest cutthroat trout.