We are headed into spring and the temps are ideal for fishing Pyramid. We’ve seen some quality fish lately!
Tag Archives: popcorn beetle
BOISE VALLEY FLY FISHERS
Join us at our booth at Expo Idaho this weekend! We will be presenting on Pyramid Lake at 7 p.m. Friday night. Come chat with us about going after these monsters!
BIG LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT
This big Lahontan Cutthroat Trout weighed in at 15 pounds after subtracting the net. Dave reeled this monster in and was using a Popcorn Beetle. Nice Cuttie Dave!
SEASON OPENER OCT. 1, 2017
That time will soon be upon us to search for the elusive 20 pound Lahontan Cutthroat Trout! We’re looking forward to landing these massive cutties on the alkaline lake just north of Reno once again. Our premium custom made ladders are good to go, and the flies are being tied! We’re stocking up on large zebra midge patterns, balanced leeches, woolly buggers, boobies, and popcorn beetles. We were able to land 6 trout over 10 pounds in just 4 weeks last season before the lake closed due to road damage from flooding, and we expect this year to be just as epic. Once the lake re-opened in late February crowds were a bit thick, but the fishing was GOOD. We thank the Tribe for letting us enjoy this amazing fishery!
Contact us to book your guided trip on Pyramid Lake, Nevada– our days are filling up fast! Our outfitter is located right on the lake for your convenience. Lunch, ladders, and gear are always included. Check out our Guided Trips page for more info. or call 801-706-7836.
ALL INCLUSIVE FISHING TRIPS ON PYRAMID LAKE NEVADA
FISHERMEN’S DELIGHT $475/day- ALL INCLUSIVE FISHING TRIPS TO PYRAMID LAKE! Meals, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), gear, instruction, shuttling/transportation, and lodging included for 2 Anglers*. ($200 deposit/terms required). Here’s your view from the front deck!
AMENITIES- In addition to full instruction during your guided trip on Pyramid Lake, we offer an all inclusive premium experience. Here’s what’s included during your stay:
Lodging/Beds:
Pyramid Lake Guides lake house (single Wide Trailer with several room additions) is located in Sutcliffe, NV at Pyramid Lake. The grounds include a fully fenced backyard and garden, large wood front deck overlooking the lake, wood stove and Coleman portable hot tub- both to be installed by Feb. 2017 (propane heated currently). The bathroom is fully stocked with Dr. Bronners Peppermint soap, Redken Shampoo/Conditioner, and fresh towels by Tommy Hilfiger. Bedding provided includes, pillows, cotton linens, down comforters, and Coleman flannel sleeping bags. Twin bed in guest room, and pull out bed in living room (sleeps 2), foam sleeping pads (single size- quanity 2), and blow up queen size beds (2) available for sleeping options. We are happy to accommodate up to 4 anglers/guests- please be aware that sleeping pads and/or blow up beds will need to be utilized for parties with more than 2 guests. Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome for an additional $20/day (must get along with 7 yr old black lab/flat coated retriever located on premises, aggressive breeds are not permitted).
4k 50″ TV available in main living room, 24″ TV in guest room. Dish TV with Hopper/Joey receivers and all the premium and outdoor channels available (including HBO, Showtime, and the World Fishing Network). Xbox One available with 2 paddles, and array of board games (including Settlers of Catan), Ipod auxiliary hookup with subwoofer and speakers, and an extensive DVD collection all available for your use. Phone service can be limited on Pyramid- please feel free to tether one of our devices with Verizon to check your emails or post your big fish pic on Instagram or Facebook!
Washer and dryer available for your use, with Tide detergent. Your Licensed Fishing Guide and Guest Attendant/Chef are in-house to accommodate any of your trips needs- we are happy to help with laundry, cooking, and fly tying!
Kitchen:
We offer a full kitchen available for your use, if you choose to do your own cooking. Dishes are Made in England by Adams. Pots and pans are Farberware made in the USA and are premium quality, cast iron pans by Lodge also available. You’ll find an array of high-quality Williams-Sonoma tools at your disposal. Wustof Classic knives Made in Germany are in-house for all of your cutting needs. Kitchen-Aid mixer, ricemaker, waffle makers, electric roaster, coffee bean grinder and brewer, toaster oven, microwave, Rival Crock-pots, and blender include the electronics in the kitchen.
Food:
Rich roasted whole bean coffee is ground fresh and brewed each morning. Take a Stanley thermos full to keep warm on the lake! -we have 2 size options for your trip. Enjoy breakfast with fresh local eggs made to order, or if you’re one to head out early for the morning bite grab a quick granola bar and fruit. Fresh thyme, chives, and rosemary available in the garden year-round, and please help yourself to our spice rack including a variety of brands like McCormick and Lawry’s. Lunches include Boar-Head premium meats and cheeses, with all the veggie fixins and condiments- including fresh cut jalapenos and Sriracha for those who like it spicy. Also included with lunch- chips, bottled water, and a treat. Dinners include an appetizer of gourmet cheeses, fruits, nuts, and condiments, an entrée- typically lemon pepper chicken, potroast, or hearty homemade soups with artisan breads, and a light dessert- typically dark chocolates or decadent cookies. If you’re comfortable in the kitchen please feel free to cook on your own! We are flexible to your needs. We gladly accommodate all special dietary needs and requests.
Drink:
Alkaline drinking water is available hot or cold from an Oasis brand dispenser located in the kitchen. Bottled water and sodas, and hot coffee, tea, or hot cocoa available throughout the day while on the lake. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine on us to wind down from your fishing excursion! Premium brands available with all the mixings. We love special requests and gladly accept them ahead of time!
Equipment:
We use Fenwick Aetos, and Echo rods and Pfleuger reels- to name a few. Nets are of the highest quality in order to be gentle on these massive fish. Custom built light-weight, comfort seating ladders available for up to 4 Anglers. We prefer Scientific Angler and Airflo lines. Flies are tied by Nick (your Guide) onsite in the guest room (one with the twin bed). You’ll find our fully stocked fly tying desk available for your leisure. Materials and hooks (Daiichi, Voodoo Custom Tackle) are of premium quality- get a personal DIY on our vice by Regal from Nick for tying Doug’s famous Popcorn Beetle! -our favorite fly on this lake. Spin fisherman can get an upclose look at Richard Cross’ Zig Jig tied with marabou. All gear is included- please bring your own weather appropriate clothing, boots, and waders (we strongly encourage Neoprene for this lake). Hand warmers included!
Transportation provided to/from Reno Airport and to all beaches on Pyramid Lake, NV. Your ride will be one of our Toyota Landcruisers equipped with Cooper Tires, Titan Rod Vault, and Cabela’s Utility Rack (for ladders). In our guide rigs we always carry a First Aid Kit, shovel, and extra warm clothing for your safety!
Want something that you don’t see? Just ask! We’re here to meet every need when fishing Pyramid Lake.
435-901-1921, 801-706-7836 fishingwithnick@gmail.com
*Willing to accommodate up to 4 guests- $75 extra per Angler per day
FISHING REPORT PYRAMID LAKE
The last few days were very slow on Pyramid Lake, but these anglers stuck it out and it paid off! Bob G. out of Virginia landed his first fish on a fly rod this morning, it weighed in at 13.2 lbs. and was caught on Doug’s Original Popcorn Beetle. 
Utah angler Rob Peterson landed his first Lahontan Cutthroat on a black booby on Sunday just before dusk. Nice chromer! 
Guide Nick Jackson caught a nice one on Sunday as well, weighing in at 11 lbs. Great job guys! 
TOP 10 TIPS FOR FISHING PYRAMID LAKE, NEVADA
- BUY SOME SHOOTING GOGGLES: We like to use yellow lense shooting glasses for low-light situations on the lake. We use our $300 polarized pair for the majority of the day, but during those last few hours when the magic happens on Pyramid it gets tough to see- we purchased this Radians pair for $7 at Sportsman’s.
2. BE PREPARED IN YOUR AUTO: Always carry a shovel, jumper cables, and an extra change of dry clothing. You never know when weather will hit on this lake, and that sand can get soft. A tow from the local company is around $400 so make sure you are prepared. We like to carry extra fleece blankets and jackets to throw under the tires for traction when stuck in snow or sand. Fish with a buddy and extra vehicle whenever possible and always make sure both of your rigs start before leaving the beach.
3. USE SURGICAL GLOVES: Use nitrile or latex surgical or mechanic gloves while fishing this lake. The waterproof barrier is much needed and is less likely to harm the fishes outer slime than most winter gloves, and are thin enough that you can still feel your line with your fingers. You can layer with a liner underneath for warmth. We prefer the thicker, low-profile black color rather than the bright blue or purple as sometimes seen. We got the box of Raven Nitrile XL gloves at O’Reilly Autoparts for about $20 for 100 pair.
4. USE MOTHER NATURE TO DETERMINE YOUR FISHING SPOT: The notoriously windy weather on Pyramid can be used to your advantage. If you’re new to the alkaline lake and are not sure which beach to fish, select one where the wind will be blowing towards you. The massive Lahontan Cutthroat head into the shorelines to feed on Tui Chub and other bait during bad storms. Rolling waves and wind in your face are great indications of prime fishing on this lake.
5. TAKE A STEP LADDER: The height of just a few steps will help keep you out of the cold splashing waves, and the elevation will assist you in seeing those monster fish, and give your cast a boost. If you’re planning on spending quite a bit of time on this lake we suggest investing in a comfortable custom made ladder- they are easy to transport with the attached wheels and light-weight frame, and the padded seat provides all day comfort.
6. TAKE TWO RODS: Use one with sinking line for streamers, and an additional rod with a floating line for indicator fishing. We prefer Scientific Anglers lines. In addition to fly rods, we always carry a jig stick for spin fishing- we love Richard Cross’ Zig Jig, and Voodoo Custom Tackle’s heavy duty hooks.
7. TOP PYRAMID LAKE FLIES: When in doubt of which fly to select on Pyramid Lake a safe bet is a black Woolly Bugger and/or Doug Ouellette’s Original Popcorn Beetle on sinking lines. For floating lines and indicator fishing use a variety of midges, such as a Snowcone, and/or a balanced leech in black, white, or olive. And remember to CRIMP YOUR BARBS! (Please see Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Regulations before fishing the lake, as it is on a Native American Reservation and NV fishing laws do not apply).
8. USE NEOPRENE WADERS: Breathable waders are fine for calm, warmer days and spring fishing on Pyramid, but during those frigid winter months (Dec, Jan, Feb) you’re going to want to use thick neoprene waders in at least 5 mil thickness. We like Rustic Ridge and Cabela’s brands for the cold fishing season in Nevada. They are both extremely warm and comfortable, and the attached boot makes it easy to slip them on and off.
9. USE HEATED INSOLES: We always have a back-stock of handwarmers in our rigs for those cold winter days on Pyramid. Additionally we like to use battery powered insoles for our feet. We picked up this Therma-cell pair at Cabela’s bargain cave for half price, full retail is around $175. Those with poor circulation or on days when the temps are below freezing your toes will thank you. They are intended to keep your feet at room temperature (appx.) so don’t expect a super high heat, if your feet are not numb then they are working properly.
10. SLEEP IN: If you are like so many thirsty anglers coming to Pyramid Lake just a few times a year, you might gravitate towards local watering hole Crosby Lodge. The drinks are killer and local DJ Jack the Music Doctor keeps the tunes going all weekend long. Combined with the hospitality of owners Fred and Judy Crosby, local banter and swapping of fishing tales, impromptu dance parties, and ample flowing booze a hangover is more than likely and sometimes catching that 5am bite just doesn’t happen. But we suggest hitting the snooze button for a different reason- we like to call the afternoon bite the “Magic Hour”– if the weather isn’t ideal for fishing, or if life just flat-out has you busy the rest of the day head to the beach around 2:00 or 2:30pm until about 5:15pm. We have found that the afternoon tends to be the most productive hours in the day for fishing Pyramid.
Good luck out there anglers! For even more inside intel on fishing Pyramid Lake consider hiring one of our knowledgable guides for a day trip or clinic with your buddies, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the most up to date fishing conditions.
LIKE AND SHARE! @pyramidlakeguides
SPRING SNOW STORM ON PYRAMID LAKE
Last weekend brought 20″ of new snow to the Reno/Tahoe mountain areas, and we all know what storms mean on Pyramid- great fishing! These guys from Utah and Mass killed it. The March spawn has fish coming close to shore, but with the unpredictable spring weather you never quite know what you are going to get from ladder/shore fishing. This group was already experienced in fly fishing so with just a few tips they were able to have an awesome day on the lake. For those less experienced, or even just unfamiliar with the unique fishery of Pyramid Lake, Guide Nick Jackson provides detailed clinics and guided trips to go over knots, flies, wind, gear, casting, fishy behavior and so on. He’s also very open about providing DIY information so that angler’s can enjoy Pyramid on their own during their next visit to Nevada’s alkaline lake. Nice job guys- thanks for a great day!
THE ORIGINAL POPCORN BEETLE by Doug Ouellette
In support of fellow guide and friend Doug Ouellette- the master of Pyramid Lake fishing- we would encourage others to share the word on the origin of the Popcorn Beetle. Read the real story here.
http://www.pyramidlakeguideservice.com/fly-patterns/
OVER 40 FISH LANDED MAR.22, 2016- PYRAMID LAKE CLINIC
These four great guys did an awesome job at Pyramid Lake Guides’ clinic yesterday. The group had wanted detailed instruction on casting technique and a break down of rigs, flies, wind, etc.- Licensed Guide Nick Jackson gave them just what they ordered. Part of the group, two twin brothers, had met Nick in Reno and started their planning from a conversation about fishing gear at Sportsmen’s Warehouse. They were hesitant to go out on Tuesday because of some incoming wind- with some encouragement they made the trek over from Susanville Tuesday morning. Man did they make the right choice! -the fishing was MUCH slower today. These guys absolutely reeled it in on Tuesday with 41 fish to the net, and a few missed! Doug Ouellette’s Original Popcorn Beetle was the fly of choice. Great job guys!
