Top fish species at Washoe Lake
See all species in the Fishbrain app
Check which species have trophy potential in Washoe Lake
Washoe Lake fishing reports
More catches in the app...
Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
Fishing regulations at Washoe Lake, NV
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Nevada can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Channel catfish as of April 1st, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Channel catfish
Seasons
Open
Aggregate
15
Western Region Daily Limits
Except as noted under "Special Regulations" the daily limits are as follows:Carson City, Churchill County, Douglas County, Lyon County, Humbolt County, Mineral County, Pershing County, Storey County and Washoe County: The limit is 5 trout, 5 mountain whitefish and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass and 5 may be walleye.Possession Limits
The possession limit is two times the daily limit for the water in which the fish are caught. Possession limits apply to both general and special regulation waters.Ictalurus punctatus
Western Region Daily Limits
Except as noted under "Special Regulations" the daily limits are as follows:Carson City, Churchill County, Douglas County, Lyon County, Humbolt County, Mineral County, Pershing County, Storey County and Washoe County: The limit is 5 trout, 5 mountain whitefish and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass and 5 may be walleye.Possession Limits
The possession limit is two times the daily limit for the water in which the fish are caught. Possession limits apply to both general and special regulation waters.Daily LimitsExcept as noted below the daily limits are as follows: 5 trout, 5 mountain whitefish and 15 warmwater game fish of which not more than 5 may be black bass and 5 may be walleye.Possession LimitsThe possession limit is two times the daily limit for the water in which the fish are caught. Possession limits apply to both general and special regulation waters.
Catnip Reservoir, tributaries and outlet streamSeason open year round, any hour of the day or night.1 troutSpecial Regulations: Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
Hobart Reservoir and tributaries and Franktown Creek downstream from Hobart Reservoir to Red HouseSeason open May 1 through October 31; 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset.5 trout, of which not more than 2 may be tiger trout.Special Regulations: Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
Lake Tahoe and TributariesSee Carson City.
Marlette Lake, tributaries and outlet streamSeason is July 15 through Sept. 30; 1 hour before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset.Zero (0) fish, catch and release only.Special Regulations: Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
Truckee RiverYear round; any hour of the day or night, except in that portion from Derby Dam downstream 1,000 feet, which is closed to fishing.3 game fish except in that section from E Mustang Road bridge (I-80 Exit 23) downstream to Derby Dam and from 1,000 feet downstream from Derby Dam to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation boundary where the limit is 3 gamefish of which 1 may be trout.Special Regulations: In that portion from E Mustang Road bridge (I-80 Exit 23) to Derby Dam and from 1,000 feet downstream of Derby Dam to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation boundary, only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.Twelvemile CreekOpen year round, any hour of the day or night.2 trout
Washoe County Urban Ponds: Battle Born Pond, Davis Creek Park Pond, Idlewild Ponds, Marilyn's Pond, Paradise Ponds, Rancho San Rafael Pond, Sparks Marina, Verdi Pond, Virginia Lake, and Wilson CommonYear round; hours are when the park is open to public use.3 game fish.
Washoe LakeSeason open year around, any hour of the day or night.10 game fish of which not more than 5 may be catfish.Special Regulations: Scripps Wildlife Management Area is closed to trespass February 15 through August 15.Health Advisory: The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has issued a health advisory recommending no consumption of white bass from Little and Big Washoe Lakes due to elevated mercury levels in their flesh.
WASHOE COUNTY CLOSED WATERS: Third Creek and its tributaries from Lake Tahoe to the Mt. Rose Highway No. 431. Incline Creek and its tributaries from Lake Tahoe to Ski Way and the Mt. Rose Highway No. 431. Wood Creek from Lake Tahoe to the Mt. Rose Highway No. 431. Lake Tahoe within a 200-yard radius of the mouths of Third, Incline and Wood Creeks. A 500-yard radius from Sand Harbor boat ramp. Truckee River from Derby Dam downstream 1000 feet is closed to fishing.
Regulations for
39°16′34.2″N 119°48′19.7″W
FAQ about Washoe Lake fishing
Washoe Lake is a lake located in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. Its coordinates are:
39°16′34.2″N 119°48′19.7″W
.Find the best fishing spots on Washoe Lake by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
The most common species in Washoe Lake are:
- Channel catfish - 18 members reported to have caught this fish
- Common carp - 16 members reported to have caught this fish
- Yellow bullhead - 11 members reported to have caught this fish
The latest Washoe Lake fishing reports are:
- @Eli707 reported a nice Channel catfish.
- @Eli707 reported a nice Channel catfish.
- @pedro-meza reported a nice White bass.
- @pedro-meza reported a nice White bass.
- @manamiwashington reported a nice Channel catfish.
Download Fishbrain and fish smarter
Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish.
Free trial available