Pyramid Lake opens Oct. 1 for 2004 cutthroat season

By Don Quilici

Pyramid Lake will open tomorrow morning (Oct. 1) for its 2004-2005 Lahontan cutthroat trout fishing season.

To reach the lake, take U.S. 395 north from Carson City to I-80 in Reno. Then, take I-80 east to the Pyramid Way Exit in Sparks. Take a combination of Pyramid Way and the Pyramid Lake Highway north for about 30 miles to the lake.

You'll catch Lahontan cutthroat trout, up to about 10-15 pounds. However, the majority of the trout will be under 16 inches in length or between 19 and 24 inches in length. These trout are known as "Shakers," and must be released unharmed.

Special regulations:

You must fish with artificial flies or lures only, and there is a two-trout possession limit.

You can keep two trout which are 16-19 inches in length or you can keep one trout 16-19 inches plus one trout over 24 inches. These are known as "Keepers."

Special Note: You will be fishing on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, and will need a special Pyramid Lake fishing and boating permit.

The cost is $7 for a one-day permit for a fisherman or boat or $50 for an annual permit for fishing or your boat.

Those permits can be purchased at locations such as the Gilly Sporting Goods Store in Sparks, or at the small store just after you enter the Reservation on the Pyramid Lake Highway or at the Pyramid Lake Marina at Sutcliffe on the west side of the lake.

You do not need a Nevada fishing license or a Nevada Trout Stamp.

For information, call the Pyramid Lake Tribal Office at (775) 574-1000 or the Pyramid Lake Marina at (775) 476-1156 or the Pyramid Lake Store at (775) 476-0555 or the Gilly Sporting Goods Store in Sparks at 358-6113.