Fishing Regulations

This information is a summary of fishing regulations for all land management agencies associated with the Snake Range. The official fishing regulations for the State of Nevada are published by the Nevada Department of Wildlife in Nevada Fishing Seasons and Regulations. Read it before you go fishing! A copy of this booklet is available at all registered license agents or you can receive a copy by calling (775)-289-1655.

Fishing shall be in accordance with all laws in the Superintendent's Compendium and all non-conflicting fishing regulations of the State of Nevada. Where there is a conflict between a state regulation and a federal (NPS) regulation, the state regulation is superseded by the federal regulation. For state fishing regulations go to the Nevada Department of Wildlife e-regulations website.

Please report violators to the nearest ranger or call (775) 234-7331. Wildlife violations outside Great Basin National Park can be reported to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-992-3030.

License

Persons possessing a valid Nevada state fishing license may fish all open Snake Range waters. Licenses must be displayed on demand by authorized personnel.

The park does not sell fishing licenses. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at the Nevada Department of Wildlife website.

Nevada License Requirements

All residents and non-residents ages 12 and older must have a valid Nevada fishing license.

Season

Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters. The Snake Range is most accessible after most of the snow has melted, usually from June through September.

Time

Fishing is allowed any time, day or night.

Daily Possession Limits

License holders over the age of 12 are allowed 5 trout daily from streams. Fishing in park lakes is catch and release only.

Special Regulations

Fishing in high lakes of the Snake Range is catch and release only. Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used. Using bait of any sort, including worms or powerbait, is prohibited in park lakes.

Size Limits

There is no size limit.

Lures, Bait, and Equipment

The use of bait in park lakes is prohibited. This includes worms and powerbait. Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used in park lakes.

The use of worms as bait in streams is permitted, however it is unlawful to dig or collect worms in the park. The possession or use of other live bait, including fish, amphibians, non-preserve fish eggs, or roe is prohibited. The possession or use of fish as bait, whether dead or alive, or any parts thereof, except for preserved salmon eggs, is prohibited. Chumming is also prohibited. Fishing by other means other than hook and line attached to rod or reel is prohibited.

Fish entrails are not to be returned to the water or discarded on the banks. Please dispose of fish waste in trash receptacles.

The use of flotation devices on streams is prohibited. Float tubes may be used on lakes in the park, but motors are prohibited.

Transporting Fish

It is unlawful to transport any fish from one body of water to another.

Ice Fishing

Holes cut through the ice must not exceed 10 inches in diameter.

Safety

Standing and wading in streams can drain body heat and lead to hypothermia. Rising water levels resulting from sudden mountain storms may occur, so monitor water level. Water currents are swifter than they appear and footing is treacherous on wet and moss covered rocks. Please use caution.

Be a clean fisherman!

If there’s a tangle of line, or an empty can at your feet, clean up after your fellow angler. Please pack out all that you pack in. Leave your favorite fishing hole cleaner than when you arrived.