Pyramid Lake + Eagle Lake

[Devan S.]

Flew out to Reno on Friday and flew home today. Pyramid lake is becoming an itch I want to try and scratch on a yearly basis. Mostly because its is a 180 degree about face from anything around these parts. Big fish, ladders, cold, big wind, waves, big water nothing locally comes remotely close. 

Original plan was to land Friday mid morning, drive to Eagle Lake, Ca and fish at the latest until Saturday morning. About this time last year, I was at Eagle Lake and had to settle for a stocked Eagle Lake Rainbow within the native drainage. This would make my 4th trip to Eagle Lake so nothing is guaranteed. 

Landed Friday to blowing snow and high winds. Temps in Reno were hovering in the mid-30's. Eagle lake sits at 5100 elevation and you have to traverse a pass to get there on marginal roads. We made a game time decisions to head toward Pyramid and fish the conditions. 

Got to Blockhouse. Big wind blowing right across the drop out in front of the point. Big 1/2oz black HD zig zigs. Big waves crashing into shore spitting sleet and snow. 

Disclaimer, I had a college roommate fish with me. Has fished before but not a fisherman...beginners luck was strong. First 30 minutes he catches this. Really a short fight for this size fish.

My net weighs 2lb on the dot and I brought the biggest net that fits in my checked bag....and it really isn't big enough. 

It wasn't long and I was catching. I had a yearly goal for a 10lber and this would be the closest I would get. 

Fish was between 8 and 9 lbs. Did not get exact weight never let the scale settle out perfect-knew it wasn't 10lb and moved on. Caught 2 this size back to back...this one is by far prettier. 

Friday was the pick day for catching.....Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were much nicer weather and better for fishing. Most fish around this size.....not a numbers game. Quality > Quantity

We did fish Eagle Lake.....I will save you all the drama and headache but finally caught an Eagle Lake Rainbow. Its a beautiful lake and area but I think I'll be fine never seeing it again.

 

 

 

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

Sweet!!!

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

That's quite an adventure.  Very cool.

[Quillback]

Hey Devan - Did you use the ladders or fish off the bank?  Does not look like anyone else is around either.

[Foghorn]

It's all down hill for your buddy catching a fish like that as a beginner.

[Devan S.]

No ladders for us. We primarily spin fished so we could cast really far compared to fly rod. On shallow beaches they use the ladders to get out from bank but mostly to just get up above the waves and water. The cold zaps you fast. We stuck to the sandy beaches where there was a drop closer to bank. All our fish came right off the drop off about 20-30 feet in front of us. 

Friday and Monday was empty. Saturday and Sunday were busy at the popular spots that are quick/easy walk from a parking spot. Might be 10-15 people in the "good" spots lined up like a trout park. 

The deal is the lake is huge with miles of shoreline to fish. There is always spots to fish away from people.