Cave Lake
Map of Cave Lake
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History
Cave
Lake was constructed in 1932, was purchased in 1971 by Nevada Department of
Wildlife, and within a couple of years was transferred to Nevada Division of
State parks. It is located entirely within
Cave Lake State Park.
Pertinent Information
Cave
Lake covers 32 surface acres with an average depth of 25 feet and a maximum
depth of 60 feet. The reservoir consists
of stocked rainbow and brown trout. The
current state record for brown trout is 27 pounds 5 ounces, caught from Cave
Lake back in 1984. Fishing is good all
year long with ice fishing popular from December through March. Most trout fishing methods are productive in
catching fish such as bottom fishing with salmon eggs, Power Bait, or nightcrawlers. Spinners also do well such as Mepps or
Panther Martins. If fly fishing, try
wooly bugger or nymph patterns with sinking line near Cave Creek inflow. The normal baits or bright colored jigs work
well when ice fishing. Both Cave Creek (feeding
the reservoir) and Steptoe Creek (exiting the reservoir) are home to wild,
naturally spawned brown trout, but Steptoe Creek is additionally planted with
hatchery rainbow trout. In addition, the
lake is home to a large abundance of crayfish, which are easily caught from
shore to provide for a delicious meal.
Try using hot dogs or bacon at night with a minnow trap and net. There are a number of facilities in the park
including an improved boat ramp and dock, picnic area, hiking trails, running
water, fish cleaning station, restrooms, showers, and 34 camping sites with
tables and fire pits. Fees are charged
by Nevada State Parks to enter for the day or to camp.
Stocking
Regulations
Boating Regulations
A vessel must be operated at a speed that leaves a flat wake, but in no case may a vessel be operated at a speed in excess of 5 nautical miles per hour.
Facilities
Already located in a picturesque location in Cave Lake State Park, there are a number of excellent facilities including a modern boat ramp and dock, group use picnic area, hiking trails, running water, fish cleaning station, restrooms, showers and 34 camping sites with tables and fire pits. Fees are charged by Nevada State Parks.
Access
From Ely, drive 7 miles south on Highway 93 and then east 7 miles on State Route 486 to the park. Follow the signs.
