Comins Lake
Map of Comins Lake
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History
Comins Lake was built in 1953 from the realignment of Highway 93, which created the dam for this impoundment. The Department of Wildlife acquired the reservoir as part of the 3-C Ranch purchase in 1999, which is situated on the Steptoe Valley Wildlife Management Area. The reservoir has been chemically treated twice to remove northern pike, first in 1989 and most recently in the summer of 2015. In both instances, northern pike decimated the reservoir’s trout and bass populations through predation. Predictably, once pike exhaust their food supply, they turn cannibalistic. This results in a population crash and development of stunted-sized pike. Since its most recent renovation, Comins Lake has been restocked with trout and largemouth bass. Largemouth bass are self-sustaining and generally need on further stocking, while trout are stocked annually in the spring and fall.
Fisheries Resources in White Pine County - June 22, 2013 - Jon C. Sjöberg Chief, Fisheries Division
Pertinent Information
Comins Lake is fed by Steptoe and Cave creeks
from the east and occasionally by Willow Creek from the south. At capacity, the lake covers 410 surface
acres, has a maximum depth of 14 feet, and an average depth of about 8 feet. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and largemouth bass
currently inhabit the reservoir. Due to the tremendous amount of feed,
fish grow very rapidly and reach healthy sizes. Fishing for trout is usually
best in the spring and fall while bass fishing is most productive during the
warmer summer months. Bait anglers find Power Bait, salmon eggs, or night
crawlers fished off the bottom with minimal weight is best for trout. Small spinners
and spoons are also popular with casters, but a fly behind a bubble can produce
excellent results. Fly-fishing is popular for trout and anglers have the
best success using wooly buggers and damsels in the spring as well as nymphs
and midges under a strike indicator the rest of the year. Remember to use
a heavy leader. For those willing to brave the elements, weighted jigs (green
or yellow) seem to work best for ice fishing. There is a primitive boat
launch along the west side of the reservoir along with restrooms.
Overnight camping and fires are not allowed.
Stocking
Regulations
Health Advisory
Due to elevated methylmercury levels, the Nevada State Health Division has issued a health advisory that recommends no consumption of largemouth bass or northern pike from Comins Lake. Please visit NDOW’s web site (www.ndow.org) for more details.
Boating Regulations
Boats must be operated at a speed which leaves a flat wake and in no case exceeds 5 nautical miles per hour from sunset to 11 a.m. From 11 a.m. to sunset the reduced speed restriction is lifted and water skiing is allowed.
Facilities
A primitive boat launch is available. There are restrooms on-site. Overnight camping and fires are not allowed. Vehicles must stay on designated roads.
Access
Comins Lake is located 7 miles south of Ely off Highway 93.
