Wildhorse Reservoir was constructed in 1937 and reconstructed in 1970. Its primary purpose is for irrigation storage and, therefore, has large seasonal drawdowns. Most of the surrounding land is administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, but is leased to the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. Additionally, Wildhorse State Recreation Area and some private property surround the reservoir
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- Region
- Eastern
- County
- Elko
- Type of water
- Lake or Reservoir
Fishing Report
Wildhorse Reservoir is completely full and spilling. Water temps are in the mid to upper 40’s. Water clarity is about three feet but can change depending on wind and wave action, or if we get significant rainfall or warm weather to increase runoff. With the varied weather patterns trout fishing has been a bit sporadic but will continue to improve as the weather stabilizes into May. Beach access is a bit limited right now due to the higher water levels. The boat dock at the State Park has been repaired and is in place for boaters. Trout that anglers are catching are in great shape and 2024 should be another great season with the full reservoir.
Wildhorse Reservoir Angler Guide Information
04-30-2024Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Inches | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2520 | Rainbow Trout | 10.6 | 11-01-2023 | 67629 |
| 8928 | Rainbow Trout | 8.0 | 10-25-2023 | 65109 |
| 9702 | Rainbow Trout | 7.7 | 10-23-2023 | 56181 |
| 5808 | Rainbow Trout | 8 | 10-18-2023 | 46479 |
| 2514 | Rainbow Trout | 8.4 | 10-18-2023 | 40671 |
| 9452 | Rainbow Trout | 7.7 | 10-16-2023 | 38157 |
| 1717 | Brown Trout | 10.7 | 10-11-2023 | 7097 |
| 5380 | Brown Trout | 10.7 | 10-10-2023 | 5380 |
| 2527 | Tiger Trout | 9.8 | 07-14-2023 | 7801 |
| 5274 | Tiger Trout | 9.5 | 06-29-2023 | 5274 |
| 3930 | Rainbow Trout | 8.6 | 06-14-2023 | 28705 |
| 7434 | Rainbow Trout | 8.5 | 06-13-2023 | 24775 |
| 4301 | Rainbow Trout | 10 | 06-09-2023 | 17341 |
| 675 | Wiper | 10 | 06-07-2023 | 675 |
| 16000 | Channel Catfish | 4 | 06-07-2023 | 16000 |
| 6520 | Rainbow Trout | 9.2 | 05-24-2023 | 6520 |
| 6520 | Rainbow Trout | 9.2 | 05-24-2023 | 13040 |
Pertinent Information
At maximum capacity, the reservoir covers 2,830 acres, has a maximum depth of 70 feet, and an average depth of 40 feet. It has a coldwater, put-grow-take trout fishery and a self-sustaining warmwater fishery. Coldwater game species include rainbow, brown, bowcutt (rainbow x cutthroat hybrid), and tiger trout (brown x brook trout hybrid). Warmwater game species consists of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, wipers (white bass x striper hybrid), and yellow perch. Harvest lengths of larger than 16 inches usually occur for rainbow trout and 19 inches for bowcutt trout. Wipers generally range from 14 to 25 inches, channel catfish from 14 to 28 inches, and black bass from 8 to 17 inches. Lures are best for trout from May through June and mid-September through October, and nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, corn, and Power Bait during December through February while ice fishing. Fly-fishing is popular in early spring and late fall. Shore and still fishing from a boat are successful; however, trolling is more productive in summer. Spring and early summer are best for bass using crankbaits and rubber worms, and for catfish using stink baits and liver. Use small jigs and worms for yellow perch. Wild Horse State Recreation Area has day use, camping, and a boat ramp and BLM has a day use and campground area near the north end of the reservoir. Wild Horse Resort has a motel, RV hookup, restaurant, bar, and a convenience store. Duck Valley Indian Reservation provides campsites and a boat launch.