Washoe Lake is a very shallow, productive water body located between Reno and Carson City. The area is comprised of Big Washoe Lake, Little Washoe Lake, and a large marsh (Scripps Wildlife Management Area) connecting the two. The shallowness of Big Washoe Lake and the strong daily winds account for its extreme turbidity. Washoe Lake has fallen victim to extensive droughts in the past, which left the big lake completely dry multiple times over the past 20 years.
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- Region
- Western
- County
- Washoe
- Type of water
- Lake or Reservoir
Fishing Report
Fishing will slow considerably at Washoe and Little Washoe with the winter and ice. Look for stocking to begin again this spring.
Washoe Lake Angler Guide Information
11-22-2023Stocking Updates
| Stocked | Species | Inches | Date Stocked | Year to Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 | Channel Catfish | 4.5 | 06-07-2023 | 800 |
Pertinent Information
Washoe Lake covers an area of 5,800 acres when full and the big lake has a maximum depth of 12 feet. It is managed as a warm water fishery and contains white bass, Sacramento perch, channel catfish, brown bullhead, carp, wipers (white bass x striped bass hybrid), and white crappie. Fishing is best in late spring, early summer, and early fall. Usually late afternoon is the best time in the spring and fall, while the best fishing in summer occurs at night when the water temperature cools down. White bass anglers are most successful in August and September. Fishing for channel catfish is also popular with chicken livers and nightcrawlers the most productive baits. Birding is a very popular recreation, with many different species occurring seasonally and having several marshy areas to observe them. Washoe Lake State Park offers boat launching ramps (big and little lakes), picnic areas, campsites, and bathroom facilities.