Nevada: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout

For my annual out-of-state trip in 2022, I chose Lahontan cutthroat trout on Pyramid Lake with Trevor Herring of Pyramid Fly Company (pyramidflyco.com). Trevor and the other guides consistently catch trophy cutthroat over 10 pounds, with several over 20 pounds caught each season.

I had hoped this trip would be an escape from the nasty cold we had in Virginia, but, unfortunately, the temperature dropped precipitously the day I arrived. It didn't get above freezing with the wind chill the entire time I was there. In fact, when I met Travis at the lake at 6:30 a.m. after driving in the snow from Reno, the wind chill was 12. I caught four cutthroat in the three-to-five pound range, but no monsters. This was lucky though, as my reel had frozen solid and needed to be dethawed with a lighter.

We headed up lake, out of the wind and away from the crowds, and it paid off big time. After only an hour, I had my Nevada trophy, a beautiful 32-inch, 10-pound cutthroat. It was an amazing fight, especially on a 7-weight fly rod with 10-pound test. It was also a nerve-wracking fight, as the fish took many runs and kept trying to get into the nearby rocks. But, after what seemed like forever, I finally added Nevada as my 42nd state with at least one trophy.

Trevor is an excellent guide and a great instructor. I still consider myself to be a beginner fly fisherman, and he helped with my technique and walked me through landing my trophy. He also cooks an amazing shore breakfast and shore lunch.

Pyramid Lake itself is absolutely beautiful, and I cannot wait to go back and chase those big cutthroats again!