Biggest lakes in Nevada: the top 10 by size

The list

Sizes are the published surface area where one exists; the others are our own measure of the water's outline and read "about". Reservoirs shrink and grow with their level, so a dry year shows less water.

1. Lake Mead

Lake Mead covers some 158,000 acres. The fish here are striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. The deepest water is around 532 ft. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and a wind-blown bank worth a first look.

Lake Mead today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake covers 120,000 acres. You will find it near Spanish Springs. Trout are the draw. The deepest water is around 356 ft. Pyramid Lake is the largest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan and is famous for trophy Lahontan cutthroat trout, found only on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation.

Pyramid Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Walker Lake

At some 32,000 acres, Walker Lake is a big lake. The lake is about 61 miles northwest of Carson City. It goes down to about 68 ft.

Walker Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Lake Mohave

At 26,500 acres of water, Lake Mohave is a big lake. Expect striped bass, largemouth bass, trout and smallmouth bass. On the 3-D map the bed has four steep ledges and a wind-blown bank: good places to start.

Lake Mohave today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. Rye Patch Reservoir

Rye Patch Reservoir is a reservoir of 12,000 acres of water. It lies about 22 miles south of Lovelock. It holds walleye. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and an upper arm worth a first look. Rye Patch Reservoir on the Humboldt River is managed by Nevada as a walleye fishery.

Rye Patch Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. Lahontan Reservoir

At 10,000 acres, Lahontan Reservoir is a big lake. The lake is within an easy drive of Sparks (about 31 miles). It is the Carson River behind Lahontan Dam. Expect white bass, walleye, catfish and largemouth bass. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Lahontan Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Alkali Lake

At about 4,180 acres, Alkali Lake is a good-sized lake. It lies about 38 miles southwest of Alturas.

Alkali Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

8. Wild Horse Reservoir

Wild Horse Reservoir covers 2,830 acres. It lies near Elko. It holds trout, largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch. The deepest water is around 70 ft. Wild Horse Reservoir in northern Elko County is one of Nevada's most popular trout and bass fisheries.

Wild Horse Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

9. Massacre Lake

At about 2,710 acres, Massacre Lake is small enough to learn in a few trips. The lake is about 49 miles west of Alturas. The usual Nevada mix applies: trout and yellow perch.

Massacre Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

10. Franklin Lake

At about 2,430 acres, Franklin Lake is small enough to learn in a few trips. You will find it about 25 miles north of Spring Creek. The usual Nevada mix applies: trout and yellow perch. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and an upper arm to work.

Franklin Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Big water, big days

The bigger the lake, the more the wind matters. Plan the day around the forecast, start on the sheltered side and give yourself a way home if it builds.