The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Wild Horse Reservoir
Elko County, Nevada · 2,830 acres (4.4 sq mi)
48°F water, windy Friday (30 mph S).
About Wild Horse Reservoir
In Elko County, Nevada, Wild Horse Reservoir covers 2,830 acres; it is a reservoir. It was made by Wild Horse Dam on the Owyhee River. Wild Horse Reservoir in northern Elko County is one of Nevada's most popular trout and bass fisheries.
It stretches about 4.7 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 17.5 miles. At about 6,200 ft above sea level, it is a high-country lake, cold for much of the year. It reaches about 70 ft at its deepest. Elko lies about 55 miles to the south.
- Size
- 2,830 acres (4.4 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 70 ft
- Shoreline
- About 17.5 miles
- End to end
- About 4.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 6,200 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Wild Horse Dam, Owyhee River
- County
- Elko County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Wild Horse Reservoir
Anglers come to Wild Horse Reservoir for trout, largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch. With the surface at 48°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:30 am · sunset 4:24 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Wild Horse Reservoir
- Elkoabout 55 mi south
- Wellsabout 56 mi southeast
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Questions about Wild Horse Reservoir
What fish are in Wild Horse Reservoir?
Wild Horse Reservoir holds trout, largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Wild Horse Reservoir?
About 70 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Wild Horse Reservoir?
2,830 acres, with about 17.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Wild Horse Reservoir?
Elko is about 55 miles south; Wells is about 56 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Wild Horse Reservoir today?
The surface was about 48°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Wild Horse Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
