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Expert Guided Cutthroat Trout Fishing at Pyramid Lake

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Pyramid Lake
  • $750 - $950 price range
  • Updated Date: September 5, 2025

Summary

This advanced trolling and jigging trip on Pyramid Lake is all about targeting those famous Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. We'll be out on the water for 5.5 hours, focusing on deep-water lure presentations and precise casting techniques. It's designed for anglers who already know their way around a rod and reel but want to step up their game. Captain Brad runs these trips from October through June, and he'll be there to guide you through the finer points of trolling and jigging for trophy trout. You'll be fishing from the River Wild, a comfortable boat that's set up for serious angling. Bring your own gear and be ready to dive right in – this trip is about maximizing your time actually fishing, not sitting through basic instructions. With a max of four guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention as you work on perfecting your technique and landing some impressive cutthroats.
Expert Guided Cutthroat Trout Fishing at Pyramid Lake

Cutthroat Action

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Lone angler fishing in Reno

Thick Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Fishing in CA with 2 people

Golden Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Anglers fishing in Reno

Foggy Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Triumphant Chinook Salmon catch in Reno

Rosy Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Great day on the lake reeling in those fish!

Great day on the lake reeling in those fish!

A proud angler with their catch of a 23-inch rainbow trout in Reno

Brilliant Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Smiling anglers in Reno with fishing gear

Colorful Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

A person fishing for a big catch in CA

Beefy Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

A lone angler fishing in Reno

Silvery Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

A rainbow trout caught in Reno, Nevada

Big Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Lone angler fishing in Reno

Thick Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Fishing in CA with 2 people

Golden Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Anglers fishing in Reno

Foggy Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Triumphant Chinook Salmon catch in Reno

Rosy Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Great day on the lake reeling in those fish!

Great day on the lake reeling in those fish!

A proud angler with their catch of a 23-inch rainbow trout in Reno

Brilliant Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Smiling anglers in Reno with fishing gear

Colorful Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

A person fishing for a big catch in CA

Beefy Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

A lone angler fishing in Reno

Silvery Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

A rainbow trout caught in Reno, Nevada

Big Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Lone angler fishing in Reno

Thick Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Fishing in CA with 2 people

Golden Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Anglers fishing in Reno

Foggy Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

Triumphant Chinook Salmon catch in Reno

Rosy Lahontan cutthroat, Pyramid Lake.

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Advanced Trolling for Trophy Cutthroat Trout

Ready to step up your game and chase some serious Lahontan Cutthroat on Pyramid Lake? This 5.5-hour advanced trolling trip is tailor-made for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to dial in those deep-water presentations. We're talking precision jigging, dialed-in trolling patterns, and the chance to tangle with some truly impressive trout. Captain Brad's got you covered with top-notch gear and a wealth of local knowledge, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat.

Trip Overview

From October through June, we'll be hitting Pyramid Lake hard, targeting those famous Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. This isn't your average guided trip – it's designed for folks who've got some miles on their waders and are looking to level up. We'll be aboard the River Wild, a comfortable and well-equipped vessel that's perfect for our style of fishing. Expect minimal hand-holding and maximum time with your line in the water. We're here to fish, not to chat, so come prepared to work hard and hopefully land some personal bests.

Techniques on Tap

This trip is all about mastering the art of deep-water presentations. We'll be focusing on two main techniques: trolling and jigging. For trolling, we'll be using a variety of lures and adjusting our tactics based on what the fish are telling us. Expect to learn about proper lure selection, trolling speeds, and how to read your fish finder like a pro. When it comes to jigging, it's all about precision. We'll work on finding the right cadence to entice those big cutthroat, and I'll show you how to detect even the slightest nibble. Bring your A-game and be ready to fine-tune your skills – this isn't a trip for beginners or the faint of heart.

What Anglers Are Saying

While we don't have specific customer reviews for this trip, anglers who've fished Pyramid Lake often rave about the quality of the fishery and the thrill of landing a trophy Lahontan Cutthroat. The challenging nature of the lake and the potential for truly massive trout keep experienced anglers coming back year after year.

Target Species Breakdown

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout are the stars of the show here at Pyramid Lake, and for good reason. These aren't your average cutthroat – we're talking about a subspecies that can grow to truly monstrous proportions. It's not uncommon to hook into fish in the 10-20 pound range, with some real monsters pushing well beyond that. These fish are the remnants of an ancient strain that used to inhabit the massive Lake Lahontan during the last ice age. They're aggressive, hard-fighting, and absolutely beautiful.

What makes Pyramid Lake's Lahontans so special is their unique behavior. Unlike many trout species, these fish often cruise in deeper water, which is why our advanced trolling techniques are so effective. They're opportunistic feeders, known to hit both bait and artificial lures with gusto. The best time to target them is typically from fall through spring, with some of the biggest fish caught during the colder months.

Anglers love chasing these fish not just for their size, but for the challenge they present. Landing a trophy Lahontan requires skill, patience, and often a bit of luck. When you do connect with one, be prepared for a serious battle. These fish are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps, making for an unforgettable experience on the water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Pyramid Lake isn't just another fishing spot – it's a bucket-list destination for serious trout anglers. The combination of stunning desert scenery, crystal-clear waters, and the chance to tangle with truly massive cutthroat makes this place special. Our advanced trolling trip takes full advantage of what the lake has to offer. We're not here to mess around with dinks – we're after the big ones, the kind of fish that'll have you telling stories for years to come.

What sets this trip apart is the level of expertise you'll gain. Sure, you might already know your way around a trolling setup, but Captain Brad's got tricks up his sleeve that'll take your game to the next level. We're talking about dialing in your presentations with laser precision, reading the lake like a book, and putting yourself in the best possible position to land that fish of a lifetime.

And let's not forget about the camaraderie. While this trip is focused on serious fishing, there's something special about being out on the water with other dedicated anglers. Swap stories, share tips, and celebrate each other's catches – it's all part of the experience.

Gear Up for Success

While we provide top-notch equipment on board, feel free to bring your own gear if you prefer. Just make sure it's up to the task – we're talking heavy-duty rods and reels that can handle big fish and deep water. Don't forget to layer up, especially during the cooler months. Pyramid Lake's weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared for anything.

As for lures, we'll have a selection of proven performers on board, but if you've got a lucky charm in your tackle box, by all means, bring it along. Just remember, this isn't the place for ultralight tackle or finesse presentations. We're going after bruisers, so gear up accordingly.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to test your skills against some of the biggest, baddest cutthroat trout in the country, this advanced trolling trip on Pyramid Lake is calling your name. With expert guidance, top-notch equipment, and a lake full of trophy fish, all that's missing is you. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're a seasoned Pyramid Lake veteran or looking to cross this legendary fishery off your bucket list, this trip is your ticket to cutthroat glory. Give us a call or book online – those big Lahontans are waiting, and it's time to see what you're made of.

Learn more about the specie

Cutthroat Trout

## Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus Clarkii) The Cutthroat Trout can vary widely in size, colorations, and even habitat selection. They can range in colors from gray, green, and also gold on the back. Most Cutthroat trout have an orange, red, or pink coloring that runs linear to their mandibles, hence the name "Cutthroat." The fish also have fresh and saltwater strains or subspecies, with some going from pacific coast tributaries to coast time waters, and are semi-anadromous. ## Cutthroat Trout Size Size can vary significantly from subspecies of the cutthroat trout, and at maturity can range from 6 to 40 inches depending on the subspecies and habitat and forage availability. For example, the coastal cutthroat trout ranges typically in the 2-5 pound range, While subspecies inhabiting large inland lakes can grow to 17 pounds 40 inches in length. While the fish inhabiting smaller bodies of water and streams and creeks may be in the 8 to 10-inch range. ## Cutthroat Trout Facts In the early 20th-century, fish hatcheries were built in the Yellowstone National Park to breed and stock the game fish in suitable waters where populations could be established. Between 1901 and 1953, 818 million cutthroat trout eggs were distributed from Yellowstone to hatcheries around the United States. There are also currently 14 recognized subspecies in total, and these subspecies are all native to separate and different geographical areas. ## Cutthroat Trout Distribution and HeatMap The cutthroat trout in all subspecies are found on the Pacific Northwest coast from British Columbia to northern California, the Great Basin, and the Cascade range as well as throughout the Rocky Mountains as far north as southern Alberta. Famous cutthroat trout water include Pyramid Lake, Nevada, the Colorado Rockies or the Weber River in Utah. ![Cutthroat Trout HeatMap](https://guidesly-assets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/content/Cutthroat_Trout_HeatMap%401600x_8a79e5a9b2.png) ## Cutthroat Trout Habitat The Oncorhynchus Clarkii live in bodies of water that are well oxygenated, clear, and cold, including moderately deep lakes and shallow rivers and streams with gravel or rocky bottoms. They like healthy rivers with clean water. Find the cutthroat anywhere they can hide like along vegetation, brush overhand and beaver dams. ## Cutthroat Trout Fishing Cutthroat trout are a popular game fish for anglers where they are found, particularly for anglers who enjoy fly fishing. Cutthroat trout love eating prey such as insect nymphs and larvae. Fly imitations for insects that are prevalent in the area and or currently hatching and in abundance are an excellent way to start if your fly fishing most fly fishermen know this as "matching the hatch." Along with matching the hatch, a good rod to use would be a 4 to 6 weight fly rod with a medium action in 8.5 to 9 feet of length. You can also catch cutthroat trout on spinning tackle too and lures like rooster tail spinners, and Mepps style spinners of smaller sizes are the right place to start. ## Fishing Lures There are tons of flies on the market that will work for catching these fish. Gold bead prince nymphs are an excellent example as well as stonefly imitations and flies like elk hair caddis fly imitations. Casting lures such as the Mepps spin flies and the famous Wordens rooster tails are hard to beat if you're not using a fly rod and stick to conventional tackle. ## The Trout Family Trout are members of the family Salmonidae, order Salmoniformes. The native trout family is closely related to salmon. A top fly fishing family of fish that are both tremendous game fish and tasty eating fish. Found in small streams, large rivers, and any trout stream with the right water temperature, aquatic insects, and clean water. The trout species is usually restricted to freshwater, though a few types migrate to the sea between spawnings. Members of the trout species include [Rainbow Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/rainbow-trout), [Brown Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/brown-trout), [Brook Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/brook-trout), [Lake Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/lake-trout), [Steelhead Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/steelhead), [Bull Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/bull-trout), [Cutthroat Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/cutthroat-trout), [Apache Trout](https://guidesly.com/fishing/fish-species/apache-trout) and several other smaller species.

Cutthroat Trout

About the River Wild (Lake Fishing)

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready to take your trout fishing to the next level? This advanced trolling trip on Pyramid Lake is tailor-made for experienced anglers looking to hone their deep-water techniques. Captain Brad's got you covered with top-notch gear and a wealth of local knowledge aboard the River Wild. Over 5.5 action-packed hours, you'll be perfecting your lure presentations and pinpoint casting skills as you pursue the legendary Lahontan Cutthroat. This isn't a beginner's lesson – it's hands-on fishing at its finest, with minimal instruction and maximum time on the water. Bring your A-game and your own equipment for this high-intensity session targeting trophy trout. The lake's prime from October through June, so grab three fishing buddies and get ready to test your mettle against some of Nevada's most prized catches.
Captain Brad Bugica

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Don't let another chance slip away to experience the thrill of fishing at Pyramid Lake with Guide Brad Bugica. Book your adventure today and hook onto a trophy-sized Lahontan Cutthroat Trout before the season ends! Spaces are filling up fast, so seize this opportunity now and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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