Learn to Fly Fish Level 3 - Pyramid Lake Fishout

LTFF L3 Pyramid Lake Fish-Out: APRIL 11 & 12, 2026

Location: Pyramid Lake, NV (Paiute Tribe Reservation)

Guides: Bucking Trout Outfitters

Trip Leader: Mike Nelson (micnel@protonmail.com)

Pyramid Lake offers a truly unique high-desert, stillwater fly fishing experience. It is one of only two places on Earth (the other being Jurassic Lake in Argentina) where you have a legitimate shot at a 20+ lb trout on fly gear. In a typical year, students will land lahontan cutthroat trout in the 5 to 10 lb range.

Techniques & Gear

Guides will provide terminal tackle for all anglers. They can provide rods / reels as well if you do not have the sizes listed below. Be prepared for two primary techniques depending on the guide recommendations for the day:

1. Indicator Nymphing

• Rod: 6–8 wt single-handed rod or switch rod with floating line.

• Rig: Large, buoyant indicators (Thing-a-ma-bobbers or Air-Locks) and heavy split shot.

• Flies: Size 12 Chironomids (reddish patterns) or Balanced Leeches.

2. Retrieving Beetles & Buggers (Stripping)

• Rod: 7–8 wt single-handed rod with fast-sinking shooting heads (Type 6 or T-14).

• Optional: Switch rods are okay for overhead casting only (no Spey casts due to ladder spacing). A stripping basket is recommended.

• Rig: A 2-fly setup using unique wooly buggers and foam beetle patterns.

The Setup: Why Ladders?

We fish from platform stepladders (provided by guides) positioned in the lake. This allows us to cast over the drop-offs while staying out of the freezing high-desert water. It’s a very social way to fish.

Logistics & Costs

Registration Fee: $550

• Includes: Two days of guided fishing, flies, lake-side meals (light breakfast/lunch/coffee), and a ‘no frills’ lasagna group dinner on Sunday night.

• Note: No alcohol is permitted at the lake per Tribal rules.

Additional Student Expenses Not Included in the Registration Fee:

• Tribal Permits: You must purchase and print your permit in advance at plpt.nagfa.net. (A Nevada state license is not required).

• Lodging: Friday and Saturday (Sunday, if preferred) nights. Mike will share info on a group Airbnb and local options.

• Transportation: 4WD or AWD is highly recommended to avoid getting stuck in soft sand and rocky terrain near lake.

• Gratuities: Remember to tip your guides!

Essential Packing List

The high desert is unpredictable. You will need to pack for all types of weather conditions.

• Clothing: Chest waders, wading boots, warm socks, long underwear, fleeces, and a rain jacket.

• Accessories: Gloves, buff, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and two hats (a billed hat for sun and a beanie for cold).

• Post-Fishing Care: The water is highly alkaline. Rinse all gear (waders, boots, rods, reels) thoroughly with fresh water immediately after use to prevent corrosion.

Schedule & Contact

• Early Starts: We leave the lodging at each morning at 4:30 AM to travel to lake (approximately 45 minutes) be on the ladders by first light when the bite is best.

• Next Steps: Mike will host a Zoom meeting for all registrants to dive deeper into the logistics and answer questions a few week before the fish out

• Policy: No refunds. If you can't make it, you may resell your spot to another LTFF member (check with Nancy Chew (sfnancychew@yahoo.com)/Mike on the waitlist as a first step).