Bilk Creek Reservoir
Fly fishing in Nevada · intermediate · Best seasons: spring, summer, fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Humboldt County impoundment with trout. High desert setting.
Fishing Recommendations
Located in the remote high-desert of Humboldt County, Nevada—roughly 25 miles north of Orovada—Bilk Creek Reservoir is a hidden gem for stillwater fly anglers who appreciate solitude and the rugged beauty of the Great Basin.
As your guide, here is the comprehensive breakdown for fishing this high-desert oasis.
🎣 Location Overview
Bilk Creek Reservoir is a classic Great Basin impoundment nestled at the base of the Montana Mountains. What makes it special is the "desert oasis" effect; it provides a lush contrast to the surrounding sagebrush sea.
The water is primarily fed by Bilk Creek and is used for irrigation, meaning water levels can fluctuate significantly. It is a productive, nutrient-rich fishery, which allows trout to grow quickly. Because of its remote location, you will rarely face crowds, often having the entire 70–100 acres to yourself. The water is generally clear in the spring but can develop weed beds and minor algae blooms as the summer heat increases.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
The primary target here is the Rainbow Trout.
- Behavior: These fish are highly opportunistic. In the spring and fall, they cruise the shallow shorelines and flats looking for insects. During the heat of summer, they retreat to the deeper water near the dam and the old submerged creek channel.
- Feeding Habits: The diet consists heavily of Chironomids (midges), Callibaetis mayflies, Damselflies, and Scuds. Because it is a desert reservoir, leeches and small baitfish (like shiners or juvenile suckers) are also vital protein sources for larger holdover trout.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Optimal Seasons
- Spring (April – June): This is the "Prime Time." Water temperatures are rising, triggering massive hatches. The fish are aggressive and found in shallow water (3–10 feet).
- Fall (September – October): As the nights get colder, the water temperature drops, and trout move back into the shallows to gorge themselves before winter.
- Summer (July – August): Fishing can be productive but requires a change in tactics. You must fish early in the morning or late in the evening.
Prime Windows
- The "Golden Hour": The hour before sunset is magical at Bilk Creek. The wind often dies down, and a "spinner fall" of Callibaetis often brings fish to the surface.
- Overcast Days: Cloud cover keeps the fish from feeling exposed, leading to better shoreline cruising behavior throughout the day.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Chironomids: Zebra Midges (Black/Silver, Red/Silver) in sizes 16–20. Ice Candy or Chromies in size 14–16.
- Mayflies: Parachute Adams or Callibaetis Sparkle Duns (size 14–16).
- Nymphs: Gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tails, and Bird's Nest (size 14–18).
- Streamers/Leeches: Balanced Leeches (Olive or Black), Woolly Buggers (Black/Olive/Brown), and Simi Seal Leeches.
- Attractors: Prince Nymphs and Copper Johns for deeper nymphing.
Effective Techniques
- Indicator Nymphing: This is the most consistent producer. Suspend a midge or scud pattern 4–8 feet below an indicator. Focus on the drop-offs where the flats meet the deeper water.
- The "Naked" Nymph: Using a long leader and a slow, hand-twist retrieve with a non-weighted nymph is deadly when the water is glass-calm.
- Stripping Streamers: Using an intermediate sinking line, cast toward the shore or along the dam face and use erratic strips to mimic a fleeing leech or minnow.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- Find the Channel: Use a topographic map or depth finder to locate the old Bilk Creek bed winding through the bottom of the reservoir. Trout use this as a "highway" to move between deep and shallow water.
- The Wind Factor: Nevada is notoriously windy. If the wind is blowing, don't leave! Fish the "windward" shore (where the wind is blowing into the bank). The waves stir up nutrients and push insects toward that shore, creating a feeding frenzy.
- Float Tubes/Pontoons: While you can fish from the bank near the dam, a float tube or small boat is a massive advantage here. It allows you to reach the weed lines that are inaccessible from shore.
- Color Palette: In the clear desert light, start with natural colors (Olive, Brown). If the water is murky from wind, switch to high-contrast colors like Black or "Hot-Head" patterns with orange beads.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: The road to the reservoir is typically graded dirt but can become "Nevada Gumbo" (slick, sticky mud) after rain. High clearance is recommended, and 4WD is a must if there has been recent precipitation.
- Regulations: A valid Nevada Fishing License is required. Always check the current Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) regulations for bag limits and seasonal closures before heading out.
- Remote Safety: There are zero services at the reservoir. Ensure you have a full tank of gas, plenty of water, a spare tire, and a first-aid kit. Cell service is spotty to non-existent.
- Leave No Trace: This is a fragile desert ecosystem. Pack out all trash and respect the livestock that often grazes in the area.
Bilk Creek is a place for the angler who loves the journey as much as the catch. Respect the wind, watch the hatches, and you'll find some of the hardest-fighting desert rainbows in the Silver State. Tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chironomids Chironomidae | midge | April, May, October | All Day | #12-22 | Zebra Midge #16-20, Ice Cream Cone #12-16, Griffith's Gnat #18-22 |
| Callibaetis Callibaetis ferrugineus | mayfly | June, July, August | Late Morning/Afternoon | #12-16 | Callibaetis Spinner #14-16, Hare's Ear Nymph #12-16, Parachute Adams #14-18 |
| Damselfly Enallagma | other | June, July | Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel #10-14, Adult Damsel #12-14 |
| Scuds Gammarus | other | March, April, November | All Day | #12-16 | Ray Charles #14-16, Olive Scud #12-16 |
| Grasshoppers Melanoplus | terrestrial | August, September | Afternoon | #8-12 | Hopper Juan #10-12, Morrish Hopper #8-12 |
| Water Boatmen Corixidae | other | September, October | All Day | #14-18 | Water Boatman #14-16, Prince Nymph #14-18 |
| Caddis Hesperophylax | caddis | July, August | Evening | #12-16 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, LaFontaine Sparkle Pupa #14-16 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, RS2 #20-22 |