Cave Lake
Fly fishing in Nevada · beginner · Best seasons: spring, summer, fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
About This Water
State park lake in Schell Creek Range. Stocked trout in beautiful mountain setting.
Fishing Recommendations
As an expert guide who has spent significant time in the high-desert mountain ranges of the Great Basin, I can tell you that Cave Lake is one of Nevada’s true mountain gems. Located at 7,300 feet in the Schell Creek Range near Ely, this 32-acre reservoir offers a classic high-altitude stillwater experience.
Here is the comprehensive guide to fly fishing Cave Lake.
🎣 Location Overview
Cave Lake is the centerpiece of Cave Lake State Park. What makes it special is the juxtaposition of lush alpine scenery against the rugged limestone cliffs of eastern Nevada. The water is remarkably clear, fed by Cave Creek and seasonal snowmelt.
While it is a small body of water, it punches above its weight class. It is historically famous for producing the state-record German Brown Trout. The lake features distinct habitats: steep rocky drop-offs along the southern shore, shallow "flats" near the inlet, and extensive weed beds that house a massive amount of aquatic insect life.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Rainbow Trout: These are the most abundant species, frequently stocked by NDOW (Nevada Department of Wildlife). They are generally "opportunistic" feeders, found cruising the top 5–10 feet of the water column. They pod up near the dam and the boat ramp area.
- Brown Trout: The "kings" of Cave Lake. These are wilder, warier, and often much larger. They are structure-oriented, hugging the submerged weed lines and the shaded limestone walls.
- Behavior: During the day, fish retreat to the deeper center of the lake. However, during the "golden hours" (dawn/dusk), they move into the shallows near the Cave Creek inlet to feed on hatching insects and small crawfish.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (Late April – June): This is prime time. As the ice melts, trout are ravenous. The "ice-out" period offers some of the best chances at a trophy Brown Trout near the edges.
- Summer (July – August): The fishing remains good due to the elevation keeping water temperatures cooler than the valley floors. However, you must fish early (5 AM – 10 AM) or late (6 PM – 9 PM). The Damselfly hatch in July is legendary here.
- Fall (September – October): My personal favorite. The Brown Trout become aggressive as they prepare for their fall spawn. The weed beds begin to die back, making it easier to strip streamers without snagging.
- Prime Window: Low light is your friend. The transition from shadow to sun on the water surface often triggers a feeding frenzy.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Dry Flies
- Parachute Adams (#14–18): The best "searcher" pattern for when fish are rising but you aren't sure what they're eating.
- Adult Damselfly (#10–12): Bright blue bodies. Twitch these on the surface near weed beds in mid-summer.
- Griffith’s Gnat (#18–22): Essential for the prolific midge hatches that occur almost every evening.
Nymphs (Under an Indicator)
- Zebra Midge (#18–22): Red, Black, or Silver. Hang these 4–6 feet under a small indicator.
- Flashback Pheasant Tail (#14–16): Represents the Callibaetis mayflies that live in the silt.
- Marabou Damsel Nymph (#10–12): Fish these with a slow, rhythmic "strip-strip-pause" retrieve.
Streamers
- Woolly Bugger (#8–12): Olive or Black. This is the "bread and butter" of Cave Lake.
- Balanced Leech: Suspend this under an indicator on windy days; the wave action gives it a deadly jigging motion.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Float Tube" Advantage: While shore fishing is accessible, a float tube or kayak is a game-changer. It allows you to fish the "outside" edge of the weed lines, which is exactly where the big Browns patrol.
- The Inlet Hotspot: The area where Cave Creek enters the lake is a nutrient-rich zone. Even if the rest of the lake seems dead, there is almost always a pod of fish holding in the moving water of the inlet.
- Stealth and Leaders: Because the water is so clear, these fish can be "leader shy." I recommend using a 9-foot to 12-foot 5X fluorocarbon leader for nymphing. If you're throwing dries, stick to 5X or 6X nylon.
- Look for the "Drop": Along the limestone cliffs, the bottom drops off fast. Target the "ledge" where the shallow shelf meets the deep blue water.
⚠️ Important Information
- Dam Rehabilitation Note: Be aware that in recent years (2022-2023), Cave Lake underwent significant dam maintenance which required draining the lake. The fishery is currently in a "rebuilding" phase with heavy restocking. Check current water levels with Nevada State Parks before heading out.
- Regulations: A valid Nevada fishing license is required. There are limits on the number of trout you can keep (typically 5), but most fly anglers practice catch and release to help the trophy population recover.
- Access: The park is easily accessible via US-50 and Success Summit Road. There is a vehicle entry fee ($5–$10 for NV residents, slightly more for non-residents).
- Facilities: Excellent camping is available at Elk Flat and Stevens Creek campgrounds. This is high country—even in summer, bring a jacket for the evenings!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chironomids (Midges) Chironomidae | midge | April, May, September, October | All Day | #16-24 | Zebra Midge #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #18-20, Ice Midge #16-20 |
| Speckled Duns (Callibaetis) Callibaetis spp. | mayfly | June, July, August | Late Morning/Afternoon | #12-16 | Parachute Adams #14-16, Hare's Ear Nymph #14-16, Callibaetis Spinner #16 |
| Damselflies Enallagma spp. | other | June, July | Late Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel #10-12, Adult Damsel #12-14 |
| Scuds (Freshwater Shrimp) Gammarus lacustris | other | April, May, October | All Day | #12-18 | Ray Charles #14-16, UV Scud #12-18 |
| Cinnamon Caddis Hesperophylax spp. | caddis | July, August, September | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, LaFontaine's Emerger #16 |
| Terrestrial Ants and Beetles Formicidae / Coleoptera | terrestrial | July, August | Afternoon | #12-18 | Black Foam Ant #14-18, Foam Beetle #12-16 |
| Water Boatmen Corixidae | other | September, October | Afternoon | #14-16 | Prince Nymph #14-16, Water Boatman Pattern #14-16 |
| Bloodworms Chironomus plumosus | midge | March, April | Morning | #12-16 | Bloodworm Nymph #12-14, San Juan Worm #14 |