Cold Creek
Fly fishing in Nevada · intermediate · Best seasons: spring, fall, winter
Target Species
Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Spring Mountains stream near Las Vegas. Rare southern Nevada trout water.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to one of Southern Nevada’s most unique angling treasures. As a guide in this region, I can tell you that Cold Creek is a true desert anomaly—a high-altitude spring system located just 45 minutes northwest of the neon lights of Las Vegas.
Here are my professional recommendations for fishing this fragile and beautiful alpine oasis.
🎣 Location Overview
Cold Creek is located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet. It is fed by a natural spring that flows out of the limestone cliffs of the Mount Charleston wilderness.
What makes it special is the contrast: you transition from the Mojave Desert floor to a lush, riparian corridor filled with willow trees and wild roses. The primary fishing area consists of a small pond (often called the "Cold Creek Pond") and the narrow, trickling stream that outflows from it. Anglers love it because it offers a "quick fix" of trout fishing in a state dominated by desert landscape. It is also famous for the wild horses that frequent the water’s edge.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
The primary target here is Rainbow Trout.
- Behavior: Most of the fish are stocked by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), but because the water is spring-fed and stays cold year-round, these fish can become quite "stream-smart" after a few weeks.
- Holding Patterns: In the pond, fish cruise the deeper center channel or hover near the inlet where oxygen levels are highest. In the creek sections, look for "micro-pools" no larger than a bathtub. If there is a shadow or an undercut bank, a trout is likely tucked under it.
- Feeding: They feed primarily on midges, small scuds (crustaceans), and terrestrial insects (ants/beetles) that fall from the heavy brush.
📅 Best Times to Fish
While you can fish here year-round, your specified seasons are indeed the prime windows:
- Spring (March – May): This is the peak. As the ice melts and the surrounding desert heats up, the trout become highly active. This coincides with heavy NDOW stocking schedules.
- Fall (September – November): The cooling air temperatures trigger a feeding frenzy before winter. The foliage turns gold, making for a spectacular backdrop.
- Winter (December – February): Because it is spring-fed, the water rarely freezes completely. On a sunny winter day, the trout will congregate in the sun-warmed shallows.
- Time of Day: Early morning (dawn to 10:00 AM) is best. The wind usually picks up in the afternoon, making casting a fly rod difficult on such small water.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Since the water is exceptionally clear, stealth and light tippet are mandatory.
Top Fly Patterns:
- Nymphs: Zebra Midges (size 18-22) in black/silver or red; Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (size 16-18); Pheasant Tails (size 18).
- Dry Flies: Griffith’s Gnat (size 20); Parachute Adams (size 18); Foam Ants or Beetles (summer/fall).
- Streamers: Small Woolly Buggers (size 12) in Olive or Black—work these deep in the pond.
Effective Techniques:
- The "Stillwater Strip": In the pond, use a long leader (9ft 5x or 6x) and a slow, rhythmic strip with a Zebra Midge or a small leech pattern.
- Dapping: The creek is often too narrow and brushy for a traditional backcast. Use the "dapping" technique—poke your rod tip through the willows and drop the fly directly onto the water.
- Sight Fishing: Because the water is gin-clear, don't blind cast. Move slowly, spot a fish, and lead it by 2 or 3 feet with your cast.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Horse Factor": Cold Creek is home to a large herd of wild horses. While they are beautiful, they can muddy the water if they decide to cross the creek. If the water gets murky, switch to a darker, larger fly with some flash.
- Go Small: Many Vegas locals use powerbait or spinners. To out-fish them, go much smaller than you think. A size 22 midge on 6X fluorocarbon will often trigger a strike when nothing else works.
- The Inlet Secret: The most productive spot is almost always where the spring water enters the pond. The moving water brings in food and oxygen. If that spot is open, take it.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Take US-95 North from Las Vegas to the Cold Creek turnoff (NV-156). It’s a paved road all the way to the community of Cold Creek. Parking is available near the pond.
- Regulations: A valid Nevada Fishing License is required. Be sure to check the NDOW Trout Stocking Schedule before you go to see when the most recent "plant" occurred.
- Special Considerations: This is a high-desert environment. Even in winter, the sun is intense—bring sunscreen. Also, please respect the locals; the pond is very close to a private residential community.
- Wild Animal Etiquette: Keep your distance from the wild horses and elk. They are beautiful but can be unpredictable and dangerous if they feel cornered.
Tight lines, and enjoy the serenity of the Spring Mountains!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | March, April, September, October | All Day | #18-24 | Griffith's Gnat #18-22, Zebra Midge #18-22, Morgan's Midge #20-22 |
| Blue-Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | March, April, October, November | Late Morning/Afternoon | #18-22 | RS2 #20-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, Pheasant Tail #18-20 |
| Scuds Gammarus | crustacean | April, May, June | All Day | #14-18 | Ray Charles #14-18, Diamond Scud #16-18 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche | caddis | June, July, August | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #16-18 |
| Terrestrials (Ants and Beetles) Formicidae / Coleoptera | terrestrial | July, August, September | Mid-day/Afternoon | #12-18 | Black Foam Ant #16-18, Coffee's Sparkle Beetle #14-16 |
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella | mayfly | June, July | Late Morning | #16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Split Case PMD #16-18 |
| Damselfly Enallagma | terrestrial | June, July, August | Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel Nymph #12-14, Braided Butt Damsel #12-14 |
| Little Brown Stonefly Zapada | stonefly | March, April | Afternoon | #14-16 | Little Brown Stone #14-16, Copper John #14-18 |