Chasing Giants at Pyramid Lake: How We Hooked a 17-Pound Cutthroat on a Wild Desert Day

Chasing Giants at Pyramid Lake: How We Hooked a 17-Pound Cutthroat on a Wild Desert Day

Giants Swimming in their Desert Pool
If someone told you the best trophy trout fishery in America was in the middle of a dusty desert in Nevada… would you believe them? Because we didn’t. At least not until we hit Pyramid Lake.

This place looks like Mars and feels like magic. You're surrounded by burnt-orange mountains, salty air and prehistoric fish that have no business being this massive. And yeah, we’re talking about the legendary Lahontan cutthroat trout — fish that routinely top 10 pounds and sometimes break 20.


Trolling Tactics That Trigger Beasts

Here's how we got into the big ones:

  • Speed Matters: Trolling between 1.8 to 2.0 mph was the sweet spot.
  • Depth Zone: Most bites came at 25 to 45 feet — deeper as the sun rose.
  • Gear Talk: We used Catch America’s own dodgers and trolling flies, fine-tuned for big-water trout.

And let’s be honest — it wasn’t just gear. It was being in the right place, with guides who knew the patterns and fish behavior better than their own phone numbers.

That 17-Pound Battle (Yeah, Seventeen.)
Midday, rods go quiet. Everyone’s munching snacks. Then — BOOM — drag screams.

One of Big Nate’s younger clients grabs the rod, and it’s on. The fish takes off like a torpedo, peeling line like it’s late for a date. The reel is howling, the boat’s in chaos— and Big Nate’s voice rises with the excitement.

“Steady pressure! Let it run! Let it tire out!”

Ten minutes later, the fish surfaces — and jaws drop. A 17-pound Lahontan cutthroat thrashing like a beast. We land it, the kid’s arms are jelly, and Big Nate’s got that look like, yep, that’s why we come out here.


When to Fish Pyramid Lake

If you're planning a trip, here's the breakdown:

  • Fall (Oct–Nov): Deepwater trolling shines. Fish are on the chew.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Fewer crowds, but still excellent fishing.
  • Spring (Mar–May): Peak season. Shore and boat fishing both produce.
  • Summer: The lake is close for Fishing.

Quick Pro Tips:

  1. Bring polarized glasses – sight fishing is real here.
  2. Fish early – wind picks up by noon most days.
  3. Don’t go light – these trout will snap you off like it’s nothing.


Watch the Full Adventure
Want to see the battle? You can watch the whole Pyramid Lake episode now on our YouTube Channel — trophy trout, desert chaos, and one seriously stoked kid.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?
If you’re chasing your own 17-pound monster, hit up Big Nate's Guide Service — he’ll put you on fish and probably hand you a granola bar, too.

And if you're gearing up? We’ve got the trolling flies, dodgers, and trout-tested tackle you need.

➡️ Shop Catch America Gear

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