Rye Patch Reservoir is not a place most fly fishers visit. Conventional gear dominates here. It is common to spend a day on the water without seeing another fly rod. Still, several species here will take flies.
Walleye are the main draw. Rye Patch has produced some of the largest walleye in Nevada, with fish over ten pounds taken in good years. The reservoir also supports carp, white crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, spotted bass, wipers, yellow perch, and bluegill.
The 22-mile long Rye Patch sits alongside Interstate 80 in northern Nevada near Imlay, roughly halfway between Lovelock and Winnemucca.
The reservoir was formed by the damming of the Humboldt River in the 1970s. Water stored here is used primarily for irrigation and livestock. When releases occur, the Humboldt River eventually sinks into the desert floor near Lovelock.
Water levels fluctuate widely and depend heavily on winter and spring precipitation. In dry years the reservoir drops sharply, and even in average years levels usually decline through summer and into fall.
When full, the reservoir can be over 60 feet deep near the dam. The deeper water often holds larger walleye. Toward the inlet the reservoir becomes shallow, often averaging less than ten feet. Flooded shallows in this area provide habitat for bass and carp, particularly in spring. The water is usually turbid and often becomes more so during spring runoff.
Wind is common and longer casts are often necessary. Six- or seven-weight rods handle most situations. Walleye have sharp teeth, so heavier leaders are a must. A straight section of 12- to 18-pound fishing line is usually sufficient.
The best walleye fishing generally occurs from late February through early April near the dam. Clouser Minnows fished on sink tips around structure or in coves can be effective. Fast-sinking lines with Woolly Buggers also work along sandy points. Chartreuse preferred.
Carp are often visible in spring and fall, cruising the surface in pods. They will take midge emergers fished just under the surface. Mini Buggers fished on floating or sink-tip lines will also be taken carp and other species.
Spring can also be good for wipers. Crappie fishing is often best in late summer and fall.
The 72-mile long shoreline is typical of many flooded canyon reservoirs in Nevada: coves separated by points. Sandy coves provide habitat for smaller bass and carp. Larger predators often hold near the points, especially around rock structure, and move shallow toward evening to feed.
Fishing is allowed year-round with a Nevada fishing license. Those taking fish should review daily catch limits and the consumption recommendations for fish from this reservoir.
The riparian and nearby zones along the Humboldt River and Rye Patch Reservoir abound with wildlife, including hawks, eagles, owls, great egrets, antelope, deer, fox, and waterfowl. Numerous trails are available to explore these zones on foot, such as the River Nature Trail on the east bank of the river just below the dam. Trails for horseback riding are also available in the area.
The reservoir is a popular place to enjoy watersports such as water skiing, swimming and kayaking.
The area is also a popular base for off-highway vehicle recreation and ghost town and railroad history exploration.
Rye Patch Reservoir lies within Rye Patch State Recreation Area.
The Riverside day-use area lies just below the dam on east bank of the Humboldt River. This area sports the River Nature Trail. On the opposite side of the dam is the River Campground and the Ramada Beach lakeside day-use area.
The Westside Campground, along with the boat launch and additional day-use areas, are located a bit further up the west shore.
For those who must stay connected, WiFi in the park is available.
Campsites can be reserved. A number of areas may be reserved for group and special use.
Nevada State Parks charges day-use and camping fees as well as for boat launch and WiFi.
The main access is at the dam, reached from Interstate 80 at Exit 129. The reservoir runs along the northwest side of the interstate. Crossing the dam and staying right provides access to the west and north shores. A graded road follows the west shoreline, with smaller roads leading to the water.
Access to the inlet can be reached from Interstate 80 at Exit 145 at Imlay. Take the Frontage Road that parallels westbound I-80 west to Lake Road where the road sign points to ghost towns of Jungo, Scassa, and Sulphur. Lake Road is a well maintained gravel road that leads west from Imlay to and around the upper end of the reservoir to the north shore.
The Pitt-Taylor Reservoirs and boat launch can be reached from Interstate 80 at Exit 138 and following Pitt-Tayor Road west.
Flyfisher's Guide to Nevada by Jan Nemec (my primary source of information for this article).
NV State Parks publications:
Humboldt & Pershing County Ghost Towns by Tami Force (nvtami.com).