The Eagle Valley Reservoir tournament runs each year in spring, drawing anglers from across Nevada to compete for trout in the high desert

The Eagle Valley Reservoir Trout Tournament is an annual spring event held at Eagle Valley Reservoir near Yerington, Nevada. The tournament typically takes place in April or May, when water temperatures and trout activity are favorable. Anglers fish from shore or boat, competing for the heaviest catches in several weight categories. The event is organized by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and local fishing clubs, and it draws both seasoned competitors and people fishing for the first time.

The reservoir sits at roughly 5,000 feet elevation in Lyon County, about 90 minutes south of Reno. The water holds rainbow and cutthroat trout, with fish ranging from 10 to 18 inches common during the tournament season. Success depends on understanding the reservoir's structure — the deeper channels hold larger fish, while shallower bays warm faster in spring and concentrate smaller, more active trout.

Key Takeaways

  • The tournament runs for a set number of days in spring (typically April through early May), with exact dates announced by Nevada Department of Wildlife each year.
  • You must register before the tournament begins, either online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife website or at local tackle shops near Yerington.
  • Fish can be kept or released depending on the tournament rules for that year — check the current rules before you fish, as they change.
  • The reservoir has a boat launch and shore access; bring your own boat or fish from the bank, and plan for high desert weather with wind and temperature swings.
  • Weigh-in happens at a designated location on specific days and times — missing the window means your catch does not count, so confirm the schedule before you go.

Registration and Entry Requirements

Registration for the Eagle Valley Reservoir Trout Tournament opens several weeks before the event. You can register through the Nevada Department of Wildlife's website or at participating tackle shops in the Yerington area, such as local bait and tackle retailers. The registration fee varies year to year but typically ranges from $25 to $50 per angler. Some tournaments offer a family rate or allow multiple entries per person.

When you register, you will receive a tournament packet with the exact fishing dates, weigh-in times, location, and current rules. Rules can change from year to year — some years the tournament allows anglers to keep fish, while other years it is catch-and-release only. Read the packet carefully before you fish, because violations of the tournament rules can disqualify your catch or result in a fine.

Nevada residents and non-residents both fish the tournament, and you will need a valid Nevada fishing license in addition to tournament registration. If you do not have a license, you can purchase one online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife or at any authorized vendor in the state.

Fishing Dates, Hours, and Weigh-In

The tournament typically runs for three to five consecutive days in April or May. Fishing hours are usually dawn to dusk, though the exact times are listed in your tournament packet. The Nevada Department of Wildlife announces the specific dates each year by late winter, so check their website or call their regional office in Lyon County to confirm before you plan your trip.

Weigh-in is held at a designated location near the reservoir, usually at a boat launch or parking area. Weigh-in windows are strict — you must bring your fish to the scale during the announced time on the final day of the tournament or the day you choose to end your fishing. If you miss the window, your catch will not be weighed. Write down the exact weigh-in time and location from your tournament packet and set a phone reminder the night before.

Some tournaments allow you to fish multiple days and keep your best catch, while others score based on total weight across all days. Confirm which format applies to your tournament year before you fish, because the strategy changes — a single-day format rewards finding one large fish, while a multi-day format rewards consistency.

What Fish Species and Sizes Count

Eagle Valley Reservoir holds rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Both species count toward tournament weight. The reservoir is regularly stocked by Nevada Department of Wildlife, and fish typically range from 10 to 18 inches, though larger fish are caught each year. There is usually a minimum size requirement — check your tournament packet for the exact measurement, as it may be 10 inches or 12 inches depending on the year.

Fish under the minimum size do not count and must be released immediately. Measure your fish before you leave the water or keep it on ice in a cooler to preserve it for the weigh-in. If you are fishing catch-and-release format, handle fish gently and return them to the water quickly to reduce stress and injury.

Boat and Shore Access at Eagle Valley Reservoir

Eagle Valley Reservoir has a public boat launch on the north side, accessible from Nevada Highway 208. The launch is maintained by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and is free to use. If you have your own boat, arrive early on tournament days — the parking area fills quickly, especially on weekends. The reservoir is roughly three miles long and two miles wide, with deeper water in the main channel and shallower bays along the eastern and western shores.

Shore fishing is also productive, particularly in the bays and along the dam. You can fish from the bank without a boat, though access is limited to designated areas. Bring sturdy shoes with good grip, as the shoreline can be rocky and slippery, especially near the water. The high desert wind picks up in the afternoon, so plan to fish early morning if you are shore-bound.

The reservoir sits at elevation, and weather can change rapidly. Bring layers, sunscreen, and water. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in spring, so watch the sky and be prepared to leave the water if lightning threatens.

Tackle and Technique for Spring Trout

Spring trout at Eagle Valley Reservoir respond well to small spinners, spoons, and soft plastic baits. Kastmasters, Panther Martins, and small Rapalas in silver or gold are reliable choices. If you prefer bait, live minnows or nightcrawlers work, especially in the shallower bays where trout are warming up after winter. Fly fishing is also productive — small nymphs and streamers in sizes 12 to 16 work well in the deeper channels.

Fish the deeper water along the main channel and drop-offs in the morning, when larger trout are more active. As the day warms, trout move to deeper water or shade. If you are fishing from shore, focus on the points and bays where structure changes — these are transition zones where trout hunt. Cast parallel to the shoreline rather than straight out, and work your lure slowly through the water column.

Spring water is cold — trout are sluggish compared to summer fish. Use lighter tackle and slower retrieves than you would in warmer months. A 4- to 6-pound test line is sufficient for most trout at Eagle Valley, and a 5- to 6-foot rod gives you control in the wind.

Lodging and Services Near Yerington

Yerington is the nearest town to Eagle Valley Reservoir, about 15 miles south. It has several motels, a few restaurants, and a grocery store. Lodging fills up during tournament weekends, so book ahead if you plan to stay overnight. The town is small and quiet — there is no nightlife, but that is part of the appeal for anglers who want to rest and prepare for an early morning on the water.

Gas up in Yerington before heading to the reservoir. There are no services at the lake itself. Bring food, water, and any tackle or supplies you might need, because the nearest tackle shop is in Yerington and may have limited stock. If you forget something critical, you will have a long drive to find it.

Cell service is spotty near the reservoir, so download offline maps and confirm your route before you leave town. The drive from Yerington to the boat launch is paved but narrow in places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the tournament, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish from shore or from a boat. Shore access is free and productive, especially in the bays and near the dam. If you have a boat, you can reach deeper water and cover more ground, but many anglers catch tournament-winning fish from the bank. Choose based on what you own and what you are comfortable with.

What should I do if I catch a fish I want to keep for the tournament?

Keep it on ice in a cooler with a thermometer to ensure it stays cold and fresh. Do not let it sit in the sun or in warm water. Measure it to confirm it meets the minimum size, and bring it to weigh-in during the announced window. If the tournament is catch-and-release only, release the fish immediately and record its weight yourself for your records.

Can I fish the tournament if I have never competed before?

Yes. The Eagle Valley Reservoir tournament welcomes anglers of all experience levels. Read the rules carefully, show up on time, and fish according to the regulations. Many first-time competitors catch fish and have a good day. The community is welcoming, and you will meet other anglers who fish the reservoir regularly.

What happens if I miss the weigh-in window?

Your fish will not be weighed and will not count toward your score. Weigh-in times are strict because the tournament needs to close on schedule. Write down the exact time and location from your packet, set a phone reminder, and plan to arrive 15 minutes early to avoid traffic or delays.

Is Eagle Valley Reservoir open year-round, or only during the tournament?

The reservoir is open to fishing year-round, but the tournament is a spring event. You can fish Eagle Valley any time you have a valid Nevada license, though spring and early summer are the most productive seasons for trout. Winter fishing is possible but slower, and summer heat pushes trout deeper and makes them less active.