The Derby Happens Each Winter When the Ice Is Safe

Wild Horse Reservoir, located in Elko County in northeastern Nevada, hosts an ice fishing derby when conditions allow — typically between December and February, though the exact dates shift year to year depending on ice thickness and weather. The event draws anglers from across the region who fish for cutthroat trout, the reservoir's primary species. The derby is organized by local fishing clubs and the Nevada Department of Wildlife, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a modest entry fee.

The reservoir sits at about 6,000 feet elevation in high desert country, which means ice forms reliably most winters but not every year. Before you make the drive, contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife or check their website for confirmation that the derby is running and that ice thickness meets safety standards — typically at least 4 inches for walking and 5 to 7 inches for vehicles. Conditions can change rapidly, so call ahead even if you saw a recent post online.

Key Takeaways

  • Wild Horse Reservoir ice fishing derby runs when ice is safe, usually between December and February, and you must confirm dates and conditions with Nevada Department of Wildlife before traveling.
  • Entry fees are modest and the derby is open to the public, but you need a valid Nevada fishing license and must follow all state fishing regulations.
  • Cutthroat trout are the main catch, and most anglers use small jigs, spoons, or live minnows fished near the bottom in deeper water.
  • The reservoir is remote and exposed; bring extra layers, a windbreak or shelter, hand warmers, and a charged phone in case of emergency.
  • Ice fishing on a reservoir requires different safety awareness than stream fishing — never fish alone, stay off thin ice near inlet streams, and tell someone where you are going.

What Fish You Will Find and How to Catch Them

Wild Horse Reservoir holds cutthroat trout, a native species that grows to 12 to 16 inches in this water. They are bottom feeders in winter, which means you drill your hole and fish straight down rather than casting. Most successful anglers use small vertical jigs — size 1/16 to 1/8 ounce — tipped with a maggot or small piece of minnow, or they fish tiny spoons like a Kastmaster or Krocodile. Drop your lure to the bottom, then work it with small lifts and pauses.

Live minnows under a small bobber also work, especially if you position yourself in water 15 to 25 feet deep. The cutthroat will bite throughout the day, but dawn and dusk often produce better. Bring a depth finder if you have one — it saves time finding where the fish are holding — but a simple lead weight on a string will tell you how deep the water is at your hole.

The reservoir can be windy and the ice can be rough, so a low profile helps. Sit low, keep your silhouette small, and avoid sudden movements. Many anglers bring a small shelter or windbreak not just for comfort but because it reduces glare on the ice and helps the fish feel less exposed when they approach your hole.

Gear and Clothing for High Desert Winter Conditions

Ice fishing at Wild Horse means exposure to wind, cold, and reflection off white ice. Dress in layers you can remove — a base layer of merino wool or synthetic, an insulating mid-layer like fleece, and a windproof outer shell. Bring more layers than you think you need; sitting still in the cold is different from moving around. Hand warmers, a warm hat, and insulated gloves are not optional.

Your fishing kit needs an ice auger (hand-crank or powered), an ice scoop to clear slush from your hole, a short ice fishing rod (24 to 28 inches), and a small tackle box with jigs, spoons, and hooks. Bring a headlamp or small flashlight — winter days are short and the ice reflects light in ways that can be disorienting. A thermos of hot liquid, snacks with calories, and a charged phone are essential. The reservoir is remote; if you slip on ice or get stranded, you need a way to call for help.

Wear boots with good traction — ice is slippery even with studs. Some anglers wear ice cleats over their boots. A small sled or backpack to carry your gear saves your back on the walk from the parking area to your fishing spot.

Safety on Ice: What Changes From Stream Fishing

Ice fishing on a reservoir is different from fishing streams because the ice is a single surface and a failure in one spot can trap you. Never fish alone. Tell someone where you are going, what time you plan to return, and what to do if you do not check in. Bring a charged phone and keep it accessible.

Stay away from inlet streams and areas where water flows in — the current keeps ice thin even when the main reservoir is solid. Avoid pressure ridges (places where ice has buckled and cracked) and any spot where the ice looks dark or slushy. If you hear cracking or feel the ice shift under your feet, move to thicker ice immediately and do not run — distribute your weight by walking slowly.

Wear a personal flotation device if you are comfortable doing so, though many anglers do not. At minimum, carry a small rope and know the location of the nearest shelter or vehicle. If you fall through, get out immediately by kicking toward the edge you came from, pull yourself up on solid ice, and roll away from the hole rather than standing. Hypothermia sets in fast in winter water.

How to Get There and Where to Park

Wild Horse Reservoir is accessed via Nevada State Route 227, about 30 miles north of Elko. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes from town on a paved road that can be icy in winter — check road conditions before you leave. The reservoir has a developed parking area and boat launch on the north side; this is where most ice fishing anglers stage.

The parking area is unplowed in winter, so bring chains or all-terrain tires if snow has fallen. Cell service is spotty, so download offline maps or write down directions before you leave town. The nearest services — gas, food, lodging — are in Elko. There are no facilities at the reservoir itself in winter, so plan accordingly.

Fishing Regulations and Your Nevada License

You must have a valid Nevada fishing license to fish the derby. Licenses are available online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, at sporting goods stores in Elko, or at the Elko office itself. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are only fishing the derby.

Cutthroat trout at Wild Horse have a daily bag limit and a size minimum — check the current Nevada fishing digest for exact numbers, as these can change year to year. The digest is free and available online or at any place that sells licenses. Possession limits apply, so know how many fish you can keep before you start fishing. The derby may have its own prize categories (largest fish, most fish, etc.), so ask the organizers when you arrive about how winners are determined and what the prizes are.

When the Derby Is Cancelled or Postponed

If ice does not form thick enough, or if it melts early, the derby will not happen that year. Nevada Department of Wildlife makes the call based on ice thickness measurements and weather forecasts. If the derby is cancelled, you can still fish the reservoir during open season if conditions allow, but you would be fishing on your own rather than as part of an organized event.

Some years the derby is postponed rather than cancelled — the organizers may wait for ice to thicken or for a cold snap to extend the season. Check the Nevada Department of Wildlife website or call their Elko office in late November to learn whether the derby is scheduled and when it will start. Social media pages for local fishing clubs also post updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience ice fishing to enter the derby?

No. The derby is open to anglers of all skill levels. If you have never ice fished before, arrive early, watch what others are doing, and ask questions — most ice anglers are generous with advice. Bring a friend who has done it before if you can, or plan to spend your first hour learning where the fish are rather than expecting to catch them immediately.

What if I do not have ice fishing gear?

You can rent or borrow most of what you need. Sporting goods stores in Elko sometimes rent ice augers and rods. Local fishing clubs may have loaner gear. Ask the derby organizers when you call to confirm dates — they often know who has equipment to lend. A basic setup is not expensive if you decide to buy your own.

Can I bring my family and fish together?

Yes. The derby is family-friendly and children fish for free or at a reduced rate. Bring extra layers and hand warmers for kids, and plan shorter fishing sessions — sitting still in the cold is harder for children than adults. Some families take turns fishing while others stay warm in a vehicle or shelter.

What happens if the weather turns bad while I am fishing?

Leave immediately. Winter storms in the high desert can develop quickly and visibility can drop fast. If you see clouds building or wind picking up, pack your gear and head to your vehicle. It is not worth staying to catch one more fish. Tell someone your plan before you go, and check the weather forecast before you leave town.

Are there other fishing opportunities near Wild Horse if the ice is not safe?

Yes. The Elko area has several streams and smaller reservoirs that fish year-round. The Humboldt River and its tributaries hold trout and can be fished in winter if you do not mind wading cold water. Ask at local fly shops or the Nevada Department of Wildlife office in Elko for current conditions and recommendations.