

California Outdoors Hall of Fame
Inducted 2024
Pyramid Lake, Nevada · October to March
Pyramid Lake fishing charters
Land of giant trout
Private trips for up to 4 anglers after the largest cutthroat trout on earth, 45 minutes from Reno.
The trout of a lifetime
Set in an almost otherworldly high desert, Pyramid Lake routinely produces Lahontan cutthroat trout over 20 pounds. On every trip, your chance at a fish over 10 pounds is better than almost anywhere in the country.
The largest fish to date on our boat is an amazing 28 pounds, and there are bigger ones out there.
Private trips only
To give you the best possible experience, we only run private charters for up to 4 anglers. That gives us the most flexibility in how we fish, which means more action for you.
Tribally approved
JD is one of just a select handful of guides approved by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe to run fishing charters on the lake. Every angler needs a tribal fishing permit, which you can buy online or at the lake.
How we fish
Casting, trolling and jigging, depending on conditions, from a heated cabin boat that makes winter days on the desert comfortable.
Pyramid Lake trip info
| Season | October 1 to March 31 |
| Rate | $1,400 private charter |
| Anglers | 1 to 4 |
| Trip length | 7 hours |
| Meet | Pyramid Lake Lodge |
| Time | Set by weather and season |
| License | Paiute tribal permit |
or call or text (916) 952-1595
Trophy board
Pyramid Lake giants
Every one of these fish came over the side of JD’s boat.









Watch JD on YouTube
See how fish really bite
JD’s underwater footage shows exactly how trout and salmon react to lures. It’s the kind of detail he brings to every trip.
Before you go
What to bring
- A valid CA or NV fishing license (Tahoe) or Paiute tribal permit (Pyramid)
- Lunch and drinks
- Layered clothing, rain gear and a hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera
- A cooler if you’re taking fish home

Pyramid Lake FAQ
Pyramid Lake charter questions
Do you offer Pyramid Lake fishing charters?
Yes. JD runs private Pyramid Lake charters for 1 to 4 anglers targeting giant Lahontan cutthroat trout from October 1 through March 31. He is one of a select handful of guides approved by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.
How big are Pyramid Lake cutthroat trout?
Ten-pound trout are common, 20-pounders are caught weekly and fish to 30 lb are possible. The largest fish to date on our boat is 28 lb.
What license do I need for Pyramid Lake?
A Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe fishing permit. You can buy it online or at the lake. The state fishing license does not apply.
How far is Pyramid Lake from Reno?
About 45 minutes. We meet at Pyramid Lake Lodge, at a time set by the weather and season.
Can a larger group fish with you?
We keep Pyramid trips private and limited to 4 anglers for the most flexibility and action. For larger parties, let us know and we can usually work something out.
