Largemouth Bass

Elko, Nevada might not be the first place that springs to mind for largemouth bass fishing, but Wildhorse Reservoir, about an hour north of town, offers a surprisingly good fishery. This high-desert reservoir provides a unique setting, with clear water and rocky shorelines. The bass here tend to be structure-oriented, so focus your efforts around submerged vegetation, rock piles, and any woody debris you can find. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are prime times, as the water temperatures are more stable. A local tip: Wildhorse can experience rapid weather changes, so be prepared for anything. The boat ramp at the main campground is well-maintained, but can get busy on weekends. Don't be afraid to experiment with different lure presentations, as these bass can be finicky. Jigs, crankbaits, and Texas-rigged worms are all good starting points. Largemouth in Wildhorse average 2-4 pounds, with some larger fish exceeding 5 pounds possible.