Haymeadow Reservoir - Preston, NV

Haymeadow Reservoir, situated near Preston, Nevada, functions as a smaller, high-elevation coolwater fishery. This impoundment sustains robust populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), regularly augmented by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), and introduced Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The reservoir's management strategy prioritizes consistent, accessible angling opportunities within a tranquil, meadow-fringed lacustrine environment.

Angling methodologies are comprehensive and adapted to its lentic conditions and smaller scale. Conventional bait presentations utilizing PowerBait, worms, or salmon eggs are efficacious from shoreline or small craft. Spin casting with diminutive artificial lures (spinners, spoons) yields consistent results, particularly along structural features and depth contours. Fly fishing is highly productive, predominantly from float tubes or by careful wading, facilitating effective coverage of the reservoir. Nymphing with imitative patterns (e.g., midges, caddis, mayfly) and aggressively retrieved streamer patterns are consistently effective in varying depths. Optimal fishing periods span from late spring through autumn, corresponding to ice-free conditions and elevated metabolic activity. Winter ice fishing is popular when conditions permit. Access is typically via unpaved roads, with primitive launch and camping facilities. Anglers are unequivocally mandated to consult current NDOW regulations concerning specific bag limits and any area-specific provisions, crucial for the sustained management of this valuable coolwater resource, offering a more intimate and serene angling experience in eastern Nevada.