Onion Valley Reservoir - Denio, NV

Onion Valley Reservoir, situated in a remote high-desert valley near Denio, Nevada, constitutes a significant coolwater fishery. This impoundment sustains robust populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Cutbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss x O. clarkii hybrid), and occasionally stocked Tiger Trout (Salmo trutta x Salvelinus fontinalis), a sterile hybrid valued for its aggressive predatory nature and growth potential. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) consistently augments these trout populations to ensure a high-quality recreational fishery.

Angling methodologies are comprehensive and adapted to lacustrine conditions. Conventional bait presentations utilizing PowerBait, worms, or salmon eggs are efficacious from shoreline or small watercraft. Spin casting with diminutive to medium-sized artificial lures (spinners, spoons) yields consistent results, particularly along structural features and drop-offs. Fly fishing is highly productive, predominantly from float tubes or pontoon boats. Nymphing with imitative patterns (e.g., midges, caddis, mayfly) and aggressively stripped streamer patterns (e.g., baitfish imitations for predatory trout) are consistently effective in varying depths. Optimal fishing periods span from spring through autumn, corresponding to ice-free conditions and elevated metabolic activity. Ice fishing constitutes a significant winter fishery. Access often necessitates navigation of unpaved roads, requiring appropriate vehicle preparedness for remote conditions. 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 in a secluded and scenic setting.