Fishing

Comins Lake, 10 Miles Southeast of Ely, Nevada just off the U.S. Highway 93/50 is actually a catch basin fed by several streams and springs. This abundant water supply helps in the preservation of the surrounding wetlands in association with the (BLM) Bureau of Land Management.

At capacity, the lake covers 410 surface acres with a maximum depth of 14 feet. Average depth is 6 to 8 feet. Mostly northern pike and a few largemouth bass currently inhabit the reservoir. Pike predation has effectively eliminated the trout. An electrofishing survey in 2011 found high numbers of smaller northern pike and low densities of bass. Pike are currently in the midst of a population crash. In general, bass fishing is most productive in summer using weedless or surface lures. For pike, spinners and spoons (the flashier, the better) are popular, and remember to use a heavy leader.

Fishing is allowed year around. Daily and possession limits are 5 trout and 5 black bass. However, there is no limit on northern pike. Due to a change in regulations in 2006, northern pike are now considered a prohibited species and anglers wishing to keep pike are required to kill them upon capture.

Due to elevated methylmercury levels, the Nevada State Health Division has issued a health advisory that recommends no consumption of largemouth bass or northern pike from Comins Lake. Please visit NDOW’s web site (www.ndow.org) for more details.

The Refuge was established primarily to protect migratory birds and other native wildlife. Over 220 species of birds have been observed, with 15 species of waterfowl nesting here each year. Mule Deer and Pronghorn are the most commonly seen large mammals on the Refuge.

At approximately 17,000 acres, freshwater marsh is the dominant habitat and what primarily attracts the wildlife for which the Refuge was established. The marsh receives cool, clean water from about 200 springs emanating near the base of the Ruby Mountains.

Although Ruby Lake’s primary purpose is to protect habitat for wildlife, here are some ways that you can enjoy the wide open space along with the birds, fish and mammals.

The Refuge is open year-round to fishing except in areas posted as closed. Learn More

Cave Lake State Park is a year-round park that offers outstanding recreational opportunities. It features a 32-acre reservoir and provides excellent trout fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping and picnicking. Winter activities include ice-skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling.

Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy a five-mile interpretive trail above the lake campground area or travel the three-mile trail along Steptoe Creek.

Cave Lake is also home of the annual  Fire and Ice Festival, and the Rotary Ice Fishing Derby.

Overnight camp sites number 36 at the lake and 16 at Elk Flat, a couple miles from the lake.  Elk Flat offers hot showers during the summer season.  Dump disposal facilities are available.  There is no phone or power service at the lake and camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping fees are charged per vehicle and are payable in the campgrounds.

A fee is charged to enter the park.

Visit the Nevada State Parks website for more information.

The park is eight miles south of Ely on U.S. 93, turning onto Success Summit road (State route 486) and continuing east for seven miles.

Ely (NV) Fishing Spots