Crittenden Reservoir - Montello, NV

Crittenden Reservoir, situated northeast of Montello, Nevada, constitutes a significant coolwater fishery within a high-desert environment. This impoundment sustains robust populations of stocked Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), introduced Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), and occasionally stocked Tiger Trout (Salmo trutta x Salvelinus fontinalis), a sterile hybrid valued for its aggressive predatory nature. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) consistently augments trout populations to ensure a high-quality recreational fishery.

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