Pyramid Lake covers 125,000 acres, making it one of the largest natural lakes in the state of Nevada. Pyramid Lake is also the biggest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, the colossal inland sea that once covered most of Nevada. The scenery is spectacular, and the color of Pyramid Lake changes from shades of blue or gray, depending on the skies above. Pyramid Lake is also surrounded by unusual rock formations, including the Stone Mother. Pyramid Lake’s significant role in the history of the Paiute Indian tribe also adds to its mystique and many myths and tales surrounding it.

Visitors can get a sense of the Pyramid Lake’s importance to the tribe with a trip to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center.The multi-purpose museum features several exhibits and displays about the tribe’s culture and history, the natural history of Pyramid Lake and why the Paiute people hold it in such esteem. Other exhibits are dedicated to the many creatures that make Pyramid Lake their home, including the ancient Cui-ui fish and the world-famous Lahontan cutthroat trout. In addition to excellent fishing at Pyramid Lake, other outdoor activities include kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, mountain biking, and hiking.

Widely acclaimed as North America’s most beautiful desert lake, it’s actually the world class fishery that has brought Pyramid Lake worldwide fame. Pyramid Lake is the only habitat in the world for the Cui-ui fish that has been around for over 2 million years. The Pyramid Lake fishery includes the famous Lohanton Cutthroat Trout that have grown to record sizes and have lured fisherman from around the world over for several decades. Celebrities, foreign royalty, and even a US President have fished the lake in hopes of catching trophy fish at Pyramid Lake.

SPECIAL NOTICE

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation is located in a rural area 35 miles Northeast of Reno, midway between Reno and the Black Rock Desert where the annual Burning Man event is held. In typical years, most event participants travel to the Black Rock Desert via State Routes 445, 446, and 447 that traverse the Reservation. While Burning Man’s organizers canceled the 2021 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is still anticipating a significant influx of visitors that will be traveling through the Reservation in the week leading up to and after the Labor Day Holiday. The Pyramid Lake Tribe would like to remind those who plan participating in activities on the playa to consider their impact on the Reservation and to abide by Pyramid Lake Tribal Code and Regulations:

• Visitors who wish to swim or camp around Pyramid Lake must purchase a valid tribal permit. Permits may be purchased online at PyramidLake.us/permits, or at the Ranger Station, Sutcliffe NV.
• The following areas are closed to the public: Needles area, Anaho Island, Marble Bluff area, Beehives and the Pyramid/ Stone Mother. The closed areas are depicted on the map and regulations found online at PyramidLake.us.
• The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has adopted CDC mitigation measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including requiring masks, social distancing, and limiting the number of people within a confined area. If you are sick, stay home.
• Leave no Trace. There will be no trash collection services on the Reservation. Trash collection sites are reserved for visitors of Pyramid Lake. Trash and recycling locations can be found in cities and towns nearby outside of the Reservation.
• Visitors must secure their loads and truck beds or trailers to prevent hazardous road debris. Secure your load which straps, rope, net, and or tarps where appropriate.
• When using safety chains with a trailer, ensure they are not dragging on the pavement to prevent wildfires.
• The collection, excavation, or vandalism of archeological artifacts is prohibited on the Reservation and public lands.
• Speed limits will be strictly enforced. Be courteous to Tribal members (and pets) as they cross the road or try to access businesses and services or their homes.
• Please be respectful of the lake and land, as they are considered sacred and home to threatened and endangered species.

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe wishes everybody a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Please visit PyramidLake.us for more information including, access to the Tribe’s Regulation Brochure.

The 2023-2024 Pyramid Lake Fishing Guide and Boat Charter Applications are available on-line at www.pyramidlake.us. Applications will ONLY be accepted from June 1, 2023 through July 14, 2023. NO EXCEPTIONS. Applications are reviewed by the Tribe’s Ranger Supervisor for completeness and forwarded to the Tribal Secretary to be added to the August 4, 2023 Tribal Council Agenda for final approval. On May 19, 2022, the Pyramid Lake Tribal Council approved the requirement for Fishing Guides and Boat Charters to obtain a Tribal business License. Business License process, application and fees are located on the Tribe’s website at www.plpt.nsn.us/Departments/Business. New Guides require a local background check with their local Sheriff’s Office Department, which is submitted along with your application.

Fishing Permits Available October 1 – June 30 at https://plpt.nagfa.net/online/
During operating hours, permits will also be sold at online kiosks at the Ranger Station *only*

CLICK HERE for the 2023-2024 Fishing Guide Application
CLICK HERE for the 2022-2023 Fishing Guides/Boat Charters

REMEMBER:

• Camping permit is per vehicle.
• Observe CDC guidelines to mitigate COVID-19 (e.g. Practice social distancing, wear face coverings, frequently wash hands, use hand   sanitizer.)
• Online permit sales and Ranger Station online sales only Day Use available 7 days a week.
• One camping permit per vehicle – not per person.
• No seasonal permits available at this time.
  Additional campsites are now open. Remember camping permit is per vehicle.
  

   

ANY AND ALL EVENTS BY AN OUTSIDE AGENCY ON THE PYRAMID LAKE RESERVATION WILL NEED TO GO THROUGH THE TRIBAL COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL
Anyone having an event without the Council’s approval will be cited. For more information, please contact the Tribal Secretary at (775) 574-1000      

• CLICK HERE for an agenda scheduling request

The north side of the Pyramid is CLOSED
        
• CLICK HERE for open public areas            
• CLICK HERE for the press release           
• CLICK HERE for designated fireworks areas