What fish are in Pyramid Lake?

A Look at the Species That Swim Nevada’s Desert Jewel

Pyramid Lake, located in northwestern Nevada within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation, is not only one of the most scenic desert lakes in the American West—it’s also one of the most unique in terms of fish species. The lake’s saline and alkaline waters may seem inhospitable at first glance, but it supports a thriving aquatic ecosystem. While Pyramid Lake is not home to a wide variety of fish, it is celebrated worldwide for a few remarkable species—most notably the famous Lahontan cutthroat trout. Here’s a detailed look at the fish species that call Pyramid Lake home.

1. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi)

The undisputed star of Pyramid Lake is the Lahontan cutthroat trout, a subspecies native to the Lahontan Basin of Nevada, California, and Oregon. Historically, these trout were the apex predator in the lake’s ecosystem and could grow to enormous sizes—some exceeding 40 pounds. For decades, however, the native population vanished due to overfishing, water diversion, and habitat loss.

In recent years, a remarkable conservation and reintroduction effort—led by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and biologists—has restored the original strain of Lahontan cutthroat trout, known as the Pilot Peak strain. These fish can grow rapidly and reach trophy sizes, with many anglers landing fish in the 10–20-pound range. Their reestablishment has made Pyramid Lake one of the premier destinations for trophy trout fishing in the world.

2. Cui-ui (Chasmistes cujus)

The cui-ui is a large, lake-dwelling sucker fish that is endemic to Pyramid Lake. This species exists nowhere else in the world and is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Cui-ui have inhabited Pyramid Lake for more than a million years and are of great cultural significance to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

Cui-ui spawn in the lower Truckee River, which flows into Pyramid Lake from Lake Tahoe. Due to changes in water flow and dam construction, their populations declined sharply in the 20th century. However, careful management and seasonal releases of water have supported their recovery. While cui-ui are not targeted by anglers (and fishing for them is prohibited), they are a vital part of the lake’s ecological and historical identity.

3. Tui Chub (Gila bicolor)

Tui chubs are small native minnows that serve as an essential forage species in Pyramid Lake. They are found throughout the lake and play a major role in supporting the larger predator fish, particularly Lahontan cutthroat trout. These chubs reproduce quickly and in large numbers, helping sustain the lake’s food web.

Although tui chubs are not a sport fish and are not typically targeted by anglers, their abundance ensures that Pyramid Lake remains a productive fishery for larger species.

4. Sacramento Perch (Archoplites interruptus)

Though not native to Pyramid Lake, Sacramento perch were introduced in the early 20th century. They are the only species of sunfish native to the West Coast and have adapted surprisingly well to the lake’s saline waters. Sacramento perch are rarely caught compared to Lahontan cutthroat trout, but they are still present and occasionally hooked by anglers.

Their populations are relatively small, and they tend to inhabit shallower, warmer waters. While they do not have the prestige of the lake’s trout, their presence adds a bit of diversity to the fish community.

Final Thoughts

While Pyramid Lake is not teeming with dozens of fish species like some freshwater lakes, what it lacks in variety, it more than makes up for in uniqueness and angling prestige. The combination of ancient native fish like the cui-ui, massive predatory trout, and critical forage species like the tui chub makes this desert lake an ecological treasure. For anglers and naturalists alike, understanding the fish species of Pyramid Lake deepens appreciation for this remote and storied body of water—one that’s not only biologically rich but also deeply entwined with cultural and conservation history.