Rye Patch State Recreation Area
Desert Reservoir Park on the Humboldt River in Northern Nevada — Camping With Tent and RV Sites Along the Rye Patch Reservoir Shoreline, Fishing for Walleye White Bass Channel Catfish and Wipers in the 22-Mile Reservoir, Boating and Water Skiing on the Largest Body of Water Along the Humboldt River, Sandy Swimming Beaches in Summer, Desert Wildlife Viewing Including Pronghorn Mule Deer and Golden Eagles, Rockhounding for Jasper Agate and Petrified Wood in Surrounding BLM Lands, Dark Sky Stargazing in Remote Northern Nevada, Near Imlay and Lovelock Pershing County Northern Nevada Along Interstate 80
Rye Patch State Recreation Area is a state recreation area on Rye Patch Reservoir along the Humboldt River in Pershing County, northern Nevada, managed by Nevada Division of State Parks. The park features tent and RV campsites along the reservoir shoreline, fishing for walleye, white bass, channel catfish, and wipers (white bass-striped bass hybrid) in the 22-mile Rye Patch Reservoir — the largest body of water along the Humboldt River, boating and water skiing with a boat ramp and courtesy docks, sandy swimming beaches accessible in summer when water levels cooperate, desert wildlife viewing including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, jackrabbits, and golden eagles, excellent rockhounding opportunities for jasper, agate, and petrified wood on surrounding BLM lands, spectacular dark sky stargazing in one of Nevada’s most remote and light-pollution-free regions, and a rugged high desert oasis along the historic Humboldt River corridor that has drawn travelers since the California Gold Rush.
The walleye fishing at Rye Patch has gained a cult following among Nevada anglers — the reservoir’s warm, shallow waters produce trophy-sized walleye that rival any fishery in the western US. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the fish move into shallow feeding areas.
The Humboldt River corridor was the main route for California-bound emigrants in the 1840s–1860s — thousands of wagon trains followed this river across the Nevada desert. Rye Patch Reservoir now floods portions of that historic trail.
Things to Do
- Camping — tent/RV, reservoir shoreline
- Fishing — walleye, white bass, catfish
- Boating — ramp, water skiing
- Swimming — sandy beaches (seasonal)
- Rockhounding — jasper, agate, petrified wood
- Stargazing — dark sky, remote desert
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Imlay/Lovelock, Pershing County, NV |
| Reservoir | Rye Patch — 22 miles, Humboldt River |
| Camping | Tent and RV sites, shoreline |
| Fishing | Walleye, white bass, catfish, wipers |
| Boating | Ramp, courtesy docks, water skiing |
| Managed By | Nevada Division of State Parks |
| Coordinates | 40.5167° N, 118.2833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rye Patch Reservoir good for walleye fishing?
Yes — Rye Patch Reservoir in Pershing County, Nevada is one of the best walleye fisheries in the western US, especially in spring and fall when fish move into shallow feeding areas. The 22-mile reservoir on the Humboldt River also supports white bass, channel catfish, and wipers. Rye Patch State Recreation Area offers camping, boating with water skiing, sandy swimming beaches (seasonal), rockhounding for jasper and agate on surrounding BLM lands, and spectacular dark sky stargazing.
Last updated: May 2026
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