🌤 Weather at Rye Patch State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–71 °F | 50–92 °F | 24–81 °F | 18–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Imlay, 7 mi away, elevation 4,260 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lahontan State Recreation Area is elsewhere in the state, and Fort Churchill State Park is elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nevada state parks online at reservenevada.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Rye Patch State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Leashed pets are welcome at most Nevada state parks.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted at swim beaches; notably pets are banned at Sand Harbor (Lake Tahoe) April 15 through October 15.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited on certain trails in the Spooner Management Area; park supervisors may close additional areas to pets.
Are dogs allowed at Rye Patch State Recreation Area?
Leashed pets are welcome at most Nevada state parks. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.nv.gov. More: Nevada state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Rye Patch State Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
