Cave Lake: A Recreational Paradise

     Cave Lake State Park is nothing short of a recreational paradise nestled high in the Schell Creek Range of eastern Nevada. Perched at roughly 7,300 feet elevation, its 32-acre reservoir is the focal point for boating, swimming, and year-round fishing—accommodating everything from flat-wake motor boats to kayaks and paddleboards in warmer months, to ice fishing and skating when winter ice sets in. With over 4,000 acres of forested terrain crisscrossed by scenic trails, the park offers hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing; truly something for every season.

Wildlife enthusiasts relish the opportunity to spot big game and feathered residents alike. Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer roam freely, and visitors often hear the bugle of bull elk echoing through the trees, particularly during fall mating season. The lake's environs also attract various bird species, from pinyon jays and hawks to waterfowl, alongside predators like bobcats and mountain lions. Moreover, licensed hunting is permitted on park lands, offering occasional success for elk hunters looking to engage with Nevada’s storied big game heritage.

Cave Lake’s fishing legacy is, however, the crown jewel. The reservoir is stocked annually with rainbow trout and home to robust populations of native German brown trout. In fact, a brown trout weighing a staggering 40 pounds 4 ounces (27 lb 5 oz, 33″ long) was caught here in 1984, setting the Nevada state-record for largest brown trout ever, a title it still holds.

In short, Cave Lake State Park stands out as a multifaceted outdoor haven, blending spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, campgrounds, trails, and record-breaking fishing. Whether you're casting lines into shimmering waters, following elk tracks through the forest, or carving trails in the snow, it's a destination that lives up to being a true recreational paradise.