Lahontan State Recreation Area

Lahontan State Recreation Area Lahontan is located on the Carson River, 18 miles west of Fallon and 45 miles northeast of Nevada’s Capital, Carson City, via U.S. Highway 50. Government.
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Lahontan Dam and reservoir are part of the Newlands Project, one of the first irrigation projects selected for construction following passage of the 1902 Reclamation Act. In 1905 it became the first to deliver water from works constructed by the U.S. The project diverts and stores water from the Truckee and Carson River Basins to irrigate lands near Fallon and to produce hydroelectric power. Drain

age water from irrigated lands flows into the Stillwater Wildlife Management Area—one of the finest waterfowl areas in Nevada. The dam, completed in 1915, is 162- feet high, 1,700-feet long at the top and contains 733 cubic yards of earth fill. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 312,000 acre-feet when full. The reservoir was named after the ancient Lake Lahontan, which covered more than 8,500 square miles of the western Great Basin during the last Ice Age. Its ancient shore terraces may be seen high on the mountainsides of the surrounding region. Lahontan became a Nevada State Recreation Area in 1971. It was previously operated by Churchill and Lyon Counties.

05/28/2026

🎣 Calling all young anglers!

Join us for the Kids Carp Derby at Lahontan Reservoir on Saturday, June 6 for a FREE morning of fishing, prizes and outdoor fun.

Whether your kid is a first-time fisher or already loves being on the water, this event is all about getting outside and making memories.

🐟 Prizes awarded for:
• Most carp caught
• Largest carp

🎣 Rods and bait provided (or bring your own!)

📍 Lahontan Reservoir
⏰ 8 a.m. to noon
👧 Ages 4–17

Pre-registration encouraged:
nevada.events.licensing.app/em/events/4668

Come check out our Gift Shop Trailer parked near the Ranger Station on the Silver Springs side of the park! It will be o...
05/22/2026

Come check out our Gift Shop Trailer parked near the Ranger Station on the Silver Springs side of the park! It will be opend today until 6pm as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm! Come get your Lahontan swag and any last minute needed gear while supplies last!

Hats off to our staff preparing for Memorial Day Weekend! From our Fee Booth staff to our Maintenance Staff and everyone...
05/20/2026

Hats off to our staff preparing for Memorial Day Weekend! From our Fee Booth staff to our Maintenance Staff and everyone in-between, thank you!

For everyone visiting us now and this coming holiday weekend, we hope your time spent with us is safe and enjoyable! Please wear your life jackets, operate vehicles responsibly, and remember to look out for one another. In the midst of all the relaxation and fun, don't forget to take some time to recognize and remember what this holiday is all about.

Lahontan Reservoir, located in Lahontan State Recreation Area, has been placed under a HAB Watch Advisory due to a possi...
05/11/2026

Lahontan Reservoir, located in Lahontan State Recreation Area, has been placed under a HAB Watch Advisory due to a possible Harmful Algae Bloom.

Visual assessments have indicated a possible bloom. Water tests are currently being conducted by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). These toxic algae can cause serious health issues for humans and animals.

If you see water that looks discolored or smells bad, stay away. Pets should be kept away from all water bodies under a HAB advisory.

For more information on HABs visit nevadahabs.org

SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK

Look at these young anglers catching fish! 🎣 Great job all around!
05/06/2026

Look at these young anglers catching fish! 🎣 Great job all around!

It's great to see these young anglers out catching fish and learning about different careers within Nevada State Parks!
03/27/2026

It's great to see these young anglers out catching fish and learning about different careers within Nevada State Parks!

Work where you play at Lahontan State Recreation Area!We’re looking for 3-5 Seasonal Park Aides to join the team! Spend ...
03/17/2026

Work where you play at Lahontan State Recreation Area!

We’re looking for 3-5 Seasonal Park Aides to join the team! Spend your days outdoors, gain hands-on experience, and help create memorable experiences for park visitors.

- Flexible schedules (up to 40 hrs/week)
- Work in one of Nevada’s beautiful state parks
- Starting at $17.02/hour
- Assist with maintenance, visitor services, fee collection & more

If you enjoy working outside, meeting people, and making a difference, this could be the perfect fit.

Apply today at https://www.indeed.com/job/seasonal-park-aide-a492101b5a0a5f34 or send your resume directly to [email protected]

Positions fill fast, don’t wait!

Thank you for coming out to visit us this past Sunday!
02/17/2026

Thank you for coming out to visit us this past Sunday!

Have you been eagerly waiting for the boat docks to get placed in the water? Well, wait no further! The dock at North Sh...
01/31/2026

Have you been eagerly waiting for the boat docks to get placed in the water? Well, wait no further! The dock at North Shore Marina and 1 dock at the Silver Springs Boat Ramp have been placed in the water. The reservoir is at approximately 150,000 acre feet. Please continue to watch for navigational hazards. Before you launch your vessel make sure you have all required safety gear and self rescue items should you need them. Happy boating, happy fishing! 🎣 🚤

11/21/2025

Address

16799 Lahontan Dam Road
Fallon, NV
89406

Telephone

(775) 867-3500

Website

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