Ruby Lake is a lake in Elko County, Nevada.
Ruby Lake is a shallow marsh fishery, not one uniform open lake. NDOW describes more than 9,000 acres of connected water, islands and bulrush, with depths from inches to about 12 feet. Largemouth bass and trout offer very different trips within the refuge.
For bass, work permitted marsh water around vegetation edges and open pockets. Keep a weedless plastic ready when a moving lure snags too much. The collection ditch is a separate trout option with artificial-lure-only rules and no wading. Do not carry a general bait-fishing plan from the marsh into that ditch.
Bass fishing generally fits warmer months, while cooler seasons favor trout. Water levels and weed growth can make a familiar channel difficult to navigate. The 2026 NDOW report notes reduced navigability at Narciss as water falls. Use the Main Boat Landing or Narciss only when conditions and refuge rules allow, and carry a reliable way to navigate the marsh.
Refuge boating dates, motor limits and launch locations are specific. Check the current refuge rules before bringing a boat or float tube. Bait fish, chumming and cleaning fish within the refuge are prohibited. Birdwatching and photography are major attractions along the same wetlands, and a Forest Service campground is beside the refuge. Keep camping arrangements separate from permission to use an unmarked patch of shoreline.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.