Pyramid Lake Anglers
Status: active
Joe Contaldi has guided fly and spin anglers on Pyramid Lake since the late 1990s, building deep expertise in the seasonal patterns and techniques required to consistently connect with Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. His operation centers on Pyramid Lake's October-through-June season, where he offers both precision shoreline fly fishing from custom ladder chairs and expansive boat charters targeting the lake's legendary trophy fish. During summer months, Contaldi diversifies his guiding across the Eastern Sierra's premier waters—Crowley Lake, the East Walker River, and the Upper Owens River—maintaining year-round access to world-class trout fishing. He welcomes all skill levels and tailors each trip to maximize the client's chance of connecting with these exceptional fish.
Details
- Tags: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Wade Fishing, Shore / Wade Only, Charter, Autumn, Winter, Spring, Sight Fishing, Instructional, Catch & Release, Gear Provided, Flies / Lures Provided, Freshwater
Waters Serviced (13)
| Destination | Type |
|---|---|
| Nevada City | city |
| Lake Tahoe | lake |
| Kirman Lake | lake |
| Parker Lake | lake |
| Pyramid Lake | lake |
| Mammoth Lakes | lake |
| California | state |
| West Walker River | river |
| Owens River | river |
| Upper Truckee River | river |
| Salt Lake | lake |
| Walker Lake | reservoir |
| Lake Crowley | reservoir |
FAQ — Pyramid Lake Anglers
Raw guide data (JSON)
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"name": "Pyramid Lake Anglers",
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"bio": "Joe Contaldi has guided fly and spin anglers on Pyramid Lake since the late 1990s, building deep expertise in the seasonal patterns and techniques required to consistently connect with Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. His operation centers on Pyramid Lake's October-through-June season, where he offers both precision shoreline fly fishing from custom ladder chairs and expansive boat charters targeting the lake's legendary trophy fish. During summer months, Contaldi diversifies his guiding across the Eastern Sierra's premier waters—Crowley Lake, the East Walker River, and the Upper Owens River—maintaining year-round access to world-class trout fishing. He welcomes all skill levels and tailors each trip to maximize the client's chance of connecting with these exceptional fish.",
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"fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year on Pyramid Lake is dictated by the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout season, which runs from October 1st through June 30th. This extended season allows for incredible opportunities to target these magnificent fish, whether you prefer the precision of shoreline fly fishing from our custom ladder chairs or the expansive reach of boat charters. The \"Jurassic\" giants of Pyramid Lake are a true bucket-list experience, and I tailor each trip to ensure you have the best possible chance to connect with them, from the early fall bite through the spring. While Pyramid Lake is my primary focus from October to June, I also guide on Crowley Lake, the East Walker River, and the Upper Owens River during the summer months, offering a diverse range of Eastern Sierra fly fishing experiences.",
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"gearNotes": "All fly rods, reels, waders, and tackle are provided. Clients of all skill levels are accommodated, and specialty patterns for Lahontan Cutthroat are included on guided days.",
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"whatToExpect": "Trips on Pyramid Lake run from October through June, with anglers choosing between shoreline fly fishing from custom ladder chairs or boat charters depending on conditions and preference. Days are structured around tide and weather patterns, with Contaldi coaching sight-casting and presentation techniques throughout. Summer trips rotate to Crowley Lake, the East Walker River, and the Upper Owens River, offering diverse fly-fishing environments across the Eastern Sierra.",
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"question": "What species can I catch with Pyramid Lake Anglers Guide Service?",
"answer": "Pyramid Lake Anglers Guide Service specializes in targeting trophy cutthroat trout and Lahontan trout. They also fish for other trout species found in the Eastern Sierra's rivers and lakes.",
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"question": "What are the fishing seasons for Pyramid Lake?",
"answer": "The Lahontan Trout Season runs from October 1 thru June 30.",
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"question": "What types of fishing does Pyramid Lake Anglers Guide Service offer?",
"answer": "They offer both fly fishing and spin fishing. Trips include boat fishing and shoreline tactics, catering to various angler preferences.",
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"question": "What are the regulations for Pyramid Lake fishing?",
"answer": "You do not need a State of Nevada Fishing License, just a Tribal Fishing and/or Boating Permit. Boats are required to have current registration from their respective state. Barb less hooks only. You can have 2 singles, 2 doubles or 2 treble hooks per lure. No Bait (worms, eggs, scent, Power bait or like products, or any organic matter on hooks). Keepers are 17 to 20 inches or over 24 inches. All other sizes must be returned to the water. You may keep 2 of the smaller sizes or 1 small and 1 large. One stringer per fisherman, no sharing of stringers. Do not fillet the fish on the Reservation. Rangers need to verify proper size. You can fish 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset. Highly recommend boaters have a marine band radio on board. The Ranger Station monitors Channel 16. Coast Guard considers marine band radios as essential part of your boat safety equipment. No fishing off the docks. Fishermen fishing off the docks present a safety hazard to boats launching and docking, and to the fisherman. Closed areas to fishing and boating: 1,000 foot radius around mouth of Marble Bluff Fish Way, 1,000 foot radius around Sutcliffe Fishery spawning channel, 1,000 foot from shoreline of Needles from Wizard Cove to Fox Bay, The Truckee River and Delta. Boats need to stay 250 feet from shoreline fishermen.",
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"question": "Which waters does Pyramid Lake Anglers Guide Service fish?",
"answer": "Joe Contaldi guides on Pyramid Lake, Crowley Lake, the East Walker River, Upper Owens River, Hot Creek, and several alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierra.",
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"question": "How many anglers can fish on a Still Water Charter trip?",
"answer": "To ensure the best possible outing, we limit our load to 3 anglers per trip.",
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"question": "What is the fishing style with Pyramid Lake Anglers Guide Service?",
"answer": "The service focuses on stillwater tactics and river fishing, with expertise in both boat and shoreline approaches for trophy trout.",
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"question": "What gear is provided on Still Water Charters?",
"answer": "Each angler is provided with two 8wt outfits: one with floating line for indicator fishing, and the other with a fast-sinking line for retrieving. All leaders, tippet, and our custom-tied flies are included.",
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"question": "What is provided during the 7 to 8-hour Still Water Charter trip?",
"answer": "During the 7 to 8-hour trip, we offer cold water and snacks to keep you refreshed.",
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"question": "What is available for larger groups, clubs and corporate outings?",
"answer": "For larger groups, clubs and corporate outings we have a fleet of 4 boats available, which can accommodate up to 12 anglers.",
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"question": "What is included with the trips regarding gear?",
"answer": "Each angler has access to two 8wt. outfits; 1 floating line for indicator fishing, and a fast sinking line for all retrieving. All leaders, tippet and our custom tied flies all included with our trips.",
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"question": "What should I bring on my trip?",
"answer": "Please bring your waders boots, sunglasses, eye protection and weather appropriate gear for the time of the year you book. We will advise you of our recommendations to help make sure you or your group is prepared for trip.",
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"question": "What is provided for full day shoreline trips?",
"answer": "We have fresh brewed, hot beach coffee available all day. Shoreline gourmet sandwiches, chips, cookies and ice water non-alcoholic beverages are provided.",
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"question": "How far is Pyramid Lake from Reno, Nevada?",
"answer": "Pyramid lake is an easy 50min drive from Reno Nevada.",
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"question": "Do I need a rental car for my trip?",
"answer": "A rental car will be needed for your trip when you arrive.",
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"question": "Where should I stay for lodging?",
"answer": "We recommend taking advantage the multiple casino hotels throughout Reno, Nevada for your lodging needs during you stay.",
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"question": "What is the cost for a Charter Fly Fishing trip?",
"answer": "1-2 anglers: $875. Add angler fee: $200. Deli sandwich, drink, and chips are $20.",
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"question": "What is the cost for a Shoreline Guide Trip?",
"answer": "Full Day: 1-2 anglers: $675. Add angler fee: $200. On full-day trips we include breakfast (including our piping hot fresh beach coffee!) & lunch.",
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"question": "What are the rental rates for Custom Ladder Chairs?",
"answer": "Day use: $25. Week: $250.",
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"question": "What is the speaker fee for presentations?",
"answer": "The speaker fee is $450.00. Travel expenses are $250.00.",
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"question": "What is the phone number and email for presentation inquiries?",
"answer": "Joe Contaldi: 760-965-6527, matukajoe@gmail.com",
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"question": "What is the mailing address for Pyramid Lake Anglers?",
"answer": "P.O. box 1688 Mammoth Lakes, Ca 93546",
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"question": "What is included in Corporate and Angling Club outings?",
"answer": "Rods, reels, lines, leaders, and custom tied flies are provided. Cold water and non-alcoholic beverages are provided. Catered lunches are provided on all group trips of 8 or more anglers.",
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"question": "What is the maximum number of people for Corporate and Angling Club outings?",
"answer": "Outings are for up to 20 people - if your party has more than 20, please contact to discuss.",
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"question": "Do I need a State of Nevada Fishing License?",
"answer": "You do not need a State of Nevada Fishing License, just a Tribal Fishing and/or Boating Permit.",
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"question": "What type of hooks are allowed?",
"answer": "Barb less hooks only. You can have 2 singles, 2 doubles or 2 treble hooks per lure.",
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"question": "Is bait allowed for fishing?",
"answer": "No bait. No worms, eggs, scent, Power bait or like products, or any organic matter on your hooks.",
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"question": "What are the slot sizes for fish?",
"answer": "Keepers are 17 to 20 inches or over 24 inches. All other sizes must be returned to the water. You may keep 2 of the smaller sizes or 1 small and 1 large.",
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"question": "Can I share a stringer with another fisherman?",
"answer": "One stringer per fisherman, no sharing of stringers.",
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"question": "Can I fillet fish on the Reservation?",
"answer": "Do not fillet the fish on the Reservation. Rangers need to verify proper size.",
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"question": "What are the fishing hours?",
"answer": "You can fish 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset.",
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"question": "Do boaters need a marine band radio?",
"answer": "Highly recommend boaters have a marine band radio on board. The Ranger Station monitors Channel 16. Coast Guard considers marine band radios as essential part of your boat safety equipment.",
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"question": "Is fishing allowed off the docks?",
"answer": "No fishing off the docks. Fishermen fishing off the docks present a safety hazard to boats launching and docking, and to the fisherman.",
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"question": "What areas are closed to fishing and boating?",
"answer": "1,000 foot radius around mouth of Marble Bluff Fish Way, 1,000 foot radius around Sutcliffe Fishery spawning channel, 1,000 foot from shoreline of Needles from Wizard Cove to Fox Bay, The Truckee River and Delta.",
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"question": "What is the distance boats must stay from the shoreline fishermen?",
"answer": "Boats need to stay 250 feet from shoreline fishermen.",
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],
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