Meridia

Sierra Troutdoorsman

Status: active

Sam Vasily has built Sierra Troutdoorsman around two of the West's most storied trout fisheries. From October through June, he guides on Pyramid Lake, pursuing its world-class Lahontan Cutthroat Trout population and the trophy-sized fish the lake is renowned for. As spring arrives, he transitions to the Eastern Sierra, guiding on Crowley Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir, and the Owens River, where he specializes in reading seasonal hatches—from explosive midge emergences to classic dry-fly opportunities. His operation spans both stillwater and drift-boat techniques, offering clients a full spectrum of fly-fishing experiences across Nevada and California's premier trout destinations.

Details

  • Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout
  • Tags: Intermediate, Advanced, Drift Boat, Fly Fishing, Wade Fishing, Dry Fly, Nymphing, Streamer, Sight Fishing, Wade Trip, Float Trip, Instructional, Catch & Release, Freshwater

Waters Serviced (4)

DestinationType
Renocity
Pyramid Lakelake
Nevadastate
Bishop Creekriver

FAQ — Sierra Troutdoorsman

Raw guide data (JSON)
{
  "id": "9e62df49-ed74-4fac-8f62-dc40824d2b17",
  "organizationId": "e856df62-131c-4978-977c-099697cec3ee",
  "name": "Sierra Troutdoorsman",
  "guideName": "Sam Vasily",
  "slug": "sierra-troutdoorsman",
  "bio": "Sam Vasily has built Sierra Troutdoorsman around two of the West's most storied trout fisheries. From October through June, he guides on Pyramid Lake, pursuing its world-class Lahontan Cutthroat Trout population and the trophy-sized fish the lake is renowned for. As spring arrives, he transitions to the Eastern Sierra, guiding on Crowley Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir, and the Owens River, where he specializes in reading seasonal hatches—from explosive midge emergences to classic dry-fly opportunities. His operation spans both stillwater and drift-boat techniques, offering clients a full spectrum of fly-fishing experiences across Nevada and California's premier trout destinations.",
  "yearsExperience": null,
  "city": null,
  "stateProvince": "NV",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "country": "US",
  "timezone": null,
  "isVerified": false,
  "canonicalUrl": "https://sierratroutdoorsman.com/pyramid-lake-guide-trips",
  "tripAdvisorUrl": null,
  "googleMapsUrl": null,
  "openMonths": [
    1,
    2,
    3,
    4,
    5,
    6,
    7,
    8,
    9,
    10,
    11,
    12
  ],
  "peakMonths": [
    10,
    11,
    12,
    1,
    2,
    3,
    4,
    5,
    6
  ],
  "fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year is a tale of two distinct fisheries, each offering a unique angling experience. From October through June, I'm on the world-class waters of Pyramid Lake, chasing its legendary Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. This period is renowned for trophy-sized fish, with the lake providing consistent action and opportunities for truly memorable catches. As the calendar turns to spring and summer, my focus shifts to the Eastern Sierra's abundant rivers and lakes. From the opening day in April through the fall, I guide clients on Crowley Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir, and the Owens River, offering a variety of experiences from stillwater serenity to dynamic drift boat adventures. Each location presents its own seasonal nuances, from the explosive midge hatches on Crowley to the classic trout fishing on the Owens.",
  "meetingPoint": null,
  "providesGear": true,
  "gearNotes": "All fly rods, reels, waders, boots, and flies are provided. Clients are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred.",
  "kidFriendly": null,
  "skillLevel": null,
  "cancellationPolicy": null,
  "licenseInfo": null,
  "whatToExpect": "Trips vary by season and location: October through June on Pyramid Lake features boat-based sight-casting for trophy Lahontan Cutthroat in a high-desert setting; spring and summer shifts to the Eastern Sierra's rivers and reservoirs, with options ranging from wade fishing on technical spring-creek water to drift-boat floats on the Owens River. Expect instruction in hatch matching and presentation, with days tailored to seasonal conditions and client skill level. All gear is provided.",
  "status": "active",
  "pipelineId": 47,
  "createdAt": "2026-05-16T01:18:59.478Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-16T01:36:53.867Z",
  "reviews": [],
  "credentials": [],
  "geom": null,
  "tags": [
    {
      "slug": "intermediate",
      "name": "Intermediate",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "advanced",
      "name": "Advanced",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "drift-boat",
      "name": "Drift Boat",
      "tagType": "boat_type"
    },
    {
      "slug": "fly-fishing",
      "name": "Fly Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wade-fishing",
      "name": "Wade Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "dry-fly",
      "name": "Dry Fly",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "nymphing",
      "name": "Nymphing",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "streamer",
      "name": "Streamer",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "sight-fishing",
      "name": "Sight Fishing",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wade-trip",
      "name": "Wade Trip",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "float-trip",
      "name": "Float Trip",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "instructional",
      "name": "Instructional",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "catch-and-release",
      "name": "Catch & Release",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "freshwater",
      "name": "Freshwater",
      "tagType": "water_type"
    }
  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "id": "b2045198-a349-4867-8114-9afe012c82e6",
      "question": "How many anglers can fit on the boat?",
      "answer": "Charters can accommodate up to 4 anglers total. An additional $200 per angler applies for groups larger than two. For groups larger than 4 please call.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "088ec08a-20c0-46d6-937d-7017960a9714",
      "question": "What are the prices for Full Day and Half Day Boat Charters?",
      "answer": "Full Day Boat Charters (7-8hrs) are $850 for 1-2 anglers. Half Day Boat Charters (5hrs) are $650 for 1-2 anglers.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "2bd3a5c7-396d-459c-8b66-0841b2296a22",
      "question": "What is the safety and weather policy?",
      "answer": "Every trip is carefully evaluated to ensure safe and appropriate fishing conditions. Trips will only proceed when it is safe to do so. Your safety is the highest priority.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "e222df3c-6625-4934-bc4e-8e5b42d0363b",
      "question": "Do I need a fishing license?",
      "answer": "USCG Captain Sam Vasily is fully licensed to operate boat charters by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and holds all necessary professional insurance. All trips comply with local regulations and safety standards.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "737683da-18ae-4acd-8e3f-73adc90c7ca2",
      "question": "What is the deposit and cancellation policy?",
      "answer": "All trips are booked with a 50% deposit upfront. These deposits are received using PayPal and are non-refundable within 30 days of the trip dates. Cancellation within 30 days of the trip date will forfeit the deposit. I will generally try to work with you and re-schedule 50% of your deposit to a future date if possible. However, if canceled within 30 days, and I am not able to fill the date you canceled, I will not refund your deposit.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 4
    },
    {
      "id": "aa93e626-7962-4779-8163-6095c3c51b73",
      "question": "How are gift certificates handled?",
      "answer": "All gift certificates will be mailed out within 3 business days of purchase. Please include your shipping info in the comments section when purchasing!",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 5
    },
    {
      "id": "cc79bc2e-62f9-40c1-8af2-ea05df2264f4",
      "question": "What are the prices for Crowley Lake & Bridgeport Reservoir Stillwater Trips?",
      "answer": "Full Day Trip (7-8Hrs): $600 for 2 Anglers (Lunch Included). Half Day Trip (4-5Hrs): $500 for 2 Anglers. Single Angler: $400 (4-5hrs) $475 (7-8hrs) Lunch included. For each additional Angler there will be a $75 charge for 1/2 days & A $125 charge for full day Trips. My boat can accommodate up to Three Anglers in comfort. Please call for Trips with 4 People.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 6
    },
    {
      "id": "c76a7252-e8e8-4bd0-a58b-ffad1f285408",
      "question": "What are the prices for Walk & Wade Trips?",
      "answer": "Full Day Trip (7-8Hrs): $600 for 2 Anglers (Lunch Included). Half Day Trip(4-5Hrs): $500 for 2 Anglers. Single Angler: $400 (4-5hrs) $475 (7-8hrs) Lunch included. For a Third Person there will be a $75 additional charge for 1/2 days & A $125 Charge for Full Day Trips.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 7
    },
    {
      "id": "bb2cff35-f9b5-4003-918f-b89289b43d58",
      "question": "What are the prices for Owens River Drift Boat Trips?",
      "answer": "Full Day Float (7-8Hrs): $600 for 1-2 Anglers (Lunch Included). Half Day Float (4-5Hrs): $500 for 1-2 Anglers.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 8
    },
    {
      "id": "5e4d6497-abaa-4c99-8b3b-52250758a64d",
      "question": "What are the prices for Beginner Trips?",
      "answer": "Half Day Trip (4-5Hrs): $500 for 2 Anglers. Single Angler: $400 (4-5hrs). For a Third Angler there will be a $75 additional charge.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 9
    },
    {
      "id": "c223c32e-b29d-4d88-a34e-e78eb2854b69",
      "question": "What fishing techniques are used at Pyramid Lake?",
      "answer": "We discuss the different styles of streamer fishing with sinking lines and indicator fishing with switch rods. These tactics fool the largest Cutthroat Trout at Pyramid Lake.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 10
    },
    {
      "id": "08dbaf07-3d82-4aed-afa3-aa6dce9e645d",
      "question": "What are the advantages of fishing Pyramid Lake from a boat?",
      "answer": "Our boats allow anglers to reach over 75% more fishing areas than shore-bound anglers, keep clients comfortable and dry, utilize advanced fish-finding technology, and efficiently cover the lake by moving quickly between productive areas.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 11
    }
  ],
  "destinations": [
    {
      "slug": "reno-nv",
      "name": "Reno",
      "type": "city",
      "primary": true,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": null,
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "pyramid-lake-nv",
      "name": "Pyramid Lake",
      "type": "lake",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": null,
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "nevada",
      "name": "Nevada",
      "type": "state",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": null,
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "bishop-creek-nv",
      "name": "Bishop Creek",
      "type": "river",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": null,
      "distanceMeters": null
    }
  ],
  "primaryDestinationSlug": "reno-nv",
  "accommodations": [],
  "species": [
    {
      "slug": "rainbow-trout",
      "commonName": "Rainbow Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12,
        1,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Found in the Eastern Sierra's lakes and rivers, Rainbow Trout provide consistent action, averaging 16-20 inches on Crowley Lake. They are a staple of our stillwater and river trips.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "brown-trout",
      "commonName": "Brown Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12,
        1,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "These trout are found in the Eastern Sierra's lakes and rivers, averaging 16-20 inches on Crowley Lake. They contribute to the consistent fishing opportunities available throughout the season.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "cutthroat-trout",
      "commonName": "Cutthroat Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12,
        1,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10,
        11
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Beyond the Lahontan variety at Pyramid Lake, other cutthroat trout are found in the Eastern Sierra's waters, contributing to the diverse fishing opportunities.",
      "notes": null
    }
  ],
  "reviewCount": 0,
  "avgRating": null,
  "imageUrl": null
}