Lahontan is our "local" lake from Reno. It's shallow (20-80') and its brown and it's chock full of rural Nevada rednecks. Other than that it's awesome. Because it's shallow, it's warm. Even though it's at 4,000' the water will be 80 degrees in the August. On the weekends its a zoo, but midweek there will be nobody there. Like seriously nobody but a couple of alu fishing boats. When it starts getting below 130,000 acre feet there are some obstacles that come up, but above that, it's good. It's already at 140,000 (last year at this time it was under 100K), so chances are it will still be good in August.
It's basically split into two lakes with the "narrows" connecting them. The west side does get blown out more quickly, but it also has sand beaches with shoreline camping where you can take your RV / trailer right up to the waters edge. Pretty unique in that respect... but also sortof a redneck heaven on the weekends. It's straight up desert, so don't expect breathtaking scenery. There's very little shade along the shoreline (like none), so expect to bring your own shade structure if you go.
We usually launch on the east (Fallon) side of the lake, and stay on that side. Unlike Topaz, where it ALWAYS blows in the afternoon, Lahontan might get breezy but but some days not at all. Just depends.
There are no amenities at all. No gas on the water, no store, no nothing. There is a gas station about 10 miles from the ramp.
I really like lahontan because it's close and it's warm. But I'd way prefer Bullards on a good day.
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