Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area, NV

Located just outside Yerington, Nevada, this 13,000-acre ranch is managed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife for waterfowl, deer, turkey, pheasant, quail, bass, and trout, among other wildlife. The trout grow fast here and the bass are plentiful. There are a total of 36 ponds in the wildlife area, but only four (Hinkson Slough, Bass Pond, Crappie Pond and North Pond) are open to fishing. The fishing season at MVWMA typically runs from the second Saturday in February through September 30th.Rainbow, brown, and cuttbow trout in addition to largemouth bass and sunfish are the primary species found. Other fishable waters within or near Mason Valley include the Walker River and the eastside wetland ponds that open to fishing on August 16th each year. The Fort Churchill Cooling Pond, which is owned by Sierra Pacific Power Company, is a warm-water fishery that lies just off the north boundary of the management area and is open to fishing during the same period as the management area.The Mason Valley Fish Hatchery, which produces stockable trout for all of northwestern Nevada and numerous other waters statewide, is located within the boundaries of the management area. Visitors can tour the hatchery between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. seven days a week. A primitive campground is located next to the MVWMA Headquarters and camping is allowed at the site for up to eight days.