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The South Fork of the Humboldt River, southwest of Elko, was dammed in 1988 to create a reservoir for recreational use.
The 1,650-acre reservoir was finally filled in 1995 and is a popular fishing spot. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, cutt-bow hybrid trout and channel catfish are found here. Wiper hybrids were introduced in 2002 and are already exceeding 20 inches in size.
The river section south of the River Inlet Causeway is a designated Trophy Fishery with only artificial lure and single barb-less hook use allowed.
Other water activities at South Fork include swimming, boating and waterskiing. Windsurfers also use the reservoir, thanks to a generous wind supply. Canoeists enjoy the section of the river below the dam. There is a designated no-wake zone in the south end of the reservoir for float tube fishing and canoeing.
There is currently 2.7 miles of recreational trails for horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers.
Although campers can pick their spot along the reservoir, there is a campground with 25 campsites and a dump station.
South Fork is a prime wildlife-watching area, especially in the protected wetlands above the reservoir. A fairly easy walk from the campground, the wetlands support multitudes of birds as well as beavers, mink and many other species. Duck and deer hunting, shotgun only, are permitted in season.
Bird species include brown and white pelicans, Canada geese and numerous species of ducks. Mammals include badgers, Rocky Mountain mule deer and beavers.
The 2,200 acres of the park cover scenic meadowland and rolling hills around the reservoir.
Though South Fork is open year-round, winter weather may hamper access.
Outdoor Activities |
