Rye Patch Reservoir, dam in Pershing County, Nevada
Rye Patch Reservoir is a lake in Pershing County, Nevada, that stretches 22 miles along the Humboldt River. The water covers over 70 miles of shoreline and sits within wide open terrain surrounded by hills, creating a spacious landscape.
The reservoir was built in 1936 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to control floods and support irrigation in the Lovelock Valley. The adjacent state recreation area was established in 1971.
The name Rye Patch comes from the early settlement period of the region. Today it serves as a gathering place where anglers and families come to spend time by the water and enjoy outdoor pleasures together.
The lake is accessible year-round with campsites offering flush toilets and hot showers, picnic areas, and a two-lane boat ramp. Note that boats must be launched at the designated ramp and are limited to 5 miles per hour near swimming beaches.
The water level fluctuates significantly with the seasons and rainfall, managed by the local water conservation district. Visitors may notice major changes in water surface area and shoreline conditions depending on when they arrive during the year.
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