Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge spans 39,928 acres of wetlands, meadows, and grasslands at 6,000 feet elevation, bordered by the Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada.

Franklin D. Roosevelt established this protected area in 1938 to preserve the former bed of an ancient lake that measured 200 feet in depth.

Native American settlements throughout northeastern Nevada left evidence of their presence along the western section of the current refuge territory.

The South Marsh permits wading and bank fishing from August through December, with restrictions limiting boat motors to 10 horsepower or less.

The refuge maintains over 200 bird species and provides nesting grounds for greater sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans within its spring-fed marshes.

Location: Nevada

Inception: 1938

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/ruby_lake

GPS coordinates: 40.20200,-115.49300

Latest update: March 6, 2025 12:23