Jurassic Cutthroat: Pyramid Lake’s Legendary Trout from Shore to Open Water

Pyramid Lake, located 35 miles Northeast of Reno, Nevada, is 27 miles long and up to 11 miles wide, giving plenty of habitat for the massive Lahontan strain trout for which the lake is justly renowned. For fly fishermen, it conjures up images of rows of casters perched on ladders of varying degrees of height and comfort in chilling conditions with one common goal – to hook and land the trout of a lifetime. Joe Contaldi has spent a lifetime helping anglers do just that. Over the years he has seen the lake morph from a numbers to a trophy destination. Joe’s presentation will cover, strategies from ladder, shore and boat. There are many lodging, equipment and fly options for the trip you will plan after seeing this exciting presentation. Joe is a local favorite and a tireless advocate for introducing future generations to our great sport.

Joe Contaldi is a veteran licensed guide with decades of experience on the waters of the Eastern Sierra. Since 1996, Joe has been the Lead Guide and Owner of both Performance Anglers Guide Service and Pyramid Lake Anglers Guide Service, based in Mammoth Lakes, California. He is also a current board member and President of the C.F.F.

Joe's love for fishing began in his childhood in New Jersey, and his passion only grew when he moved to Southern California during his high school years. He quickly became immersed in fishing all that California and Nevada had to offer. 

Over the years, Joe worked for a local outdoor retailer and pioneered some of the first saltwater fly fishing charters in California. He also led saltwater fishing trips, gave fly casting demonstrations, and lectured at fishing clubs and outdoor expos.

A dedicated fly fishing enthusiast, Joe fishes both salt and freshwater and is known for his patience, courteousness, and professionalism. He takes great care to ensure that his clients, whether beginners or advanced anglers, leave with improved skills and a greater appreciation for the sport. His enthusiasm for fly fishing is contagious, and it’s clear that he truly loves what he does.

Joe's expertise extends beyond guiding—he is a sought-after Celebrity Speaker at the Fly Fishing Show in Pleasanton, CA, and has been quoted in numerous articles and books. Additionally, Joe has been featured as a guest host on many radio shows. From October through June, he focuses his guiding efforts at Pyramid Lake, and from July through September, he guides on the Eastern Sierra’s Crowley Lake, East Walker River, and Upper Owens River.

Joe is also an ambassador for Aquaz Fishing Gear and resides in Mammoth Lakes, CA, with his wife Julia and their sons, Quinn and Logan. When he's not guiding, Joe enjoys fishing and spending quality time with his family. His passion for fly fishing, along with his deep respect for the outdoors, has shaped his life, turning what many consider a hobby into a fulfilling lifestyle.