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Nearby Parks:
Gallagher State Fish Hatchery
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail Head
Humboldt National Forest
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Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Ruby Valley, Nevada
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| National Park Overview: |
| Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge lies at the southern end of the Ruby Valley in northeast Nevada. Located at an elevation of 6,000 feet and flanked on the west by the rugged and scenic Ruby Mountains, it is one of the most remote refuges in the lower 48 states. The refuge encompasses 39,928 acres and consists of a marsh bordered by meadows, grasslands, and brush-covered uplands.
It serves as a magnet for a wide diversity of wildlife species and is strategically located along migration corridors serving both the Pacific and Central Flyways. The refuge has been identified as one of 500 Globally Important Bird Areas by the American Bird Conservancy.
The National Park Service designated the South Marsh a National Natural Landmark because of the biological diversity and pristine condition of the habitat. The refuge is one of the most important waterfowl nesting areas in the Great Basin and intermountain West.
The South Marsh supports the largest population of nesting canvasback ducks west of the Mississippi River (outside Alaska), and holds the highest concentration of nesting canvasbacks in North America. Due to habitat loss elsewhere in the Great Basin, the refuge has become increasingly important to resident wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and sage grouse. The refuge fishery is popular with local anglers. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Located in the Great Basin of the West, Ruby Lake Refuge is a wetland oasis in Nevada's high desert. This remarkable refuge lies along the eastern flank of the scenic, snowcapped Ruby Mountains. A pristine marsh, meadows, grasslands, and shrub-steppe uplands provide essential habitat for thousands of nesting and migrating waterfowl, waterbirds, songbirds, and native wildlife.
Ruby Lake Refuge, which supports the largest population of nesting canvasback ducks west of the Mississippi River outside Alaska, is a vital waterfowl nesting area. At 6,000 feet in elevation, its 17,000-acre marsh is a remnant of a larger body of water known as Ancient Lake Franklin, which existed during the Pleistocene Epoch.
Over 160 springs emanating from the base of the Ruby Mountains provide life-sustaining water to the refuge. The marsh is surrounded by over 20,600 acres of meadows, grasslands, alkali playa, and shrub-steppe uplands.
Over 220 species of birds regularly visit the refuge. Providing nesting habitat for migratory birds is the primary purpose of the refuge, and waterfowl are the most conspicuous breeders. Canvasback and redhead ducks, among other waterfowl species, reproduce here. The once-endangered trumpeter swan, originally transplanted between 1947 and 1958 from Red Rocks Lake Refuge in Montana, is also found at Ruby Lake Refuge. Several pairs nest and raise young each year, and 40 or more birds may winter here.
In all, 15 species of waterfowl nest on this refuge, as well as a variety of other water-dependent birds such as coots, grebes, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, white-faced ibis, black-necked stilts, avocets, yellow-headed blackbirds, common yellow-throats, and marsh wrens.
Seven species of fish inhabit refuge waters. The relict dace is the only native species of fish on the refuge, and is present in only a few other basins in northeastern Nevada. A small number of Lahontan speckled dace remain from a transplant made in 1950. |
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| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing:
The refuge is open year-round for fishing, the most popular recreational activity on the refuge. Trout and largemouth bass provide anglers with some of the best fishing in northeast Nevada. Trout fishing is best in early spring, fall, and winter. Bass fishing peaks in summer.
There are two boat launching areas in the South Marsh that provide public access to the marsh. These launch sites are connected by over 6 miles of marked canoeing and boating channels. Boats are not allowed on the refuge from January 1 to June 14.
For information on fishing and boating regulations, refer to the refuge recreation brochure available at refuge headquarters and area offices of the Nevada Division of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and Chamber of Commerce.
Hunting:
Seasonal hunting is allowed in designated areas of the South Marsh for migratory birds including ducks, geese, coots, common moorhens, and common snipe. Reservations are not required, and there is no fee.
There are two boat launching areas in the South Marsh that provide public access to the marsh. These launch sites are connected by over 6 miles of marked canoeing and boating channels. Boats are not allowed on the refuge from January 1 to June 14.
For information on hunting regulations, refer to the refuge recreation brochure available at refuge headquarters and area offices of the Nevada Division of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and Chamber of Commerce. |
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| Related Links: |
| Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Pacific Region NWRS Home Search. HC 60, Box 860 Ruby Valley, Nevada 89833 (775) 779-2237. DIRECTIONS About 65 miles south and east of Elko, or 90 miles north and west of Ely. Some roads are... | | Photo: Coyote at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. - Eastern Mojave Vegetation Coyote at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. If you have a question or a comment about this ... eastern side of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge I saw this ... | | Photo: View northeast of Ruby Mountains from Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. - ... View northeast of Ruby Mountains from Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. If you have a question or a comment about this ... County Route 788: Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge [Home Page] Date ... | | WRIR 01-4234 -- Estimates of Evapotranspiration from the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refug - Estimates of Evapotranspiration from the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge Area, Ruby Valley, Northeastern Nevada, May ... from the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge Area, Ruby Valley ... | | Bird Checklists of the United States - ... Refuge -- NV Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge -- Alamo, NV (Printed 9/88) Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge -- Ruby Valley, NV (Printed 4/92) Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge -- Office in ... | | Ruby Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Ruby Valley, Nevada - ... by tourists and others to fish, hunt, camp and observe the birds and wildlife on the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Dr. Harry M. Gallagher Fish Hatchery that raises eggs and trout for ... | | NevadAdventureS Ruby Lake Refuge, fishing, camping, boating, Elko County, Nevada. - RUBY LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (aka Ruby Marsh) Located 75 miles south of Wells on County Road 788 (45 miles paved two ... Adjacent to the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, (as camping in the ... | | NevadAdventureS Nevada Communities section, Elko, Humboldt, White Pine, Lander, Nye, Washo - ... miles, Elko County has much to offer. From the Jarbidge Wilderness Area to the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Ghost towns, mining camps, fishing, camping, hiking, night life, the list goes on ... | | ECEDA - Provides area information for Businesses seeking relocation information. ... and Humboldt National Forest, US Scenic Byways and Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The old west can be relived at the ... |
| Directions: |
| Visitors must travel 17 to 35 miles of gravel road to reach the refuge from any direction. In summer visitors can travel 65 miles south of Elko on State Highway 228 (paved two-lane) through Spring Creek and Jiggs to County Road 718. Part of County Road 718 over Harrison Pass is a steep, rough, and winding unimproved gravel road.
It is not passable in winter and is never recommended for large trailers or motor homes. Alternate routes, open all year, include U.S. Highway 93 south of Wells to State Highway 229 and County Road 767 (improved gravel), a total of 80 miles; or Interstate 80 at exit 321 through Secret Pass to County Road 767, a total of 90 miles from Elko. A calling card phone is located at Ruby Lake Resort (10 miles north of refuge headquarters).
Fuel and basic groceries are not always available in Ruby Valley; and there are no sales outlets for State hunting and fishing licenses. Contact the refuge headquarters for current information. |
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