Marlette Lake

UPDATE: October 2026

Construction on the Marlette Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project is complete and the Nevada Division of State Parks has reopened recreation access to the West side of the Spooner Lake backcountry.

The historic water system was constructed in the mid-1870’s to provide water to Virginia City. After draining the reservoir, the project removed the existing earthen dam and replaced it with a new one. The project also included upgrades to help the dam better withstand earthquakes, improvements to the spillway,  and replacement of the discharge piping and outlet valves. The project started in June 2025 and was completed on schedule this month.

Marlette Lake was drawn down approximately 20 feet, and approximately 20 feet of water remained in the lake during construction. The natural recharge process is ongoing and highly dependent on the snowpack received over the winter months.

High-level modeling conservatively estimates it will take four to six seasons for the lake’s water level to return to normal. When conditions allow, the Nevada Department of Wildlife will stock Marlette Lake with Rainbow and Lahontan Cuttthroat Trout. For real-time updates on fish stocking, tap here.

Tap here for the project website

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Marlette Lake is a serene alpine lake offering stunning views and recreational opportunities. Enjoy hiking, fishing, or simply picnicking by its crystal-clear waters.

Marlette Lake on AllTrails