Photo: Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US · Public domain, cropped to fit and resized
Ruby Lake Refugewildlife
Wildlife refugeAt Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Trumpeter swans live on the refuge: several pairs may nest each summer, and 40 or more may winter there, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (seasons, not a peak). Next window starts in about 8 weeks (summer).
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About Ruby Lake Refuge
- What it is
- A wildlife refuge in Nevada
- What you'll see
- Trumpeter swans · summer and winter (a season)
- Before you go
- Roads: 13–30 miles of gravel; Harrison Pass is closed by winter.
Right now at Ruby Lake Refuge
Right now in Ruby Lake Refuge · October
- Thousands of ducks and geese in the fall migration · fall waterfowl migration
Your guide to the area
Places on this map (2)
Where to watch
Main Boat Landing
Best spot
One of two landings where trailered boats can launch (boats aren't allowed January 1 to June 14)
Around Ruby Lake Refuge
Next season here: Trumpeter swans, summer and winter.
The year at Ruby Lake Refuge
- Sage-grouse displaying on their leksspring
- Trumpeter swan pairs nestsummer
- Thousands of ducks and geese in the fall migrationNowfall waterfowl migration
- Forty or more trumpeter swans winterwinter
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Season: summer and winter. Trumpeter swans live on the refuge: several pairs may nest each summer, and 40 or more may winter there, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (seasons, not a peak).
Is it the season at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not yet: its usual wildlife timing is summer and winter, local timing.
When can I see trumpeter swans at Ruby Lake Refuge?
All year in some numbers: several pairs may nest each summer, and 40 or more may spend the winter.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ruby Lake Hunting Brochure ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I get to Ruby Lake Refuge?
On 13 to 30 miles of gravel road from any direction. Harrison Pass is steep, rough and not passable in winter; check road conditions with headquarters, especially November through May.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I boat at Ruby Lake Refuge in spring?
Not before June 15: boats aren't permitted on the refuge from January 1 to June 14.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ruby Lake Hunting Brochure ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
The best spots are Main Boat Landing and Narciss Boat Landing. Main Boat Landing: one of two landings where trailered boats can launch (boats aren't allowed January 1 to June 14). Narciss Boat Landing: the other landing for trailered boats.
What is Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge has something to see in every month of the year. Sage-grouse displaying on their leks: Mar–May. Trumpeter swan pairs nest: Jun–Aug. Thousands of ducks and geese in the fall migration: Sep–Nov. Forty or more trumpeter swans winter: Dec–Feb.