It is just east of the White Mountains, the highest range entirely within the Great Basin at 14,252 feet (4,344 m).
There is sufficient rain and snow at high elevations to feed permanent streams from the mountains, providing irrigation for alfalfa and other crops, although the valley's elevation, in excess of 4,000 feet (1,200 m), is a serious constraint.
The Carson and Columbus Stage Line ran north from Fish Lake Valley to Aurora and Carson City, also connecting with Logsprings, Nevada in the Sylvania Mining District as well as Lida in the Sylvania Mountains.
Local ranches supplied food to the freight industry and mining communities such as Fish Lake Valley.
O. Harrell of Fish Lake Valley is listed as registering a cattle ear mark in 1874.