Southern Nevada Fish Reports

Reports have been light from the lake this past week. A few anglers out looking for largemouth bass have found success working the water north of Cottonwood Cove and toward the power line. According to the folks at Rusty's Riviera Marina, both the largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn mode. Sunfish and catfish are hitting baits in the coves.

Stocked rainbow trout are keeping most folks happy at the urban ponds. The fish are averaging about nine inches in length. During a work project on the lower pond at Floyd Lamb Park, workers netted several largemouth bass, one weighing in moiré than four pounds. The fish were released into Tule (upper) pond.

Anglers are reporting an abundance of shad throughout the Vegas Wash area. They continue to be the most productive bait. Angel, at Laker Plaza, reports that six- to eight-inch swimbaits in white and chartreuse color variations have also been working well. The area around Echo Bay has been producing well with anglers having the most success for stripers at Stewart's Point and Buoy 18. They

Most of the lake has open water with the upper end still showing a little ice. Twelve- to thirteen-inch rainbows are taking both night crawlers and rainbow PowerBait. With the open water, and mostly decent conditions during the past week, fishing pressure has increased. The campground and most facilities are open.

The reservoir is ice free but has received little to no fishing pressure over the past week. If you are looking for a place to wet a line without fighting crowds, this is the place.

Fishing for striped bass has picked up in the area. One angler brought in a couple while fishing swimbaits from the shoreline near the Avi Bridge. Anchovies are a prime bait for this stretch of the river and will bring in both striped bass and catfish. With temperatures expected to reach into the 80s this weekend, it should be a great time to be outdoors

A few anglers braved the recent weather front down at Willow Beach and were rewarded with multiple stripers averaging seven to eight pounds near mile marker 52. A rip bait was the lure of choice. Reports have been light from the main body of the lake.

Last week the following waters received rainbow trout: Lorenzi Park, Sunset Park, and Boulder City Pond. The small pond on the south end of Beatty also received fish. The average size of the trout is 9 ?? inches.

Despite last week's rains, anglers still reported successful fishing. While the shad have been a little less than cooperative, the shad caught did well in bringing in the stripers. The fish have been found at depths of about 65 to 90 feet, with most ranging about two to four pounds. With clear skies going into the weekend, now is a good time to get

As of Jan. 25 the reservoir is only half covered with thin ice. This has left much of the shoreline open for anglers, but there are no recent reports.

Fishing has been tough along this stretch of the river. High winds have kept anglers off the water. Looking forward, more wind and rain is in the forecast for the weekend. A little action has come for some anglers. One angler caught a striped bass weighing more than five pounds while casting a pencil popper from the shoreline.

Anglers are reporting increased largemouth and smallmouth bass activity. While these black bass species may not be as fully active as they are later in spring, anglers are pleased with the catch rates. Morning is the best time to try your luck for these fish with dark plastics or small jigs working well. With the colder temperatures feeding activity is still minimal. Don't get discouraged

Anglers hitting the local ponds have had sporadic success this past week. Lorenzi pond has had the best catch rates with fishermen taking rainbows with Berkley Power Eggs. Some people were doing well at Floyd Lamb with small spinners over the weekend. NDOW planted fish in the ponds at Lorenzi Park, Sunset Park, Boulder City and Beatty early on Tuesday.

Anglers have had good success netting shad for bait from the Vegas Wash area. While the shad are smaller than a couple weeks ago, this size has been consistently bringing in striped bass averaging three pounds. With rains in the forecast, expect turbid waters from runoff and possible debris in the water.