Southern Nevada Fish Reports

With clear skies and light winds in the forecast, anglers can expect good fishing days ahead. Stocked rainbow trout respond well to PowerBait, Power Eggs, and night crawlers. Small spinners also are producing for those anglers who prefer a little more action.

The lake level has steadily risen over the last three weeks to its current level of 1,087 feet. Crisp, clear nights are providing anglers with good fishing opportunity. Shad can be productive bait and the Vegas Wash has plenty of coves in which to catch enough shad for a day's fishing. The striped bass are not far behind the shad and working openings of

This week angler pressure was very low due to the storm system that went through the area. Most of the lake is still clear of ice, but there is ice in the mornings around the edges of the lake and on most of the upper end.

The reservoir is still clear of ice despite recent storm activity. Fishing activity has been very limited. Night crawlers and PowerBait are always a good bet for enticing a sluggish trout on those cold days.

With fluctuations in weather and water, fishing has slowed as the fish adjust. Anglers have found trout in the areas of Rotary Park and the Sunshine Peninsula but the fish have proven tough to catch. While shore fishing in the area, one angler brought in a striped bass nearing 13 pounds on a pencil popper. Thanks to Rusty at Riviera Marina for the report.

The report has been light from the past week. Anglers are reporting striped bass in coves north of Cottonwood Cove and anchovies have worked well as bait. The catch rate has been better early in the morning and then slows during the midday hours before picking up again in the evening. Willow Beach has produced a few nice catches; one fish came in at 17

Planted rainbows are hitting on a variety of baits and lures. Over the weekend kids from the Las Vegas Jr. Fly Fishing club were getting hits on gold-ribbed Hares Ears, Woolly Buggers, and Prince Nymphs fished near the bottom.

Anglers are still having an easy go at netting shad but have had a difficult time enticing the striped bass to take their bait. For many, battling the weather is the first obstacle to overcome and then comes the trial of hooking a fish. With the new moon Sunday night, fishing at night under a light or using a submersible light can prove productive. Spinnows

The storm system that went through Southern Nevada last week raised temperatures at the lake and removed the ice. The open water is providing anglers with good action for rainbow trout. The fish are taking most baits. One angler reported that red was the hot color for both baits and lures. Night crawlers are also productive.

The reservoir has seen an increase in fishing pressure. Anglers have done well with a variety of baits, including night crawlers and PowerBait.

The variety of fish being caught this week would entice any angler. Stripers are taking anchovies and top water lures. Catfish also are taking anchovies, especially in the area of the Nature Center. There are still reports of smallmouth bass being caught below the Avi Bridge. Trout are dispersed throughout the area and are showing up in pockets around Davis Dam, along Casino Row, Sunshine

Due to lower lake levels, fishing the shoreline has been more trying as much of the vegetation is now dry and beyond the water's edge. Anglers are still having success with catfish in the coves. Anchovies are working well and some folks are even preparing their own stink baits. Stripers are active throughout the lake, and anglers are bringing in fish with both anchovies and

Fishing has been good following recent trout plants. PowerBait and power eggs have been working well. So have small spinners or spoons for those wishing to fish with hardware.

Fishing is hot for those anglers willing to brave the morning chill. Those making it out at first light have reported good fishing for striped bass. The action also is good at dusk and for about two hours after. The areas near Boulder Harbor and past the beaches have produced well. Birds in the area can be an indicator as to where the fish are