Southern Nevada Fish Reports

With the U.S. Open bass tournament taking place at the beginning of the week, anglers encountered a few extra boats on the water along with periodic thunderstorms. Launching out of Callville Bay, participating anglers reportedly found some "brutal" fishing conditions but still managed to catch plenty of smaller bass. Many were using a drop shot technique or throwing crankbaits. Despite the difficult fishing,

Fishing improved this past week with anglers catching lots of trout during a tournament on Saturday. Most of the fish measured in the 10- to 12-inch range. Bass are also taking baits. Anglers have reeled in several fish in the two- to three-pound class. Storm activity and the resulting runoff have maintained murky water conditions.

Rainbow trout fishing has been good this past week with fish taking PowerBait and worms. Crappie and bass fishing both have picked up.

Anglers at Willow Beach have found good fishing for large stripers, some in the double-digit range. One fish tipped the scales at 22 pounds. Many of the fish are taking A.C. Plugs and a variety of swimbaits. Further south, striper anglers are finding success with jigging techniques in 40 to 60 feet of water. Fishing also has been good for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Plastic

Afternoon thunderstorms have limited fishing pressure at the local urban ponds. Catfish will take night crawlers, commercial stink baits, chicken livers and hot dog slices. NDOW urges anglers and other recreationists to use caution during thunderstorms.

Mark Eddison had a theory that the larger stripers were hanging out in deep water. Luckily for him his theory panned out when he reeled in a 30-pound striper. Eddison caught his trophy on a pink Spinnow in 60 to 70 feet of water near Sand Island. Top-water action remains good and many anglers are returning with full coolers. Those fishing for largemouth

The reservoir is looking good and sportsmen will find fewer weeds this year. Anglers are catching rainbow trout in the early morning hours and late evening after sundown. PowerBait, night crawlers or small spinners are catching the fish. Olive Woolly Buggers can be good in the late summer. Bass action has been good with one angler catching and releasing 30 bass -- one weighing in

Water levels have come up with the recent rain activity, but fishermen will find some weed growth along the shore lines. Bass action has been good this past week with fish taking jigged worms -- both plastic and the real thing. Trout have been hitting early in the morning and then after sundown. Crappie action has been sporadic.

Following summer rainstorms, working the coves should increase your odds of bringing in catfish that are hanging out in the murky water caused by the storm runoff. Smallmouth bass have been schooling near shelves or cliffs while largemouth bass and bluegill have been active in the coves around grass beds about 20 to 30 feet deep. The fish are taking soft plastics in worm

For striper anglers, the action has been steady but without any fish of noteworthy size coming in. Fishing has been good through the Vegas Wash area. The fish are hitting top-water lures such as the Jumpin' Minnow. Those who are looking for largemouth and smallmouth bass have found success with crankbaits and tube baits in the upper basins from Echo Bay through Greggs

Catch rates have slowed down a little this past week, but trout continue to be caught in the early morning and late evening hours using Powerbait or night crawlers with marshmallow. Small spinning lures have also been productive. Bass fishing has been good with fish taking lures or night crawlers.

Bass catch rates continue to be good with fish taking lures such as crappie jigs. Trout action has been best in the early morning hours or after dark, taking night crawlers or small spinners.

These fish have been hitting primarily on anchovies. Try working the backs of the coves possibly varying your retrieve near weed beds to entice the bass to strike. Multiple stripers over 20 pounds have been brought in at Willow Beach. A/C Plugs have been the lure of choice along this stretch of water.

Looking to spend some time on the water, the best time may be early morning before the sun comes up or late afternoon into the evening. Anglers have had success fishing for striper out of Vegas Wash area, jigging in 60 feet of water. Out near Echo Bay, large and smallmouth bass have been active around the rocky points and in the weed