Southern Nevada Fish Reports

Anglers are reporting catches of smallmouth bass north of Cottonwood Cove. Many are in the 3-pound range and hitting on shad imitations intended for stripers. Willow Beach has been a productive stretch of water between midnight and 3 a.m. Tournament anglers have found good fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The winner of a weekend tournament reportedly weighed in a smallie pushing 5-pounds. Crankbaits fished

Catch rates continue to improve for Lake Mead anglers. Live shad are catching striped bass. Anglers also are finding success by chumming with mixture of anchovies and corn mixture to bring the stripers in, and then casting rattle traps or shad imitations into the schools. As nights get darker, with the new moon on May 15, anglers will have increased opportunity of catching stripers at

Shore fishermen are catching striped bass and catfish with anchovies. Catfish are more active at night and can be caught in some of the backwater areas. Largemouth bass are hitting white or green spinnerbaits in the marshy coves.  

Anglers are finding good action for black bass in the vicinity of Cottonwood Cove. Smallmouth bass averaging two pounds are taking tube baits in the green pumpkin color variation. Fish are coming from 10 to 15 feet of water near grass beds and submerged brush.

Bass and sunfish are still in spawning mode at most of the ponds, but should be completing this cycle soon. Trout are still biting at Floyd Lamb and Veterans Memorial parks, and at Cold Creek. Mealworms are catching the fish.  

The heat is coming back for the weekend. So too are sunny days. Anglers are finding shad early in the morning and using the bait fish to catch striped bass. Coves around Government Wash have been producing quality fish, including largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass. In addition to live shad, various lures and reactions baits have caught fish. Catfish are biting anchovies at night right

Despite light fishing pressure, anglers have enjoyed good action for rainbow trout, crappie and largemouth bass. Lures, flies and bait all have been working well.

Striped bass have kept anglers busy from Davis Dam through Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area. Anchovies are the bait of choice and will also catch catfish. Largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in some of the backwaters and quieter areas. Night crawlers and jigs will work well for these fish. 

Windy conditions for much of the past week have slowed fishing reports. Most stripers from the main body of the lake are ranging from 2 to 4 pounds and are hitting on anchovies at the mouth of coves. Catfish are biting in the coves north of Cottonwood Cove. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are spawning and have kept anglers busy. Crankbaits and soft plastics will catch

The Nevada Department of Wildlife will begin its seasonal catfish plants this week at Floyd Lamb, Lorenzi, Sunset and Veterans Memorial park ponds, as well as Hafen Park pond in Mesquite. Trout action has slowed down with the warming water temps, but bluegill and bass have started to show themselves and are taking mealworms and chunks of night crawlers.  

Striped bass are providing anglers with plenty of action. Swimbait ranging from 3 to 12 inches in length and threadfin shad are catching the fish. Most are averaging between 3 and 5 pounds. Look for stripers in targeting shad near coves in 10 to 25 feet of water. For those seeking largemouth and smallmouth bass, areas near drop offs or the backs of coves between

Anglers have found good fishing for stripers near Davis Dam and downstream near Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area. Anchovies have been the top bait with various topwater lures working well from shore. Many of the fish are in the 1- to 3-pound range. With these smaller fish, a lighter setup with smaller hooks may be necessary to bring them in.  

Rainbow and tiger trout action has been good. Fish are taking spoons and spinners, as well as rainbow, orange or green PowerBait. Fly-fishers have been catching fish with Woolly Buggers in dark olive or brown with a little gold flash.

Fishing action was very good this past week for the few anglers who ventured out. Stocked rainbow trout have been taking small spinning lures, various PowerBait colorations and flies. Crappie and bass are still inactive, but with warming temperatures, they should start hitting soon.  

Anglers have found good fishing for stripers near Davis Dam and downstream near Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area. Anchovies have been the top bait with various topwater lures working well from shore. Many of the fish are in the 1- to 3-pound range. With these smaller fish, a lighter setup with smaller hooks may be necessary to bring them in.