Date: 7/21/10
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500
Email: dnielsen@ndow.org

CARP RODEO HELD AT PAHRANAGAT

The first ever Carp Rodeo at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge took place on Saturday, July 17, 2010. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to round up a non-native invasive species from the Refuge’s reservoir with the help of the public.

The rodeo was a new program, and was held at a site that usually doesn’t see much pressure from the public, so the event had a slow start. However, once the word got out that there would be a fishing event, the phones began to ring off the hook.

Partners from several agencies were there with some fun activities to inform the public about wildlife and conservation. NDOW’s goal was to assist the refuge by having anglers remove carp from the facility. Jon Sjoberg, NDOW Southern Region Fisheries Supervisor, gave a brief, yet thorough, presentation to the participants on how the carp are detrimental to the game fish and native fish populations.

Over 300 anglers participated with fishing and non-fishing activities. Though only a few carp were caught, anglers also managed to land several black bullhead catfish and panfish. Anglers of all ages and several levels of experience enjoyed this event and are waiting for the next one. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hopes that more people will discover this wonderful site as a respite from the desert heat and a great place to go fishing.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.