Date: 04/15/09
Contact: C. Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

FISHING: A LOW-COST RECREATION OPTION

The country’s economic situation has many Nevada families trimming their budgets and looking for ways to save money on everything from groceries to recreation. One way families can supplement their grocery budget and spend time playing in the outdoors at the same time is to go fishing.

“Fishing really is a good recreational buy. It’s something an adult resident of Nevada can do for less than 11 cents a day,” said Ivy Santee, angler education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “When you consider the liberal catch limits like those we have on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave it’s even better.”

Spring and early summer is also a great time for shore angling on Lake Mead.

“Over the next few months threadfin shad will be moving into coves to spawn, especially in areas of the Boulder Basin. Striped bass follow the shad into shallower waters and you don’t need a boat to have a great time fishing and enjoying the cool spring weather,” said Department of Wildlife Supervising Biologist Jon Sjoberg.

At Lakes Mead and Mohave there is no limit on striped bass less than 20 inches in total length. For fish 20-inches in length or longer the limit is 20. Either way you look at it this gives anglers an opportunity to put filets on the table. Both lakes also offer 25-fish limits on catfish and the chance to reel in a few bluegill and green sunfish as well. Other fishing opportunities can be found throughout the Silver State.

NDOW also stocks catfish in the local urban ponds from April to October each year. The agency plants rainbow trout in the cooler months. The limit at the urban ponds is three fish. A limit is the total number of fish, or the total number of a particular fish species, an angler can have in his possession regardless of where the fish are stored. In Nevada, anglers can possess no more than one limit.

In general, anglers who are 12 years of age or older are required to have a valid Nevada fishing license whenever they are fishing Silver State waters. The one exception is when they are fishing interstate waters such as those of Lakes Mead, Mohave and the Colorado River where a license is not needed until an angler is 14 years old. At Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake a license is not required until an angler is 16 years of age.

For residents, the price of an annual junior or senior license is $13. For an adult – ages 16 to 64 -- the price is $29. A $10 trout stamp is required whenever an angler takes or possesses trout. For the price of an annual adult fishing license and trout stamp, a resident angler can fish Nevada for less than 11 cents per day. For nonresidents the cost of an annual Nevada fishing license is $69 for an adult and $21 for juniors (12 through 15 years). Short-term licenses also are available.

More information about fishing in Nevada can be found online at www.ndow.org.

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.