Date: 02/24/09
Contact: Lynne Foster
Phone: (775) 688-1997

LOW-COST FUN: FISHING

Do you remember what drew you to fishing as a kid? Was it the solitude of the still waters? Maybe it was the roar of the boat motor or just spending time with your family and friends? Well, with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) now selling its annual fishing permits for the 2009-2010 season it’s time to re-live those memories and get the most out of your fishing license.

The annual fishing permit sells for $29, and are valid from March 1, 2009 through Feb. 28, 2010. A trout stamp can also be purchased for $10.

Gear up with bait and tackle at Cabela’s and that license could cost you nothing. If you purchase $200 or more in merchandise from the fishing or marine departments at Cabela’s Reno on March 7 or 8, they’ll pick up the cost of your $29 resident annual fishing license.

NDOW will be at Cabela’s that weekend with expert anglers providing information on how and where to fish in Nevada, as well as boating safety. They will also have a boatload of information for you to take home.

First time fishing, or just want some tips? Pick up (or view online) the How to Fish Nevada book. It covers everything from techniques on how to fish for specific species in the Silver State to the basics of fishing equipment and techniques for fishing still or flowing water. Expert anglers were interviewed and helped to write about their favorite techniques and equipment.

“Nevada is chock-full of streams and lakes that are the perfect place to wet your line,” said author and now-retired fisheries biologist Mark Warren. “The different bodies of water found around the state not only offer people places to fish, they also offer anglers the opportunity to catch different varieties of species.”

So, now you’re ready to learn…where do you go? NDOW has an easy-to-use online “Angler Information Guide.” Just go to ndow.org and click on the region of the state you want to fish, and you’ll see some of the state’s 79 most popular waters identified. Click on the name of the water and you’ll be taken to a page that shows the water’s history, depth, species of fish, bait recommendations, biologist forecasts, plus directions and access information.

Fishable Waters Maps, which identify the more than 650 fishable streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs throughout Nevada, will also be distributed.

If you don’t make it to Cabela’s, 2009/2010 licenses are available at NDOW offices or online. For adults, annual licenses are only $29. Youth 12-16 can get an annual license for $13, and kids under 12 years fish for free.

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. Visit www.ndow.org.