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Spring / Summer 2004
At the beginning of each season, NDOW fisheries biologists make a fishing forecast, or a general prediction of what is to come. To view a more current fishing report, please view our fishing report section.This year’s snow pack in most of Eastern Nevada is at or above normal, which is good news for all of the waters in the area. Creek fishing in Nevada will be tough in the spring with high run-off, while reservoir fishing should be good.
Elko CountyWildhorse Reservoir - Elko County
This winter’s snow pack is a lifesaver for Wild Horse Reservoir, which was below 20% of capacity going into ice-up. Trout measuring 14 to 16 inches were regularly taken through the ice this winter and, with the spring run-off, spring stocking may be at normal levels, which was in doubt going into the winter. During the fall surveys plenty of bass from all age classes were observed in South Fork, with several large bass in the four-pound class seen as well. South Fork will continue to produce chunky trout in the two to six pound range with the occasional cut-bow possibly tipping the scales at eight pounds. South Fork will also be the sight of the Nevada Game Warden’s Association’s 10th annual one-fly fishing tournament on May 22.Ruby Mountain & East Humboldt Alpine Lakes
The alpine lakes in the Ruby Mountains should also provide good fishing once they become accessible. However, with the snow pack this year don’t plan on getting into the higher elevations until late June or possibly even early July. With the cold weather and snow pack, there may be some winterkill in the shallower lakes in the Rubies and East Humboldts, but the deeper lakes should have fairly good carry-over.The rest of the reservoirs in the area look promising as the winter snows recharge water supplies. With just a little help from Mother Nature in the way of spring or summer rains, fishing in eastern Nevada could be good throughout the summer this year.
White Pine County
Most of White Pine County’s waters went into the winter with better than expected water levels and that should make for better fishing than last summer.
Comins Lake
A lucky angler at Comins Lake.
The hot spot in White Pine County will continue to be Comins Lake at Steptoe Valley Wildlife Management Area just outside of Ely. With the water being managed for wildlife and fish, combined with the large size of fish in Comins, anglers should enjoy great fishing conditions. Trout fishing should be good through mid-June with fish being caught in the three to six pound range according to Chris Crookshanks, fisheries biologist for this area.Cave Lake
Cave Lake should also provide its usual quality fishing, with a contingent of rainbows and brook trout plus the occasional brown trout. Illipah should have fairly good carryover this year, starting the winter with better than expected water levels and then being stocked in the fall.
