Eastern Region
Ice is beginning to form on many waters across eastern NV. Please exercise extra caution during this time. While no ice is ever guaranteed to be 100% safe, thin ice at with fluctuating temperatures at the beginning of the season is especially dangerous. NDOW recommends that you stay off ice measuring less than 4 inches. Check out the graphic above for additional guidelines.
Open water remains at Wildhorse Resevoir and South Fork Resevoir in Elko County. The boat ramp at Wild Horse State Recreation area has been removed for the season. Anglers are having luck landing trout over 20″ from both shore and boat. At South Fork, the boat dock has been removed but the launch ramps remain open. This is subject to change in response to weather. Anglers at South Fork Reservoir are finding rainbow trout averaging 14″-16″. The river above South Fork Reservoir is also producing rainbow and brown trout in the 12″-14″ range. Wooly buggers and balanced leeches are the go-to flies across the board.
In White Pine County, water is icing up a little more quickly. As of 11/30/23, Comins was measuring 3.5″-4″ of ice in most areas surveyed, and Illipah at about 3″. With warmer daytime temperatures this week, conditions will have changed.
REports for fishing hot spots
For the fishing reports of individual Eastern Region Hot Spots head to our new fishing report database below.
WesterN Region
Western Nevada’s rivers and lakes are prime for fall fishing. The increase in water over the last year has really done wonders for our gamefish. The Truckee and Carson Rivers have been fishing very well for both spin and fly anglers. The Truckee’s flows are up, while the Carson’s are down. The East Walker is really low currently at 20cfs, but fishing remains great. Recent surveys showed record trout populations around the Elbow.
Many of the community ponds have slowed due to lack of stocking as we head into winter. The Northern Reservoirs should fish well through the fall unless we see access limited with precipitation. Squaw, Wall Canyon, and Boulder should all be worth a visit if you can get there safely this winter. Ice should become an issue at both of the reservoirs as we really start to cool off into January. If winter is slow to start, consider Topaz Lake for a late fall afternoon out on the water.
View all Western Region hot spots
For the fishing reports of all Western Region Hot Spots head to our new fishing report database below.
SOUTHERN Region
LAKE MEAD – Outside of Hemenway Harbor and Callville Bay Marina, using anchovies has been successful for catching striped bass. Most fish being caught are anywhere from 2-3 pounds. Anglers are doing a mix of shore fishing and boat fishing at depths of 50-60 feet. Shad imitations and plastics are helping anglers bring in largemouth bass in coves that have good shore vegetation.
LAKE MOHAVE/ WILLOW BEACH – Whether on shore or in boats, anglers are bringing in rainbow trout below Willow Beach. Most of the fish are biting on PowerBait and spinners. In the afternoon in Cottonwood Basin, smallmouth and largemouth bass are biting on plastics and shad imitations. In the coves north of Davis Dam and outside Willow Beach Marina, anglers are catching stripers on 8-12 inch swimbaits.
LAUGHLIN – Near the south end of Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, anglers are easily bringing in stripers on cut anchovies and large swimbaits. Striper fishing below Davis Dam (and past Casino Row) has been successful both on shore and in boats. Anglers are using Rooster Tails, worms, and PowerBait to catch stoked rainbow trout.
LAS VEGAS COMMUNITY PONDS – Down at Boulder City, Sunset, and Floyd Lamb, anglers are catching catfish with night crawlers and cut-up hot dogs. Bluegill are hiding in the shadows near shore eating small worm pieces.
KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA – Anglers have been having the best luck with rainbow trout from boats; most of them are using PowerBait or night crawlers in Adams McGill. With other fish, anglers are successful with spoons, Kastmasters, and Super Dupers. Heads-up that hunting season is in full swing, so keep in mind that anglers will need to share the waters.
EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR – Anglers have been catching from the dock and the dam. Trout are biting on PowerBait, spinners, and small spoons. Nighttime temperatures are getting close to freezing. Mornings will be a bit slow, but afternoons will be prime time to chase rainbows and bass.
ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR – Fishing for rainbow trout has been most successful away from the shoreline in either boats or floatables. Anglers are also catching off the dam. Fish are biting on spinners, and rainbow, orange or green PowerBait.
All other fishing hot spots
For the fishing reports of all Southern Region Hot Spots head to our new fishing report database below.
events
Join Nevada Department of Wildlife instructors for a free fishing class! All ages and experience levels are welcome! For more information and registration visit https://www.register-ed.com/programs/nevada/210-angler-education. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.ndowlicensing.com.