Photo: Leeches and chironimids are the go-to flies for fly anglers this time of year. Local angler Andrew Ostendorf landed this nice trout on a balanced leech at South Fork Reservoir.
Eastern Region
Most waters are seeing 100% open water or close to it. As snowmelt begins, expect to see turbid water in reservoirs near the inlets and very high stream flows. Take caution before wading during this time.
Open water anglers are enjoying consistent trout action at South Fork Reservoir, as well as the river both below and above the reservoir. The Collection Ditch at Ruby Lake NWR is also producing nice catches. Spring stocking has begun. Check out the hot spot reports below for stocking updates and more detailed information on all eastern region waters.
As we begin to thaw out into spring, be mindful of accessibility to certain waters. Mud season is upon us, and what was an easy drive in the morning might be an invitation to get stuck in the afternoon.
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
Spring is here and fishing in the Western region is on fire. Nearly all of our community ponds are loaded with stocked trout and most of our rivers have yet to fill up with snow runoff. The Truckee and East Walker River are prime and fishing very well but you expect that to change with a little spring heat and the snow melt. Many of our winter hatches are beginning to slow but the summer bugs should be right on their heels. Flows and temperatures are prime for trout and the bass fishing should start to heat up with the warmer weather.
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 – Anglers have been reeling in stripers near Government Wash and Kingman Wash. The line sides seem to be favoring anchovies right at sunset. Most stripers are between 1 and 3 pounds. Black bass are taking bluegill and shad crankbait patterns, shad-look swimbaits and spinnerbaits. Catfish are biting on the anchovies in coves with depths nearing 30 feet or more.
LAKE MOHAVE/ WILLOW BEACH – Stripers are hitting anchovies early in the day all over the reservoir. Both catfish and stripers taking anchovies just above Davis Dam. Stripers are also taking swimbaits thrown from boats and kayaks. Rainbow trout are biting on rainbow and glitter PowerBait along with brightly colored tubes. Anglers have been catching largemouth and smallmouth bass in the shallows using creature baits and crankbaits.
LAUGHLIN – Anglers are still catching rainbows through Casino Row and towards the Big Bend area from the shoreline as well as boats. The trout are hitting small night crawlers and PowerBaits along drop offs. Small stripers are taking pencil poppers and anchovies all along the river. Boaters are reeling in larger stripers closer to Davis Dam.
LAS VEGAS COMMUNITY PONDS – Anglers are catching catfish with night crawlers and stink bait. Bluegill are hitting mealworms and red worms at the community ponds. There have been a few trout caught in the early mornings before they look for cooler water in the depths during the warm afternoons. Rainbows are chasing Rooster Tails and PowerBait fished off the bottom.
KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA – Fishing has been good overall. Adams-McGill is producing10- top 12-inch rainbows for anglers using Rooster Tails and dark-colored Woolly Buggers. Small lures and flies with red and gold colorations are a good option for trout this time of year. The bass and crappie bites are starting to pick up at Cold Springs and Haymeadow.
EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR – Anglers are catching trout by combining a night crawlers and mini marshmallow. Fly-fishers are catching both trout and bass with Woolly Buggers and Hare’s Ear Nymphs in brown or black.
ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR – The action has really picked up the past couple of weeks. Early mornings and evenings have been the best time to find fish. Anglers are catching trout, bass and crappie using a variety of baits and lures. Li’l Jakes and Rooster Tails are great for aggressive trout. Fly anglers are using size 8 Woolly Buggers in olive and black colorations.
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.