HOME PAGE
|
Sunday, July 18, 1999
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
COLUMN: TRIP OF THE WEEK: Margo Bartlett Pesek
Fishermen attracted to waters throughout White Pine County
Streams, lakes and reservoirs lie hidden in canyons and valley bottoms across White Pine County. These waters lure anglers of all stripes whether they favor bait or fly fishing from lake shore, stream bank or fishing craft. The area's waters have a devoted local following, but they are not well-known outside the county.
Ely is the sort of town most fishermen fantasize about -- a community where you can easily reach a score of dandy fishing places. Many of those are just minutes away from downtown. Ely is 240 miles from Las Vegas by way of U.S. Highway 93 and the Sunnyside Cutoff, state Highway 318, putting it within range for anglers from Southern Nevada during long weekends or longer vacations. Fishermen may choose to stay in town or camp near most fishing areas.
In order to partake of the fishing, anglers will need a current Nevada fishing license and a trout stamp. Annual fishing licenses are good for a year from March 1. Short-term options are also available. Fishing licenses may be purchased locally or in Ely, usually available wherever fishing supplies are sold or from offices of the Nevada Division of Wildlife. General resident licenses for adults 16 through 64 cost $21. Licenses for those under 16 or older than 64 cost $5. A license for a resident serviceman is $6. Short-term permits cost $7 for the day and $2 per consecutive fishing day thereafter. Combination hunting and fishing licenses are also available for residents. A licensed Nevada resident must also purchase a $5 trout stamp to possess trout. Nonresident fees are considerably more, at least double the resident fee.
Fishermen should be prepared for the conditions to be found in mountainous White Pine County.
Always carry a jacket along. Since thunderstorms are common in summer, make room for a rain poncho in your gear. By all means wear sunblock, as burning occurs more easily at higher elevations. Pesky insects can be a real problem, particularly in marshy areas or at dusk. Protect yourself by spraying your clothing and hat liberally.
Be aware that rattlesnakes like streams, too. They are attracted by various prey that hide in the thick vegetation along streams.
Anglers may want to explore fishing areas closest to Ely, as they are the most accessible. Travel south eight miles from Ely on U.S. 93 toward the turnoff to Cave Lake State Park to reach two lakes and a stream.
Many residents like to fish little Comins Lake to the west of the highway just before you reach the turnoff. It is on private land, but remains open to the public. Comins Lake is fed by Steptoe Creek, a stream that originates in the Schell Creek Range. This creek is fishable along its entire scenic length.
Steptoe Creek also helps to fill Cave Lake, a 32-acre reservoir that is the centerpiece of the state park, seven miles from the junction with U.S. 93 on the Success Summit Loop Road. Since Cave Lake freezes a couple of feet deep most winters, it is also used for ice fishing in the cold season.
Both lakes and the creek are regularly stocked with rainbow and German brown trout. Lake fishing may be done from the shore or from boats. There are boat launching areas on both lakes.
Also close, but less obvious to visitors, is Bassett Lake west of McGill off U.S. 93 north of Ely. It is about a 15-minute drive from Ely. Turn onto the gravel road near the former Club 50. This lake is also a privately owned reservoir that is open to the public. It is fed by water from Duck Creek, which may provide stream fishing. Primarily bass and pike are taken from Bassett Lake.
The northern end of the Success Summit Loop begins a few miles north of McGill off U.S. 93. The first few miles are paved. Along the northern end of the loop on the western slopes of the Schell Creek Range are several small fishing streams, some with a few USDA Forest Service campsites scattered along their banks.
Timber, Bird and East creeks are all good trout streams accessible by passenger vehicles. Berry and Kalamazoo creeks are best reached by high-clearance vehicles. Since most visitors find it easier to get to the other end of the loop road, these little streams are often overlooked by anglers.
On the eastern side of the Schell Creek Range, little Cleve Creek beckons to anglers. It is reached from U.S. Highway 6-50, the road to Great Basin National Park in the southeastern part of White Pine County. Follow U.S. 93 south to the U.S. 6-50 junction, then watch for the turnoff onto state Highway 893 about a mile beyond the junction. Drive north from there to the Cleve Creek access road, which is best driven in a high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle. This creek has a Bureau of Land Management campground with a dozen sites.
Although many visitors to Great Basin National Park are unaware of angling opportunities there, park streams provide great trout fishing. Nevada's only national park is just an hour's drive from Ely using U.S. 93, U.S. 6-50, state Route 487 and the park access road from the little town of Baker. Topped by lofty 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak, the Snake Range spawns several lively little creeks, all fishable waters. No live bait other than worms may be used while fishing Baker, Lehman Snake or Strawberry creeks. Baker and Lehman creeks are the most accessible, as they are closest to park headquarters and the entrance to Lehman Caves. These creeks are stocked with brook, rainbow and German brown trout. Native Bonneville cutthroat trout are found in the upper reaches of these creeks, taken only on a catch and release basis.
In the extreme northern part of White Pine County where it borders Elko County is Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge at the foot of the Ruby Mountains. To reach it from Ely, drive west on U.S. Highway 50 nearly 30 miles to a road running north to the county line and the lake about 50 miles away. Because Ruby Lake and nearby Ruby Marsh are intended primarily as a refuge for waterfowl, certain boating restrictions are in effect during nesting season. Fishermen try for trout or bass at Ruby Lake, but the slow-growing bass may be hooked only on a catch and release basis. A Forest Service campground not far from the lake provides 35 sites for those visiting the refuge.
Several other streams and reservoirs within White Pine County will provide hours of fishing pleasure. If you have a four-wheel-drive rig, explore along Goshute Creek in the eastern part of the county. Head for unexpectedly pretty Illipah Reservoir just off U.S. 50 about 40 miles west of Ely. Try your luck on Silver Creek Reservoir, a privately owned lake open to the public for fishing near Baker and Great Basin National Park. Inquire in Ely about locally favored fishing spots.
If you plan much back-country exploration, you should invest in the map series put out by the Nevada Department of Transportation that details all the little roads that wander around the Silver State, available for about $12.
E-mail this story to a friend:
Give us your FEEDBACK on this or any story.
1999 Best of Las Vegas Results.
|
Printable version of this story
MARGO BARTLETT PESEK
MORE COLUMNS
|
