Fishing report, March 20, 2014

LAKE MEAD — Windy conditions kept many anglers off the water at the beginning of the week. As the gusts settle and temperatures begin to warm up, anglers should find better fishing. Jerkbaits and crankbaits have been working well. Anglers have been finding both largemouth and smallmouth bass deeper than expected. Look for them in about 20 to 30 feet of water. Striped bass have been hitting top-water baits and anglers report that the fish are all very healthy.

LAKE MOHAVE — Despite the wind, fishing has been good. Most of the action is coming from largemouth and smallmouth bass. Cooler water temperatures, combined with windy conditions, may have pushed the fish back to deeper water. Anglers are finding fish in 15 to 20 feet of water. That said, some fish have been found near structures in water as shallow as three feet. Crankbaits and jerkbaits work well this time of year and anglers have also reported success with a drop shot. The one consistent report is that the fish being caught are all large and appear very healthy.

LAUGHLIN — While fishing has been somewhat slow, great opportunities are still out there. One angler brought in a striped bass that weighed just over 21 pounds and measured 40 inches while fishing in the Community Park area. He caught the fish on anchovies. The fish had a pair of sunglasses in its stomach as well. With the winds calming down and the weather warming, fishing should improve through the weekend.

URBAN PONDS — This week marks the end of trout plants in the local park ponds, but that doesn’t mean the fishing will cool down. Spring usually sees an increase in catch rates for warm water fish, but trout also become more active. For a change of pace, anglers who just enjoy catching fish might want to try their skills on carp. Sunset and Floyd Lamb Parks have large pods of carp that weigh in between 5 and 20 pounds. Though not highly sought after, carp will give most fishermen the fight of their lives.

KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — Anglers are catching trout in the nine- to 11-inch range while fishing off the dam at Haymeadow and Cold Springs. They are using spinners, lures, and PowerBait. Fishing on Adams-McGill reservoir has been a little bit slower but the trout at Adams tend to be a bit larger than those at Haymeadow and Cold Springs. Fly-fishermen are reporting good fishing at Dacey. Action has been best when the fly is presented with little or no movement.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Anglers are finding improved fishing for rainbow, brown and tiger trout. The roadside shoreline has been very productive. Most fish are in the 10- to 12-inch range, but a few trout measuring 14 inches also have been taken. The bait of choice this week is garlic scented PowerBait. Coloration doesn’t seem to matter.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Rainbow trout are still taking PowerBait in a variety of colors. Night crawlers are also picking up fish. No sign of the bass or crappie yet, but as water temps rise there should be some action soon. All facilities at the park are open.