Nevada fishing report, May 7, 2015

LAKE MEAD — With a slight reprieve from the heat going into the weekend, now is a good time to get out on the water. Anglers are finding the best odds of netting shad early in the morning, and that leads to good fishing for striped bass. Coves around Government Wash have been producing quality fish, including largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass. In addition to live shad, various lures and reaction baits have been tempting fish to strike. With the current water levels at the lake, it is recommended that boaters check the National Park Service website (nps.gov/lakemead) for launch ramp updates and alerts within the National Recreation Area.

LAKE MOHAVE — While the action for striped bass has been on the slow side, those anglers targeting black bass species are being rewarded with tight lines. A creel census completed in the Cottonwood Cove area found that smallmouth bass were “plump, in excellent condition,” said Debora Herndon, NDOW fisheries biologist. The average fish measured 16.5 inches and weighed 2.4 pounds. The fish have been taking Gitzit tube baits and Tender Tubes in the green pumpkin color variation. Casting into 10 to 15 feet of water near grass beds and submerged brush can trigger a response from bass that will leave their beds to hit the bait.

LAUGHLIN — Striped bass are the primary fish in reports over the past week. Anglers are having success casting anchovies from shore. Catfish are more active at night and can be caught using anchovies, especially in some of the backwaters.

URBAN PONDS — Bluegill, catfish and bass continue hitting well for those trying their luck at the local ponds. The bluegill are taking mealworms and chunks of night crawlers on small hooks fished off the bottom. A fisherman at Floyd Lamb Park found good action for largemouth by throwing top-water lures along the edge of tule beds. Catfish are not only taking night crawlers, but also hotdog pieces and chicken livers.

KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — Trout have not been very picky this week. The fish are taking most baits and lures. Crappie and largemouth action has been picking up on Haymeadow and Cold Springs reservoirs.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Due to an annual trout fishing tournament, the reservoir was very busy over the weekend. The winning fish measured in over 20 inches long and most entrants took fish home. Fly-fishermen are still doing well with Woolly Buggers in olive, brown or black colorations.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Hand-sized crappie have been taking small jigs this past week, and largemouth bass and trout are still hitting just about any bait thrown at them. Pressure was light over the weekend, partly due to the tournament held at Eagle Valley Reservoir.