OUTDOOR BRIEFS

FOR ALL AGES

Beginner's fishing clinic scheduled

The Nevada Department of Wildlife will be having a fishing clinic for anglers of all ages at 9 a.m. May 2 at Floyd Lamb Park near Durango and U.S. 95. Participants will learn the basics of knot tying and develop casting skills. They also will learn how to identify fish species and select the right bait.

A current Nevada fishing license is required for participants 12 years of age or older. Registration begins 8 a.m. Monday. For more information and registration contact Chris Pietrafeso at (702) 486-5127 Ext. 3850.

DEADLINE NEAR

Big game tag applications due

If they haven't done so already, hunters who are hoping to draw one of Nevada's coveted big game tags for the 2009 hunting season better hurry. Both online and paper applications are due no later than 5 p.m. Monday. Applications received after that time will be considered late and not eligible for the draw.

Paper applications must be delivered to the Wildlife Administrative Services office through a postal service. Applications can be completed online at www.huntnevada.com. The Nevada Department of Wildlife offices cannot accept tag applications.

AFFORDABLE FUN

Fishing is a low-cost recreation option

The country's economic situation has many Nevada families trimming their budgets and looking for ways to save money on everything from groceries to recreation. One way families can supplement their grocery budget and spend time playing in the outdoors at the same time is to go fishing.

"Fishing really is a good recreational buy. It's something an adult resident of Nevada can do for less than 11 cents a day," said Ivy Santee, angler education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "When you consider the liberal catch limits like those we have on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, it's even better."

At Lakes Mead and Mohave there is no limit on striped bass less than 20 inches in total length. For fish 20-inches in length or longer, the limit is 20. Either way you look at it, this gives anglers an opportunity to put filets on the table. Both lakes also offer 25-fish limits on catfish and the chance to reel in a few bluegill and green sunfish as well. Other fishing opportunities can be found throughout the Silver State.

NDOW also stocks catfish in the local urban ponds from April to October each year. The agency plants rainbow trout in the cooler months. The limit at the urban ponds is three fish.

For residents, the price of an annual junior or senior license is $13. For an adult -- ages 16 to 64 -- the price is $29. A $10 trout stamp is required whenever an angler takes or possesses trout.

For nonresidents, the cost of an annual Nevada fishing license is $69 for an adult and $21 for juniors (12 through 15 years). Short-term licenses also are available.

More information about fishing in Nevada can be found online at www.ndow.org.