Fishing report, Feb. 20, 2014
■ LAKE MEAD — The odds are turning in favor of anglers. Those who made it out for the Nevada Striper Club’s Top Ten Tournament were witness to this. While some may not be catching the quantity of fish to which they are accustomed, the striped bass being caught are healthy and getting by well on their diet of gizzard shad. Anglers have found success with gizzard shad fished near the bottom. Anchovies also have worked well, along with old Henry softails and LA Sliders.
■ LAKE MOHAVE — The warmer weather brings promise of good fishing days ahead. Anglers continue to report increased activity from the various species. Bluegill and redear sunfish are showing in the deeper water and taking small jigs and nightcrawler pieces. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are becoming more active in the coves, with some already preparing for the spawning season. While striped bass have been spotty throughout the lake, some of the lunkers seem to be moving back up toward Willow Beach. An AC Plug fooled a 35-pound striper near the hatchery, and another weighing 27 pounds was taken by a spear fisherman.
■ LAUGHLIN — Trout action remains slow with reports of a few holdovers being taken in the area of Big Bend State Park. Bait of choice was nightcrawlers.
■ URBAN PONDS — Veterans Memorial Park, Sunset Park and Hafen Park ponds are expected to be stocked with rainbow trout this week. Anglers should have success using light equipment with smaller hooks and less weight. Power Eggs in yellow or orange are a good bait choice, or try small spinning lures.
■ KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — All reservoirs on the management area are ice-free. Anglers have been catching trout in the 10- to 12-inch range off the dam at Haymeadow and Cold Springs using spinners, lures and PowerBait.
■ EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — The ice is only 6 inches thick on most of the reservoir but is extremely thin with some open water around the edges. Anglers fishing through the ice are having success using sparkle PowerBait or nightcrawlers.
■ ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Except for thin ice in the upper section of the reservoir, the water is ice-free. Rainbow trout are taking sparkle PowerBait in various colors.