Fishing report, May 1, 2014

LAKE MEAD — Windy conditions deterred many anglers from hitting the water this past week. But on the calmer days, anglers and recreational users were out in full force. Despite their best efforts, catch reports were varied, with the only consistency being in the difficulty of netting shad. The spawning period for largemouth bass appears to be drawing to an end, and that has bass fishermen reeling their fish from deeper water on drop shots. The northeastern area of Boulder Basin has been productive along with the shoreline of Boulder Harbor, where anglers still are finding a few bass on beds.

LAKE MOHAVE — As the spawn for largemouth and smallmouth bass begins to slow, action for bluegill and redear sunfish is picking up. These feisty little fish are a fun catch for any angler. Small jigs and night crawler pieces work well. Remember a small hook can catch a large fish, but a large hook can’t catch a small fish.

LAUGHLIN — The main action has been for striped bass. Larger fish are roaming the waters, and a few anglers have been lucky enough to catch one. One angler pulled in a 13.5-pound striper caught below community park. Another striper weighing more than 26 pounds was caught in the area of Big Bend State Park. Both used anchovies.

URBAN PONDS — The trout bite has fallen off with warming temperatures, and the storm system that passed though last week slowed things. Catch rates should start picking up for the warm water species as bass and bluegill finish their spawning.

KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — Anglers have found good fishing from the dam and on the lake at Haymeadow and Cold Springs reservoirs. Trout in the 9- to 11-inch range, 10-inch crappie and some smaller bass have been taking jigs, lures and PowerBait. Fishing on Adams-McGill Reservoir has been slower, but fish size tends to be larger on Adams than at Haymeadow and Cold Springs. At Dacey, the action has been good for those using flies and spoons. Dacey is artificial lure only. Tule, Old Place and the upper ends of Haymeadow, Cold Springs, Adams-McGill and Dacey are closed.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Winds and rain kept many people away from the water last weekend, but those who did venture out had success for stocked rainbows and some hold-over fish. PowerBait, power eggs and night crawlers worked well for those choosing to use baits, while lure anglers did well using small spinners and Super-Dupers in gold with red spots. Bass also are hitting well and taking night crawlers and lures. Fly-fishermen have done well with Adams fly pattern fished on the surface.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Despite poor weather conditions, trout, bass and crappie have been taking various baits and lures. One angler caught and released a 6.5-pound largemouth Sunday afternoon. Anglers fishing the canyon area above the lake are catching crappie with lengths as long as 12 inches.

FISHING EVENT — The annual $50,000 tagged fish contest will take place May 3 and 4 at Eagle Valley and Echo Canyon reservoirs. One fish will be tagged for the top prize. An additional 40 fish will have tags for other money prizes and will be spread out between the two reservoirs. Registration will take place at Eagle Valley Resort. Call 775-962-5293 for more information.