Fishing Report: September 26, 2103

■ LAKE MEAD — The one consistent report from locations across the lake is that live bait has proven to be more productive than imitations for taking striped bass. Live threadfin or gizzard shad are best, but anchovies are a good substitute. Anglers on the water have marked fish pretty deep. If netting shad, remember that your cast net can have a radius no larger than 4 feet. Crank baits fished around rocky points or shallow grass beds have been catching largemouth and smallmouth bass.

■ LAKE MOHAVE — Anglers fishing out of Cottonwood Cove have been catching largemouth and smallmouth bass by working imitation crawdads and plastic worms in the backs of coves. The catfish bite is on, and the fish are taking a variety of baits. Look for fish near underbrush or fallen logs to improve your odds. Striper action has been light, with anglers catching only smaller fish. At Willow Beach, the national fish hatchery plants rainbow trout every Friday. Productive baits include PowerBait, PowerWorms, Rooster Tails and Panther Martins. Stripers keying in on stocked rainbows often will take large swim baits in rainbow trout patterns.

■ URBAN PONDS — All ponds are to receive channel catfish this week.

■ KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — Fishing pressure was low this week because of high winds and rain. But the roads on the wildlife management area have dried out and are in good condition. Water temperatures are at 55 degrees throughout the area. Trout fishing has picked up at Hay Meadow and Cold Springs reservoirs for anglers using PowerBait and spinners. At Adams and Dacey, fishing has been slow but should pick up as temperatures continue to drop. Weeds are starting to emerge at the surface and near the boat launches. The youth waterfowl hunt is scheduled for Saturday.

■ EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Anglers competing in the fly-fishing tournament last weekend found action for rainbow trout. The winner caught and released 38 fish in three hours while fishing with a black Woolly Bugger. Shore anglers also found good fishing with Zeke’s cheese-flavored bait and PowerBait in various colors. Largemouth bass continue to take lures and flies. Anglers landed several bass.

■ ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Trout fishing has picked up. Anglers are catching fish with nightcrawlers, mini marshmallows, lures and flies. Largemouth bass and crappie continue to take nightcrawlers and jigs.

■ LAUGHLIN — The catfish bite has been good along the river. One angler landed a catfish that weighed more than 13 pounds while fishing near Community Park. Others have reported catching fish in the 7- to 10-pound range. Nightcrawlers and anchovies are catching the fish. The striper bite has slowed, but anglers still are bringing in a few small fish. With cooler weather nearing, the trout bite should pick up.