Nevada fishing report, Feb. 18, 2016

SOUTHERN NEVADA FISHING REPORT

• LAKE MEAD — Striper fishing continues to be slow in Vegas Wash and the surrounding area. Shad are in deep water, making them difficult to catch. Fishermen have been using artificial baits with little success. The most successful fishermen were using jigs or jigging spoons at depths of 80-130 feet in the Boulder Beach area and near the mouth of Vegas Wash. Black bass fishing has been slow as well, but, with the current warming trend, spawning season should be coming up soon.

• LAKE MOHAVE — Fishing reports are slow. Top-water lures are the top bait, with anchovies being a typical second option. Good top-water lures are AC Plugs in a rainbow trout pattern or the black and gold colorations. Action should improve as water temperatures rise.

• LAUGHLIN — The warm weather has made fishing good from shore and boat. Planter rainbows have been moving down stream, with striped bass right behind them. Be careful in the marshy areas as lower water levels are creating muddy shorelines. Bait options are night crawlers for trout and anchovies for stripers. Both have been catching fish.

• LAS VEGAS URBAN PONDS — The ponds are scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout this week. The fish for Sunset Park, Lorenzi Park and Boulder City ponds are coming from the Mason Valley Hatchery, and the fish for Floyd Lamb Park are coming out of the Spring Creek Rearing Station near Baker.

• KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — Warmer temperatures and windy conditions are creating unsafe ice conditions. If the weather holds, it won't take long for the ice to melt. Anglers are warned to use extreme caution around the lakes.

• EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Fishing has been good over the past week, according to the ranger at Spring Valley State Park, and the ice still remains safe to walk on. Early run-off has filled the lake to capacity. Rainbows in the 12- to 14-inch range are taking mealworms and night crawlers combined with a bit of mini-marshmallow. Browns in the 12- to 14-inch range also are taking the baits, as well as spoons and spinners.

• ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Due to the start of run-off, the water levels are rising in the lake. Due to the rising water level, warming temperatures and windy conditions, the ice has become unsafe.

• UPCOMING EVENTS — The annual City Councilman Ricky Barlow Fishing Derby for kids will be held March 5 at Lorenzi Park. Check in with start at 8 a.m. Call 702-229-5443 for more information or to register a large group.