Nevada fishing report, Jan. 7, 2016

NEVADA FISHING REPORT

• LAKE MEAD — Striped bass are hitting live shad and anchovies. One angler found good action by slow trolling at about 100 feet in water pushing 120 feet deep. At the north end of the reservoir, fishermen are reeling in largemouth and smallmouth bass. Jigs and Rapalas can bring in the bigger fish. Don't be afraid to swap out baits when one is not producing.

• LAKE MOHAVE — Striped bass are biting on live shad. On your way out, look for the birds to see where the shad are to find the fish. Top-water lures also are bringing in big fish. One fisherman brought in two stripers weighing 9 and 10 pounds.

• LAUGHLIN — Rainbow trout are biting on yellow and green PowerBait and night crawlers. Spinners are a good top-water lure in clear areas. For catch-and-release fishing, go with barbless hooks and release the fish back into the water right away. Trout are not hearty fish and need special care. Protect their slime coating by handling the fish with moist hands rather than using a towel or rag. This will increase their chance of survival upon release.

• LAS VEGAS URBAN PONDS — Local ponds were stocked with rainbow trout Dec. 22 and 28 and are scheduled to be stocked this week. Despite the fish plants, the trout have not been cooperative. This might be a consequence of unsettled weather patterns, but don't stop trying. PowerBait, Power Eggs, small spinners and small flies are good bait options.

• KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — No report was received this week. The reservoirs are covered with ice, but anglers are reminded to use extreme caution when walking onto the ice. When ice fishing, the hole in the ice can be no larger than 10 inches in diameter. When fishing is slow, you might try jigging your lure.

• EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Ice conditions are good throughout the lake, and one family reportedly did well fishing near the dock. They were using night crawlers on pink jig heads fished near the bottom and limiting out in a few hours of fishing. PowerBait also has been a good choice for fishing through the ice.

• ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — The lake is iced over but is thin on the upper end where the stream flows in. Use extreme caution when venturing onto the ice. Few anglers have been seen at the lake this past week. PowerBait and night crawlers should be effective for trout.