Nevada fishing report, May 14, 2015

LAKE MEAD — Catch rates continue to look up for anglers. Stripers have been found boiling in the Vegas Wash and at the north end of Boulder Basin. Some anglers report that when using live shad as bait it is difficult to not catch fish. Some anglers have found success chumming with a mixture of anchovies and corn; then when stripers come in they cast Rat-L-Traps or other shad imitations into the schools. As nights get darker with the new moon on May 18, anglers will have increased opportunity of catching stripers at night, especially when fishing under a light.

LAKE MOHAVE — Willow Beach has been a productive stretch of water, with one angler reporting that he is consistently catching 15- to 20-pound striped bass between midnight and 3 a.m. Anglers are also reporting more catches of smallmouth bass along this area, many around 3 pounds that are hitting on the shad imitation lures intended for stripers. Smallmouth bass all through the lake have been providing anglers with ample fishing opportunity. Bass tournaments held in the area have been bringing in five fish limits of 20 to 25 pounds, attesting to the quality of bass in the lake. Crankbaits fished near shore and brush, or plastics fished along rocky bottoms can entice a bite.

LAUGHLIN — Anglers are reporting that some of the quieter backwaters in the area are great holding spots for largemouth bass and sunfish species. Night crawlers and plastic imitations are working well. Striped bass have been hitting on anchovies and those caught are averaging two to three pounds, but it has not been uncommon for an angler to bring in a six-pounder.

URBAN PONDS — Bluegill action has been good in most of the ponds this past week for anglers using mealworms and night crawlers. The exceptions are those times when storm cells pass through the valley, slowing down the bite considerably. The May channel catfish plant is slated for sometime this week.

EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Bass action is picking up and most of the fish are holding near the tule edges. Rainbow, tiger and brown trout are taking the usual rainbow or orange PowerBait and also spinning lures. Woolly Buggers in darker colorations continue to work well for fly-fishers.

ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Crappie, largemouth and trout are all hitting well throughout the lake and taking almost everything thrown at the them. A few anglers were taking bass in the two- to three-pound range while most of the crappie are only hand-size.