Carson City, Nevada – The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has issued its latest fishing report, highlighting a variety of opportunities across the state as warmer weather opens up waters previously locked in ice. Anglers throughout Nevada’s Eastern, Western, and Southern regions are finding success with targeted techniques amid shifting conditions.[1][2]
In the Eastern Region, the early end to the ice fishing season has not diminished prospects. Open water fishing at South Fork Reservoir proved particularly rewarding, where visiting angler David Bandy from Australia and local Steve Alexander capitalized on accessible waters. Balanced leeches and woolly buggers emerged as top flies, while spin anglers fared well with PowerBait fished off the bottom. The Ruby Marshes have largely thawed, offering good access via Secret Pass, though Harrison Pass remained challenging due to snow. The collection ditch continued yielding impressive trout measuring 15 to 20 inches.
However, caution is urged at Wild Horse Reservoir, where deteriorating ice conditions prompted a safety warning issued on February 12. NDOW advised avoiding remaining ice due to soft edges, open water channels, and rotten spots, especially near the State Park boat ramp, south end, Penrod Arm, Hendricks Arm, and Goose Island. Shoreline access points remain viable for fishing, and small packable vessels offer alternatives until the boat ramp reopens. Detailed reports for Eastern hot spots are available in NDOW’s fishing database.[3]
Western Nevada welcomed fall-like fishing conditions with dropping flows on key rivers including the Carson, Truckee, and East Walker. Cooler nights enhanced early morning and evening bites, with light lines, small flies, and lures proving effective in low, clear water. Reservoirs such as Wall Canyon and Squaw Creek hosted active fish near the surface, ideal for both warm- and cold-water species, with trout fishing expected to intensify heading into winter. High-elevation lakes turned productive despite potential access issues from precipitation. Urban ponds received fall trout stockings, with updates posted weekly on NDOW’s calendar. Anglers can explore full Western Region hot spot reports via the database.[4]
Southern Region waters showcased diverse action. At Lake Mead, striped bass responded best to anchovies in the Hemenway area during dawn and dusk, yielding averages of four fish per outing in the 2- to 4-pound range. Government Wash produced results in 50 feet of water using shad-colored jigs and swimbaits, while smallmouth bass chased minnow and flatworm plastics in shallows. Warmer weekend forecasts promised improved black bass activity.
Lake Mohave and Willow Beach delivered rainbow trout from 12 to 16 inches, with striped bass catches sporadic in deeper water via soft baits. Similar patterns held at Telephone Cove and Cottonwood Basin. Along the Laughlin riverfront, rising temperatures boosted striped bass and rainbow trout takes on anchovies, swimbaits, jigs, spinners, and nightcrawlers, highlighted by an 11-pound striper south of Casino Row.
Community ponds in Las Vegas brimmed with freshly stocked rainbow trout, eager for worms, Rooster Tails, and rainbow PowerBait, though rains tempered catfish and bass. Daily limits are three fish, with fish parts banned as bait. Kirch Wildlife Management Area offered open water with thin morning ice, productive for small jigs and Mouse Tails. Eagle Valley Reservoir allowed dock and dam fishing with marshmallows, PowerBait, nightcrawlers, Perdigons, or Woolly Buggers. Echo Canyon Reservoir, despite low levels and overnight ice, yielded 12-inch rainbows on nightcrawlers, glitter PowerBait, Snow Cones, and Hare’s Ears. Southern hot spots are cataloged in the database.[5]
NDOW encourages participation in free fishing classes for all skill levels, available through their registration portal. Licenses are purchasable online. Detailed regional updates and stocking calendars support informed outings, ensuring sustainable enjoyment of Nevada’s rich fisheries resources.
For more information, visit Nevada Department of Wildlife.