Eastern Region
It’s been a very slow start to the ice fishing season in northern Nevada. At this time, some reservoirs have iced up enough for anglers to venture out on, while others are still covered in thin, unsafe ice. Ice updates will be added to reports of individual waters (Hot Spots linked below) as we learn more. Please review the Ice Safety Guide graphic below for more information. ALWAYS be prepared with appropriate safety gear, such as ice picks, rope, extra clothes, etc.
Reports for fishing hot spots
For the fishing reports of individual Eastern Region Hot Spots head to our fishing report database below.
Western Region
Fall fishing has arrived in Western Nevada! Flows are down on all of our rivers and fish are hungry. The cooler nights are bringing temperatures down on the Carson, Truckee, and East Walker Rivers. Fishing will continue to be good early and late in the day until we see a hard freeze which should improve midday fishing. Light lines and leaders paired with small flies and lures will draw more strikes when the water is low and clear.
Reservoirs are cooling down and fish are becoming more active near the surface. Temperatures are prime to find both warm and cold water species at Wall Canyon and Squaw Creek Reservoirs. We should see the trout fishing really pickup as we get a little closer to winter. The high elevation lakes are really turning on and should be great this fall until precipitation effects access.
Fall stocking has begun on the urban ponds. Be sure to check the stocking report calendar for weekly updates.
View all western region hot spots
For the fishing reports of all Western Region Hot Spots head to our new fishing report database below.
Southern Region
LAKE MEAD — Anglers are reporting the most consistent striped bass action is taking place during the early morning hours and again at dusk. Stripers are biting on anchovies in the Hemenway area, with anglers averaging four fish in the 2– to 4-pound range. In Government Wash, anglers have found success when fishing in approximately 50 feet of water using shad-colored jigs and swimbaits worked off the bottom. Smallmouth bass are chasing minnow and flat worm plastics in shallow coves. With warmer temperatures forecasted for the weekend, the black bass bite is expected to improve.
LAKE MOHAVE / WILLOW BEACH — Anglers area catching rainbow trout ranging from 12 to 16 inches in length. Striped bass action remains slow near Willow Beach, with most catches reported by kayakers and boaters fishing deeper water with trout- and watermelon-colored soft baits. Similar conditions persist at the south end of the reservoir, where anglers are catching stripers of comparable size while fishing off the bottom at Telephone Cove. In Cottonwood Basin, bass are hitting soft plastics and jigs in olive and watermelon colors.
LAUGHLIN — Warmer temperatures are expected to increase fish activity along the river. Meanwhile, shore and dock anglers are catching both striped bass and rainbow trout. Stripers are showing a strong preference for anchovies and light-colored swimbaits. One angler reported landing an 11-pound striper on an anchovy just south of Casino Row. Rainbow trout are biting on yellow and olive jigs as well as a variety of spinners. The fish are also hitting on night crawlers.
LAS VEGAS COMMUNITY PONDS — The Nevada Department of Wildlife planted rainbow trout in the community fishing ponds. Stocked rainbows are taking worms, bright Rooster Tails and rainbow-colored PowerBait. Recent rains and snowfall have slowed catfish and bass activity. Anglers are reminded that city park limits are three fish per day and the use of fish or fish parts as bait is prohibited.
KIRCH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA — The water is still open with thin ice along the shorelines first thing in the morning. Anglers are catching trout on small jigs and Mouse Tails. Ice fishing is not possible.
EAGLE VALLEY RESERVOIR — The reservoir is mostly open with some icy edges. The ice hasn’t reached the end of the docks, so fishing is still possible off the dock and dam. Marshmallows, PowerBait and night crawlers are also producing trout. Fly fishers may find success with Perdigons or Woolly Buggers.
ECHO CANYON RESERVOIR — Water levels are low but fishable near the dam. Some ice forms along the edges overnight but usually melts away in the afternoon. Muddy shorelines may limit access, so caution is advised. Fly anglers are finding success with Snow Cones and Hare’s Ear patterns, while bait anglers have caught 12-inch rainbow trout using night crawlers and glitter PowerBait.
All other fishing hot spots
For the fishing reports of all Southern Region Hot Spots head to our new fishing report database below.
Events
Join Nevada Department of Wildlife instructors for a free fishing class! All ages and experience levels are welcome! For more information and registration visit https://www.register-ed.com/programs/nevada/210-angler-education. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.ndowlicensing.com.