Columnist Paula Del Giudice: Holiday weekend provides chance to go for bi g ones

Wednesday, May 20, 1998 | 11:24 a.m.

PAULA DEL GIUDICE has been an outdoors freelance writer, author and photographer for 13 years. Her column appears Wednesdays.

HOPEFULLY THE weather will cooperate and the winds will settle down so those who have been waiting to fish and boat at Lake Mead and other water holes will be rewarded this Memorial Day Weekend.

If that happens, then it's likely that record numbers of visitors will be recorded at the lake. If you're looking to get away from folks, Lake Mead and Mohave probably aren't the best spots.

Fishing at night for catfish ought to be quite pleasant. It's not so hot now that sleeping would be uncomfortable, yet the water temperatures are starting to warm in the coves. And that's when the catfishing starts to heat up.

Nocturnal creatures, catfish live in deeper water during the day then move into shallower feeding areas at night. Catfish don't rely on their sight for feeding. Instead the sensitive taste buds on their whisker-like barbels tell them there's a tasty morsel nearby.

That's why stinkbaits and other preparations are so successful at attracting catfish.

If you're looking at getting away from the crowds, you might try some of the smaller lakes and reservoirs in southern Utah and those north of Clark County in Nevada.

Fishing reports from some of the smaller reservoirs, such as Kirch Wildlife Management Area and Echo Canyon Reservoir, have not been anything to brag about. But the past few days of warm weather ought to turn that around.

Make sure to plan carefully when heading to southern Utah. Remember that some of the higher elevation lakes and reservoirs might still not be accessible due to snow or mud. It's still early in the season for many spots.

Also know that most of the streams will be running full and fishing will be difficult at best. That includes streams in Nevada and in Utah. That should mean the camping areas nearby most streams will be devoid of anglers.

For those interested in hiking or simply camping and enjoying the scenery, don't overlook any of the small streams in Nye, Lincoln or White Pine counties. You might have to drive a bit, but it's worth it in terms of scenery and quality experience.

No matter what your plans include this Memorial Day weekend, take every step possible to make it safe.

Catfish stocked

Catfish have been stocked by the Nevada Division of Wildlife in all the urban ponds in the Las Vegas Valley, including Sunset Park, Lorenzi Park and Floyd Lamb State Park.

Kids fishing clinic

The Nevada Division of Wildlie and Becker Community School will hold a free children's fishing clinic Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lorenzi Park.

Youngsters will be taught how to rig their rods, what baits to use, fish identification, how to locate fish and conservation. Rods and reels will be provided to children who do not have their own.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult during the entire event. To register for the clinic, call NDOW at 486-5127.

Basic rifle

An NRA basic rifle safety and shooting course is held the first Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Desert Sportsman's Rifle and Pistol Club on West Charleston toward Red Rock Canyon.

The course is open to youths and adults. It covers gun parts and ammunition, safety, cleaning, storage, shooting fundamentals and rifle sports and activities.

Students participate in range firing exercises with .22 caliber rifles under the supervision of certified instructors. Rifles, cleaning supplies and ammunition are provided.

Fee for the class is $3. To enroll call Robert Robinson at 876-5399.