Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Free Fishing Day set for weekend

Paula DelGiudice

Wednesday, June 6, 2001 | 11:14 a.m.

Paula DelGiudice's outdoors notebook appears Wednesday. Reach her at desertdenizens@aol.com.

A busy weekend lies ahead for anglers. Saturday is this year's annual Nevada Free Fishing Day. On this day, anglers throughout the state can fish without a fishing license or stamps. The Nevada Division of Wildlife has a very busy day planned for anglers of all ages. In addition to stocking the state's waters to improve "catching" success, there are many organized activities planned.

"We put in a considerable amount of time and effort each year in planning for Free Fishing Day because we want everyone to have a good time and, hopefully, catch a few fish. We also want it to be a family day where families will participate and take their children fishing," said Ivy Santee, NDOW angler education coordinator.

Santee said workers from NDOW's three hatcheries and fish rearing stations have been keeping a hectic pace in recent weeks by stocking lakes, streams and ponds around the state in preparation for Free Fishing Day.

"In speaking with hatchery supervisors and fisheries biologists, it appears that there will be plenty of fish and fishing should be very good all over the state," Santee said.

Larry Burton, supervisor of Gallagher Hatchery in Ruby Valley, just south of Elko, said about 95 percent of the spring stocking schedule has been completed in northeastern Nevada, making for optimum fishing on Free Fishing Day.

Burton said anglers have been enjoying fair action for rainbows and perch at Wildhorse Reservoir in Elko County. Angel Lake near Wells has been stocked with brook trout and rainbows are also available.

One of the best fishing spots in northeastern Nevada continues to be South Fork Reservoir. Anglers have been catching some tremendous smallmouth bass lately. There is a slot limit in effect however, so you'll have to throw the big ones back (after a photo, of course).

Closer to home, heavy plants of rainbow trout have made for excellent action at Eagle Valley Reservoir in Spring Valley State Park east of Pioche. Nearly as good will be the action seen at Echo Canyon Reservoir, also located east of Pioche.

Rainbow trout plants have also taken place recently at Mosquito Creek, Peavine Creek, Kingston Canyon and Rye Patch Pond in central Nevada and at Chiatovich Creek in Esmeralda County.

Several special fishing events are scheduled for the kids on Saturday for Free Fishing Day.

At Sunset Park, the Clark County Parks and Recreation Department will be teaming with Raley's for "Take-A-Kid-Fishing Day." NDOW fishing instructors will be on hand to assist children with their fishing. Pre-registration is required and participants must check in at the park at 7:30 a.m. For more information call Clark County Parks and Recreation at 455-8271.

Echo Canyon State Park will hold its annual Free Fishing Day children's derby. Children can catch fish and win prizes. Also scheduled is a green chili cook-off. For information call the park at 962-5103.

A fishing clinic will be conducted by NDOW at South Fork Reservoir, located south of Elko, at 9 a.m. Youngsters will be instructed in the fundamentals of fishing and then be allowed to fish, with equipment and bait being provided. For more information, call NDOW's Elko office at (775) 738-5332.

A fishing derby for children will be held at 9 a.m. at Cave Lake southeast of Ely. The event begins at 9 a.m. and prizes will be given. Tournament information is available from NDOW's Ely office at (775) 289-1655.

WHIN is dedicated to enhancing the future for wildlife and wildlife habitats in Nevada. For more ticket information call LV Northwest at 210-4700, LV East at 736-4182 or Henderson at 210-4888.

NDOW officers arrested six boaters for operating their vessels while under the influence of alcohol. Officers also issued more than 100 citations, with the most common one being for not having adequate lifejackets aboard and for reckless operation of vessels.