Fishing Report: Action heats up for catching stripers

Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 | 9:38 a.m.

NEVADA DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

Anglers have been reporting to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) that they are having good luck for striped bass that are boiling on the surface of Lake Mead in the Boulder Basin.

Top water action has been found in recent days at Black Island, North Saddle Island, Burro Point and Kingman Wash. Stripers have been boiling in the open water, but the boils have generally been short lived.

The better action for stripers is still being found in the early morning hours and anglers have been getting off the lake by mid morning when the action slows and the weather becomes hot. Most of the fish that are being caught range from two to three pounds.

Fair action for stripers has been found in recent days in the Overton Arm with Fire Bay and Stewart's Point being two of the better areas. Some action has also been found near Fish Island.

Shad trawls conducted by NDOW indicate that this year's spawn of the baitfish was about average in the Boulder Basin, but well above normal in the Overton Arm. Jim Heinrich, NDOW biologist, said this indicates that striped bass, which feed on shad, should generally be healthy, but this may change by late fall or early winter when some skinny fish may be seen in the Boulder Basin.

The action has been better above and below Cottonwood Cove where stripers ranging from one to two pounds are being caught by drifting baits. Channel catfish are being caught in the coves.

Dacey Reservoir and the upper ends of the other lakes will open to fishing on Saturday. The lakes close each year to fishing and other access from Feb. 15 through Aug. 15 to allow for nesting by waterfowl and other birds.

Temperatures have ranged from the mid 90s to the mid 50s. Winds continue to be a problem for anglers.