Fishing report: Local anglers turn in strong weekend at lake

Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 | 10:31 a.m.

NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE

Very good fishing was found over the weekend following the Nevada Department of Wildlife's trout plants in the Boulder Basin.

Several anglers reported that they had excellent action for stripers ranging from 3-8 pounds by casting Cordell Spot lures at Hemenway Harbor.

However, the action quickly slowed and by Monday few fish were being caught in that area.

Poor results continue to be found in the Overton Arm with shore anglers and boaters struggling to catch fish. The lake's low water level is also posing problems for boaters and is making for difficult launching conditions.

Rainbow trout are scheduled to be stocked today at Hemenway, Horsepower, North Saddle and Pumphouse coves. The Department of Wildlife said fish for this year's plants are being trucked from a private hatchery in Oregon, and this is causing some uncertainties in terms of stocking times at the various locations.

Purchase of fish from the hatchery has become necessary because the Lake Mead Hatchery is now closed for an extensive renovation project.

On Nov. 29, a pair of shore anglers each caught 14-pound stripers with yellow Bomber Long-A lures while a boater reeled in a 25-pound striper. A shore angler reported catching a 16-pound striper on Sunday evening.

Striped bass fishing was good as well at Cottonwood Cove over the weekend with the fish chasing trout following Saturday's plant. Creel clerks checked a 37-inch striper that weighed 18 pounds and another striper that measured 32 inches and weighed 11 pounds.

A five-pound largemouth bass and several channel catfish that measured from 12 to 21 inches were checked as well.

Trolling continues to be the most productive method for catching stripers near Cottonwood Cove. Lures and prepared baits such as squid and anchovies are the preferred methods for catching the fish.

The next Willow Beach trout plant is scheduled for today.

Plans call for Cottonwood Cove, Placer Cove, Powerline Cove and Willow Beach to be stocked on Dec. 12.

No anglers fished this past week because of the ice. The ice is less than one inch thick and not yet safe for ice fishing.

Daytime temperatures are in the mid 40s and the nights are falling into the low 20s.

The daytime temperatures were in the mid 50s and the nights were in the low 20s.