Fishing report: Anglers report fishing at Lake Mead is on the decline

Friday, April 9, 2004 | 9:39 a.m.

NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE

Anglers at Lake Mead have been reporting to the Nevada Department of Wildlife that fishing appears to have dropped off during the past week and very few fish have been caught.

There were reports that striped bass moved into Blackbird Point in the Boulder Basin late last week and boaters were having some success for the fish, which were slightly more than a pound. Otherwise, there have been few encouraging reports from anglers in the Boulder Basin.

Boaters who have been fishing in the Overton Arm haven't done very well, catching very few fish during the past week. NDOW creel census clerks checked boaters over the weekend and the only fish they saw were a few striped bass caught north of Stewart's Point and some largemouth bass from St. Thomas.

The largemouth bass spawn has begun and Jim Heinrich, NDOW biologist, said he will be closely monitoring its progress this year. He said spawning success has been poor the past few years because of to the dropping water level. This has left little escape cover for young fish.

The fish appear to be willing to take bait, but have been biting very gently, making it difficult for anglers to set their hooks.

PowerBait continues to be the favored bait. Live worms, spinners and flies will take the fish as well.

Temperatures have been getting warmer, although evenings have been in the mid to high 20s. Daytime temperatures have been in the high 50s to low 60s.

Rainbow trout that weigh 3-4 pounds are being caught at Comins, which is approximately 7 miles south of Ely adjacent to U.S. 93. Illipah, west of Ely, has had good fishing for rainbow trout that were stocked last year. NDOW will stock the three lakes with rainbow trout within two weeks.