Fishing series coming to Lake Mead in April

Friday, March 18, 2005 | 8:54 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

The $6.24 million EverStart Series is headed to Lake Mead April 6-9 for the third event of the 2005 Western Division season. Anglers competing in the Pro Division will fish for a top award worth as much as $60,000 while co-angler competitors cast for a top award worth as much as $35,000, based on a full field of 400 anglers.

Competitors will also be vying for valuable points that could earn them a berth into the $1 million EverStart Series Championship in Florence, Ala., for a shot at $140,000 in the Pro Division and $70,000 in the Co-angler Division.

Anglers will take off from Callville Bay Resort at 6:30 each morning. Wednesday and Thursday's weigh-ins will also be at the resort, 100 Callville Bay Road, beginning at 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday's weigh-ins will be held at the Wal-Mart store located at 300 East Lake in Henderson beginning at 4 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public.

"It's possible to catch 60 fish a day. That's what two fishermen did last weekend when they caught 60 fish, many of which weighed from 1 1/2 to 2 pounds and a few that were 5 pounds," said John Hutchings, NDOW biologist.

Hutchings said Adams-McGill has been responding positively to a major rehabilitation project that NDOW wrapped up last year at the lake, which is located at Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area south of Lund. It was drawn down and sat idle for nearly a year to eliminate much of the aquatic vegetation. A channel was then cut into the lake to give trout access to deep water they need to survive during the summer months.

The result of the work enhanced the lake's nutrients and has provided some impressive growth rates for rainbow trout that the agency stocked last year. Trout that are chunky and feisty are now being caught.

Last weekend's anglers caught their fish with small spinners. But Ivy Santee, NDOW angler educator, said rainbow colored PowerBait and small spoons that are no larger than a quarter ounce will also catch fish.

The lake is along State Route 318 approximately 35 miles south of Lund and 165 miles north of Las Vegas. Information about fishing at the management area can be obtained on NDOW's Web site at www.ndow.org

Participants in the workshop will learn the basics of fly tying and will have the opportunity to tie flies with NDOW staff and experienced fly tiers. All equipment and materials will be provided.

Enrollment in the workshop is limited. To register, call NDOW weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 486-5127, ext. 3504.