Nevada’s spring fishing season is underway, with recent warm weather creating ideal conditions for anglers across the state. From trout releases nurtured by students to striped bass biting in Lake Mead, a diverse range of opportunities are available for fishing enthusiasts. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) reports active fish populations and upcoming stocking events, making this a prime time to cast a line.
A particularly heartwarming aspect of the current fishing landscape is the success of the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program. On March 19, 2026, students in Elko, Eureka, Lander, and White Pine Counties participated in releasing rainbow trout fry they had raised in their classrooms, as part of the nationwide educational initiative. The program, detailed on the NDOW website, aims to teach students about the lifecycle of trout through hands-on experience.
Eastern Nevada: Trout and Warming Waters
For those seeking trout, the Eastern Region offers promising conditions. Warming water temperatures are activating fish in area lakes and reservoirs, encouraging them to feed in the shallows. Fly anglers are finding success with patterns like zebra midges, blood midges, and snow cones, while traditional bait such as worms and PowerBait, fished 6-8 feet below the surface, are similarly proving effective. The NDOW anticipates spring stocking to begin in the coming weeks, and anglers can stay informed about specific locations and dates by checking the stocking report calendar.
Western Nevada: Fall Fishing and Reservoir Activity
In Western Nevada, the transition to fall fishing is well underway. Cooler nights are lowering water temperatures in the Carson, Truckee, and East Walker Rivers, creating favorable conditions for anglers fishing early and late in the day. According to NDOW reports, light lines and lures are proving effective in the lower, clearer waters. Reservoirs like Wall Canyon and Squaw Creek are experiencing increased fish activity as temperatures prime both warm and cold water species. Fall stocking has also begun in urban ponds, with updates available on the stocking report calendar.
Southern Nevada: Bass and Trout in Diverse Locations
Southern Nevada presents a diverse range of fishing opportunities. At Lake Mead, striped bass are most active during the early morning and dusk hours, biting on anchovies in the Hemenway area. Anglers are averaging catches of four fish weighing between 2 and 4 pounds. Smallmouth bass are also active, chasing minnow and flat worm plastics in shallow coves. Lake Mohave and Willow Beach are yielding rainbow trout ranging from 12 to 16 inches, while striped bass action remains slower, with catches primarily reported by kayakers and boaters using trout and watermelon-colored soft baits.
Further south, near Laughlin, warmer temperatures are increasing fish activity along the river. Striped bass are favoring anchovies and light-colored swimbaits, with one angler recently landing an 11-pound striper. Rainbow trout are responding to yellow and olive jigs, spinners, and night crawlers. The Las Vegas Community Ponds have been stocked with rainbow trout, which are taking worms, Rooster Tails, and rainbow-colored PowerBait, though recent rains and snowfall have temporarily slowed catfish and bass activity.
Anglers at Kirch Wildlife Management Area are finding success with trout on small jigs and Mouse Tails, despite thin ice along the shorelines. Eagle Valley Reservoir remains largely open, with some icy edges, and is producing trout with marshmallows, PowerBait, night crawlers, and fly patterns like Perdigons and Woolly Buggers. Echo Canyon Reservoir, while experiencing low water levels, is still fishable near the dam, with fly anglers finding success with Snow Cones and Hare’s Ear patterns, and bait anglers catching 12-inch rainbow trout on night crawlers and glitter PowerBait.
Free Fishing Class Available
For those looking to improve their skills or learn the basics, the Nevada Department of Wildlife is offering a free fishing class for all ages and experience levels. More information and registration details can be found at https://www.register-ed.com/programs/nevada/210-angler-education. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.ndowlicensing.com.
As Nevada’s fishing season progresses, anglers can expect continued updates and stocking reports from the NDOW. The next scheduled update regarding stocking reports will be available on the NDOW calendar, providing anglers with the latest information to maximize their success on the water.
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