Fishing report for Nevada's Western Region

Here is the latest fishing report for the Western region from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. This report is for the week of March 25. Go here for the latest fishing report from Carson Now Outdoors editor Don Quilici.

Carson River:
Current flow is 185+ cfs. Fishing has picked up with the consistent flows. The Gardnerville area near the broken dam has been producing good numbers of fish. The Carson City area received recent stocking. Lure fisherman should try Kastmasters and Blue fox lures. Salmon eggs drifted works well this time of year. Fly anglers try prince nymphs, gold ribbed hares ear and yellow stones.

Hobart Reservoir:
Closed September 30, Opens May 1.

Lahontan Reservoir:
No recent reports, but anglers have reported good walleye fishing this year. Best methods have been jigs and plastic worms fished shallow in the morning and evening. Move deeper as the sun rises. Lures that mimic crawfish are a good method as well. Follow shore points and rocky or grave structure. This type of habitat will hold fish waiting to ambush bait fish.

Lake Tahoe:
Fishing has been excellent. The weather has been outstanding for Tahoe fishing. The Mackinaw fishing has been great in all the typical spots. Concentrate your efforts near drop offs and rock piles. Top lining has been producing brown trout and rainbow near any structure type areas. While top lining, try using minnow plugs and spoons and make sure to change up often. The fish can be very selective this time of year. Mackinaw fishing white dodgers trailing minnows is still a very effective method.

Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area:
Hinkson Slough opened February 9. Fishing has picked up. Fly anglers have been using midge patterns and copper johns. Although bass fishing has been slow, things should pick up soon.
Marlette Lake:
Closed Sept. 30 (Opens July 15)
Pine Forest Complex:
Closed November 15 (Opens the Second Saturday in June)
Onion Reservoir:
Closed November 15 (Opens the Second Saturday in June)
Spooner Lake:
As the ice melts fishing should pick up. Anglers using lures normally have luck imitating bait fish. Fly anglers have had luck with black, brown, and green Wooly Buggers.

Topaz Lake
(Open Jan. 1st – Sept. 30th): Fishing is starting to pick up. Boat anglers should try using Rapalas and nightcrawlers behind dodgers. Shore fishermen should try PowerBait, Power Eggs, salmon eggs, and nightcrawlers.

Truckee River:
The Truckee's current flow in Reno is 468+ cfs. This time of year floating salmon eggs, PowerBait and imitating bait fish work well. Fly anglers should concentrate on nymph fishing and streamers.

East Walker River:
East Walker Flow is currently at 71 cfs. Fishing has been good with the low river flows. Recent reports from fly anglers have shown improved success. Current brown trout study is going on and researchers are requesting information on tagged fish including color (to determine if wild or hatchery) and location where caught.

Urban Ponds:
All of our urban ponds have been receiving regular stocking. Limit is three fish at our urban ponds. Most urban ponds have slowed down for fishing due to the cooler water temperatures. Mid-day will generally be the best time for fishing. Crystal Peak Pond, Mitch Park Pond, Sparks Marina, Baily Pond, Wilson Commons, and Liberty Pond have all been recently stocked and will continue to be stocked through the rest of the season.

Sparks Marina:
Trout fishing from the shore has been very good. Try using Powerbait off the bottom or nightcrawlers below a bobber. Fish are suspended from 7-12 feet.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.