Drought busting winter has Nevada anglers excited for spring fishing season
Submitted by editor on Tue, 03/07/2017 - 11:01am
The winter storms that have pounded much of Nevada the past few months have been met with varied reactions. There are those people who are growing weary of huge snow banks, digging their cars out of the snow to drive to work on icy roads. Anglers, however, are definitely not in that group.
“It was really starting to get depressing how little water we had. The Truckee was nothing more than a trickle in some places and some key lakes and reservoirs were at all-time lows,” said Aaron Keller, outdoor education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). “Now after five years of dry winters Mother Nature drops a drought buster on us and I couldn’t be more excited. I say keep it coming. I don’t care what your commute looks like right now, come spring this is going to turn into some of the best fishing in years.
After years of drought, two solid winters have Nevada’s waterways primed for a comeback year. In preparation for what looks to be some ideal fishing conditions, NDOW has created a promotional program to entice everyone to buy a fishing license and get outside.
Anglers who purchase a fishing or combination license between Feb. 1 and June 15 will be automatically entered to win recreation-themed prizes, including a three day houseboat rental at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, sponsored by Forever Resorts.
In addition to the houseboat trip, prizes include rafting trips down the Colorado River and several half-day boat rentals. All prizes have been provided by Forever Resorts in connection with NDOW to bring attention to the wide array of fishing, boating and outdoor recreation available only minutes from Nevada’s largest communities. Anyone who buys a fishing or combination license will be automatically entered, with the drawing taking place at NDOW on June 16, just a week after Free Fishing Day.
“It’s been so long since we had water, my waders were starting to turn to dust, my fly line had deteriorated and my hooks in my fly box are rusted.” joked Chris Vasey, Conservation Education Division Chief. “My gear misses the water and so do I. The drought is over. It’s time to gear up.”
The Nevada Department of Wildlife 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.
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