Fisherman's Reviews: The Best Fishing Trips In Las Vegas

Although Las Vegas, Nevada is known worldwide as a gambling and entertainment mecca, Vegas is also a great base for the fishermen in the family.

The city is located within an easy day trip's drive of Lake Mead, the largest lake in the United States with more than 110,00 surface acres. Lake Mead is just one of a number of fishing opportunities to be found in and around the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. Pack your lucky shoes along with your favorite tackle to enjoy everything found in the state. If you've gambled enough to suit or if you prefer open water to some of the Vegas shows, head out for angler's paradise. Created from the Colorado River and Hoover Dam, Lake Mead stretches for miles. Home to some of the nation's top sport fishing, Lake Mead teems with fish. Species include large mouth and striped bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. All are favored by fishermen - and women. Even some carp are often caught in this major, mega sized lake. The entire Lake Mead National Recreation Area is 1.5 million acres - more than the entire state of Rhode Island! Plus, just thirty-five miles away from the neon lit Vegas Strip, Lake Mead attracts fishermen as well as sailors.

There is a $5 per vehicle fee for each private vehicle entering the recreation area. With shoreline and easy boat access, Lake Mead is the most popular Vegas area fishing spot but there are others. Cruises aboard a paddle wheeler on the lake are a way for mom and the kids to occupy their time while dad wets a line. Nearby Lake Mohave is another favorite of fishermen. Extending 67 miles from Hoover Dam to Davis Dam, Mohave has everything from boat launch ramps, concessions, and boat rentals to overnight accommodations. Urban ponds within the city of Las Vegas are convenient for a quick fishing expedition without leaving the bright lights and casinos behind. Other urban ponds - an oasis of nature within a city setting - can be found at Boulder City and Mesquite. Bring your rod and reel with your tackle box to cast a line and relax before returning to the gaming tables. Up at the Eagle Valley reservoir, both rainbow and brown trout are caught by anglers. The Trail Canyon Reservoir at Chiatovitch Creek northwest of Vegas is another noted spot where the fish are often biting. Don't miss the Echo Canyon Reservoir or the untamed Colorado River.

Fishing licenses are required. An out of state permit for one year for visitors 16 and older is $69.00. Junior fishermen can get a year long license for $21.00. One day passes are just $18.00 and you can add another day for just $7 more. If you're after trout, be sure to purchase a trout stamp for $10.00 and if you're fishing along the Colorado River, you'll need a special use stamp for $3.00. For additional information about fishing opportunities, check with the Nevada Division of Wildlife at nevadadivisionofwildlife.org.