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Nevada

Fishing

Fishing

Fishing with Bait Fish

The use of bait fish, whether dead or alive or the parts thereof, other than preserved salmon eggs, is prohibited in all waters except those listed below.

Eastern Region

The capture, possession, or use of fish as bait, whether dead or alive or the parts thereof, including commercially prepared and preserved baitfish is prohibited other than preserved salmon eggs. Aquatic bait may be used only in the water from which it is taken. (Refer to NAC 503.502 - NAC 503.507)

Southern Region

In Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River, only golden shiner, fathead minnow, threadfin shad, and goldfish may be lawfully purchased or may be personally taken from and used only in these waters. In addition, carp, gizzard shad, and mosquitofish may be used as bait, but only may be taken from and used in Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River. Live bait fish in the Colorado River, Lake Mead, or Lake Mohave, may be taken for a person’s own use with a dipnet, a cast net having a radius not exceeding four feet from horn to leadline, a seine not exceeding 10 feet in length and four feet in width, or a minnow trap not exceeding 12 inches in width, 12 inches in depth, and 24 inches in length. Commercially prepared and preserved baitfish or their parts may be used as bait. Aquatic bait may be used only in the water from which it is taken.

In all other waters of the Southern Region, the capture, possession, or use of baitfish, whether dead or alive or the parts thereof, other than preserved salmon eggs and commercially prepared and preserved baitfish, is prohibited. Aquatic bait may be used only in the water from which it is taken. (Refer to NAC 503.502 - NAC 503.507)

Southern Region Bait Regulations

Specific Waters Where Bait Fish May Be Used

* Species Approved For Use As Live Bait
Taken Only

* Species Approved For Use As Live Bait
Taken or Purchased

Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and the Colorado River located in Clark County

Mosquitofish, Carp, Gizzard Shad

Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Threadfin Shad, Goldfish

All other waters of the southern region

Capture, possession or use of baitfish whether alive or dead is prohibited.

Commercially prepared and preserved baitfish and salmon eggs may be used as bait.

Western Region

In the waters described in the table below, live bait fish and aquatic bait may be used only in the river basin from which it is taken. Commercially prepared and preserved baitfish or their parts may be used as bait in these waters.

In all other waters of the Western Region, the capture, possession, or use of baitfish, whether dead or alive or the parts thereof, other than preserved salmon eggs and commercially prepared and preserved baitfish, is prohibited. Aquatic bait may be used only in the water from which it is taken. (Refer to NAC 503.502-NAC 503.507)

Western Region Bait Regulations

Where Live Bait Fish May Be Used

Bait Regulations

Carson River Basin

Live bait fish and aquatic bait may be used only in the river basin from which it is taken. Commercially prepared and preserved baitfish or their parts may be used as bait.

Humboldt River Basin, in the Humboldt River from Stall Diversion Dam (near Golconda, Humboldt County) downstream, including in Rye Patch Reservoir, the Pitt-Taylor and Chimney reservoirs. All waters of the Lovelock Valley and the Little Humboldt River downstream of Chimney Reservoir.

The Lake Tahoe Basin located in Carson City and Douglas and Washoe Counties.

The Truckee River Basin, except in the Truckee River from the E Mustang Road bridge (I-80 Exit 23) downstream to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation boundary.

Walker River, from the railroad bridge near Wabuska downstream to and including Walker Lake, excluding waters on the Walker River Paiute Tribe Reservation.

All other waters of the western region

Capture, possession or use of baitfish whether alive or dead is prohibited.

Commercially prepared and preserved baitfish and salmon eggs may be used as bait.