Fish Species

Lahontan cutthroat trout evolved in Lake Lahontan, an ice age inland sea fed by the Truckee, Carson and Walker rivers, and are Nevada’s one true native trout.

Striped bass are not native to Nevada, having been introduced by humans into Lake Mead and Lake Mohave to create sport fisheries.

Lake Mead striped bass cannot sustain populations naturally because their semi-buoyant eggs require long, flowing rivers to hatch.

Lake Mead striped bass size reduction stems from ecological factors and environmental changes reducing their threadfin shad food source.

Nevada’s official state record striped bass weighed 63 pounds and came from Lake Mead, a mark anglers still chase, with the species and pursuit tactics.

Mike O’Shea caught the Nevada state record largemouth bass at Lake Mead in 1999, weighing twelve pounds and four ounces.

Lahontan cutthroat trout display distinct red, orange, or yellow slashes under the lower jaw and dark spots concentrated near the tail.

Lahontan cutthroat trout body coloring, irregular tail spots, and distinct red throat slashes help anglers identify the native Nevada fish.

Brown trout and rainbow trout identification features help Nevada anglers follow regulations and improve fishing techniques.

Identification differences between largemouth and smallmouth bass in Nevada help anglers follow regulations and protect fish.