Save Comins Lake “Pike-Out” Event

The Nevada Department of Wildlife, with the help of partners and sponsors Mt. Wheeler Power, Spring Valley, rPlus Hydro, Silicon Ranch, KGHM, Kinross and Bald Mountain, is hosting a “Pike-Out” event May 11 to help save Comins Lake.

Comins Lake was built in 1953 from the realignment of U.S. Highway 93. The Department of Wildlife acquired the reservoir as part of the 3-C Ranch purchase in 1999. The lake has a surface area of 410 surface acres, an average depth of eight feet and a maximum depth of 14 feet. The lake is usually fed by Steptoe and Cave Creeks from the east but sometimes is fed from Willow Creek from the south. Northern pike is an invasive aquatic fish species. They have long, needle-sharp teeth that can wipe out an entire fishery, then turn on each other to fulfill their feeding needs. 

The reservoir was chemically treated twice to try and remove northern pike, first in 1989 and then again in 2015. In both instances of treatment, the pike decimated the entire population of trout and bass. Currently, the lake is stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout and largemouth bass. 

NDOW is asking all local anglers to fish out as many pike as possible. Three age groups will be eligible for this event with chances to win first-, second- and third-place prizes for the largest pike (pounds) and most pike caught. The age groups will be ages 5 to 9, 10 to 15, and 16-plus years old. There will be a special Mother’s Day Raffle for all participating mothers. 

All participants must register to be eligible for the prizes. Entry is limited in each group. Registration is free at  https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/210050. Overnight camping and fires are not permitted.