If you’re a Northern Nevadan, you’re likely familiar with the annual July 4th celebration at the Sparks Marina. This is an all-day, family event, culminating with a traditional fireworks display in the evening….but did you know that Sparks Marina is also a popular Nevada fishing location?
The Sparks Marina is classified as one of Washoe County’s Urban Ponds-and the area has an amazing history!
According to Nevada Department of Wildlfe (NDOW), this fishing site was once a gravel pit owned and operated by Helms Construction Company (1968 – 1995). After petroleum products and solvents were discovered seeping into the 100-foot deep pit along the southwest wall in 1987, the contamination was traced to a massive spill at the tank farm one mile west . A comprehensive cleanup was initiated, and in 1996, the groundwater was reported free of petrochemicals and the property was turned over to the City of Sparks. The City originally planned to construct a park and make the pit into a recreational pond, intending to fill the pit to a depth of approximately 30 feet. The original plans changed however, when in January 1997, the Truckee River overflowed its banks and filled Helm’s Pit creating what is now Sparks Marina Pond.
Sparks Marina is 100 feet deep and covers approximately 77 acres. As all of Nevada’s urban ponds, Sparks Marina receives regular stocking. Rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout have been introduced into the lake, but potentially anything that was in the Truckee River at the time of the 1997 flood could exist there! Other species include largemouth bass, spotted bass, green sunfish, channel catfish, bullhead catfish and carp.
Latest fishing reports from NDOW indicate that trout fishing from the shore has been very good, and anglers should try using powerbait off the bottom or nighcrawlers below a bobber. Fish are suspended from 7-12 feet.
Fishing at Sparks Marina is year around, during public park hours (one hour before sunrise to two hours after sunset). Be aware that Sparks Marina is subject to all applicable state fishing regulations, so be sure to check the NDOW website at ndow.org for specific limits, rules, and regulations. For more specific information on the Sparks Marina, refer to City of Sparks webste at cityofsparks.us
Oh, and last but not least, Happy 4th of July to all anglers and fellow Nevadans!