Nevada anglers -- including those new to the sport as well as seasoned veterans -- are fortunate to have a number of readily available, free publications with up-to-date information on just about everything they need to know to enjoy fishing in the state.

Although printed copies of the Angler Information Guides are currently not available to the general public, the entire book is available online on the Nevada Department of Wildlife Web site.

The most recent publication from the department, "How to Fish in Nevada", serves new anglers and those interested in expanding their fishing adventures. The full-color, 54-page publication contains detailed information on catching 13 popular fish species in the state, from brook trout to white bass. Information on each species was provided by a Nevada fishing expert.

The vision of the state's Fisheries Division in compiling the book was not to make expert anglers, but rather to provide useful, easy to understand information that would enable any person to learn enough to catch fish.

The book has been highly successful. So much so, in fact, it requires constant restocking at all office locations where it's available.

Another popular series is the department's three Fishable Waters Maps, each of which covers approximately one third of the state. The maps identify exact locations of approximately two hundred streams, lakes, reservoirs and ponds, along with the various fish species found at each.

In total, the map series will lead anglers to 600 streams and nearly 100 lakes, reservoirs and ponds. All are perennial waters with public access and a population of catchable-sized fish. The maps are free and available at all NDOW offices throughout the state.

The third publication, perhaps not as well known as the first two, is the department's series of annually updated AIG's. A total of 79 waters are included in the publication, providing the reader with information on the history of the water, fish stocking, special boating and fishing regulations and a biologist's forecast for the year.

The guides also offer "How To Get There" information with a map, as well as any health concerns or advisories that may exist for a particular body of water. Anglers can also find detailed information on each body of water, including acreage, maximum depth, common fish species, average size of fish, good lures and bait, recent fishing success figures and a "best time to fish" rating.