The picture above displays only a small portion of Lava Butte. This is one of those locations that you either love for its possibilities or loath for what it is. I have been told by fishermen that back in the ’80s, this was still part of the lake and accessible by boat. Today, it is but a mere creek located between Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas. This water, however, does not flow from Lake Las Vegas. And it is here where we need to look at why people raise an eyebrow when talking about Lava Butte.
There are two main sources of this water. To the west of
Lake Las Vegas is the wetlands. A protected area that naturally cleans water.
From here the water drains into Duck creek, with a portion going to Lake Las
Vegas, but the majority of water flows trough tunnels under the lake to Lava
Butte. This is where the second source joins the mix. Spillways and drains from
Las Vegas bring urban runoff and chemically treated “grey water” to this part
of the creek.
Shopping carts, plastic bags, foamy water, and large algal blooms,
are all indicators of the quality of the water here. Several containment walls
have been erected to prevent unwanted items from reaching Lake Mead. Many
people, therefore, avoid this area, which in turn means less fishing pressure. The
same retention walls create deeper pools and act as barriers keeping the odd
released pet fish away from Lake Mead.
Now I would not keep any fish caught from these waters, and
would suggest proper measures be taken to avoid the water itself. But there is
some good fishing down at Lava Butte. From sunfish, bass, carp, and catfish,
through to even some exotic non-native fish; all seemingly eager to try the odd
baits on offer. Yes, I do understand that I am catching fish in someone’s recycled
bathwater, but better it be cleaned and reused than be wasted. If the fish are
happy to live and thrive there, should that not be enough for us?
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