Fish in Lake Mead

Fish in Lake Mead: A Guide to the Lake’s Underwater World

When people think of Lake Mead, they often picture the towering Hoover Dam, the desert landscape, or the shrinking water levels. But beneath the shimmering surface of this massive reservoir lies a vibrant underwater ecosystem that draws anglers and nature lovers alike.

So what fish live in Lake Mead? Whether you’re an avid fisherman or just curious about what swims beneath the waves, here’s everything you need to know about the fish of Lake Mead—and why this desert lake is such a popular spot for fishing.

🎣 A Fishing Paradise in the Desert

Lake Mead is famous among anglers for its diverse fish population and opportunities for year-round fishing. The lake covers more than 150,000 acres when full and has over 750 miles of shoreline, providing countless spots to cast a line.

Thanks to the warm desert climate and the variety of habitats—rocky coves, steep cliffs, shallow bays, and underwater structures—Lake Mead supports a thriving community of game fish. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular species.

🐟 Top Fish Species in Lake Mead

1. Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

Ask any Lake Mead angler, and they’ll tell you: striped bass are the stars of the show. Introduced into the lake in the 1960s, stripers have flourished here. Some grow to 30 pounds or more, though most catches range between 1 to 5 pounds.

Striped bass are schooling fish and often chase baitfish near the surface, making them a blast to catch on topwater lures or trolling rigs. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can fish for stripers year-round.

✅ Fun fact: Striped bass are known for their powerful fight, making them a favorite among sport fishermen.

2. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Lake Mead’s coves, rocky shorelines, and submerged brush piles provide excellent habitat for largemouth bass. While not as abundant as stripers, largemouth bass attract dedicated anglers, especially those who enjoy fishing with soft plastics, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits.

They’re most active during the warmer months, especially in the spring spawn (March to May) and the fall feeding season. Look for them in shallow, warmer water with plenty of cover.

3. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

In recent decades, smallmouth bass have grown in popularity at Lake Mead. They prefer rocky areas, points, and drop-offs—common features around the lake’s cliffs and canyons.

Although typically smaller than largemouth bass, smallmouth bass are known for their aggressive strikes and energetic fights. Anglers targeting smallmouth often use jigs, jerkbaits, and tube baits near rocky structures.

4. Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Love night fishing? Channel catfish are abundant in Lake Mead and are often caught from shore at night using cut bait, stink bait, or chicken liver.

They can grow large—some over 20 pounds—and provide a tasty meal if you’re fishing for dinner. Catfish are usually found in deeper, slower-moving water or near inflows.

5. Bluegill & Sunfish (Lepomis spp.)

Looking for a fun family fishing trip? Lake Mead’s bluegill and other sunfish species offer easy, kid-friendly action in shallow waters around docks, submerged brush, or weedy areas.

These smaller panfish are usually caught with simple setups: a worm on a small hook under a bobber will do the trick.

6. Other Species You Might Encounter

Lake Mead also supports other species, including:

Crappie – Sometimes found around submerged trees or brush piles.

Tilapia – Occasionally caught near warm shallow waters.

Carp – Common but not usually targeted for sport.

Though not native to the lake, these species have adapted well to the reservoir’s warm waters and varying conditions.

🐠 Fishing Regulations at Lake Mead

Lake Mead falls under Nevada and Arizona fishing regulations, since the lake straddles both states. If you plan to fish, make sure you have a valid fishing license from either state. In many parts of the lake, an Arizona or Nevada license will be honored on both sides, but check local regulations before you go.

There are also limits on certain species, including size and bag limits for bass and stripers, to help maintain healthy populations. Always review the latest fishing rules before heading out.

🚤 Where to Fish at Lake Mead

With so much shoreline, it can be hard to know where to start! Some popular fishing areas include:

Boulder Basin – Near Boulder Beach and Las Vegas Boat Harbor, great for stripers and bass.

Overton Arm – Known for stripers, largemouth, and crappie.

Temple Bar – A favorite spot for bass fishing.

Gregg Basin – Good for trolling stripers in deeper water.

Whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shore, Lake Mead offers something for every angler.

A Unique Fishing Destination

Fishing at Lake Mead isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about the experience. Imagine casting your line as the sun rises over desert mountains, or trolling beneath towering red rock cliffs.

With its vast size, warm waters, and dramatic scenery, Lake Mead offers an unforgettable setting for anglers of all skill levels. And who knows? You might hook into a trophy striper that gives you a story to tell for years.

🎣 Plan Your Fishing Trip

Whether you’re after big striped bass, feisty smallmouth, or a relaxing day catching panfish with the family, Lake Mead has it all.

Before you go, remember to:

✅ Get your fishing license (Nevada or Arizona)

✅ Check current regulations and water conditions

✅ Bring plenty of water and sun protection (the desert sun is no joke!)

✅ Pack your camera—you’ll want to capture those views and your catch!

Lake Mead isn’t just a body of water in the desert—it’s a living ecosystem, a recreational paradise, and a fisherman’s dream. So grab your rod and reel, and discover why Lake Mead’s fish are a big part of its enduring appeal.

Have you fished Lake Mead before? Share your best catch or favorite fishing spot in the comments!