Lake Mead Fishing Spots

🎣 The Best Fishing Spots at Lake Mead: Where to Cast for Big Catches

Lake Mead isn’t just a reservoir—it’s a fishing paradise tucked between the desert cliffs of Nevada and Arizona. With over 150,000 acres of water and nearly 750 miles of shoreline, this massive lake offers endless places to cast your line. But with so much space, a common question from anglers is: “Where are the best fishing spots at Lake Mead?”

Whether you're chasing trophy striped bass, hoping to land a largemouth bass, or planning a peaceful day catching bluegill with the family, knowing where to go can make all the difference. Let’s explore the top fishing locations around Lake Mead and what you can expect at each.

1. Boulder Basin

Boulder Basin is one of the most popular and accessible fishing areas on the Nevada side of Lake Mead, especially if you’re coming from Las Vegas. It’s close to marinas like Hemenway Harbor, Las Vegas Bay, and Callville Bay, making it easy for both shore fishing and launching boats.

✅ Best for: Striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish

✅ Highlights: Hemenway Cove is famous for striper boils in late summer and early fall. You can often spot schools of shad attracting stripers near the surface at dawn or dusk.

👉 Tip: Try fishing near the intake towers of Hoover Dam for stripers lurking in deeper waters.

2. Temple Bar

Located on the Arizona side, Temple Bar is a quieter, less crowded fishing spot compared to Boulder Basin. It’s known for excellent largemouth bass fishing, especially around the rocky coves and submerged brush piles.

✅ Best for: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie

✅ Highlights: The shallow coves and rocky points are perfect for bass fishing during the spring spawn. Temple Bar Marina also offers boat rentals and amenities.

👉 Tip: Use crankbaits or jigs near submerged structure for big bass in this area.

3. Overton Arm

Stretching northward from the main lake, Overton Arm is fed by the Virgin River and Muddy River. This section is a haven for largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish, and sees less boat traffic than other parts of the lake.

✅ Best for: Largemouth bass, crappie, stripers, channel catfish

✅ Highlights: The warm, nutrient-rich waters of Overton Arm support healthy fish populations. Many anglers report success trolling for stripers or casting spinnerbaits for bass near submerged trees.

👉 Tip: Head toward the river inlets for great action during spring runoff or after rains.

4. Gregg Basin

If you’re after monster stripers, Gregg Basin—in the deeper northern part of Lake Mead—is your destination. This area features deeper channels and ledges where big fish congregate, especially during summer.

✅ Best for: Trophy striped bass, catfish

✅ Highlights: Known for deep-water fishing, Gregg Basin offers a chance at stripers over 30 pounds. Trolling deep-diving plugs or using downriggers is key here.

👉 Tip: Look for birds diving on baitfish schools to locate active stripers.

5. Echo Bay

Although less busy than Boulder Basin or Temple Bar, Echo Bay (northeast part of the lake) is popular with both locals and visitors. It provides access to rocky points, brush-filled coves, and sandy shorelines.

✅ Best for: Largemouth bass, crappie, stripers

✅ Highlights: Echo Bay’s varied underwater terrain makes it productive throughout the year. Crappie fishing near submerged trees is especially popular in spring.

👉 Tip: Shore fishing is excellent here if you don’t have a boat—try live worms or minnows near cover.

6. South Cove (Pearce Ferry)

South Cove is located at the far eastern end of Lake Mead near Pearce Ferry. This remote area offers solitude and uncrowded fishing. The waters here are influenced by inflow from the Colorado River, keeping them cooler and clearer.

✅ Best for: Stripers, catfish, smallmouth bass

✅ Highlights: South Cove is a great launch point for exploring less-fished areas of the lake.

👉 Tip: Use cut bait or anchovies for catfish along the sandy bottoms at night.

🎣 Bonus Shore Fishing Spots

Don’t have a boat? Lake Mead offers plenty of productive shore fishing locations:

Hemenway Fishing Pier: Near Boulder Beach, great for stripers and catfish.

Las Vegas Wash: Freshwater inflow attracts catfish, carp, and bass.

Stewart’s Point: A favorite for shore anglers in Overton Arm.

👉 Pro tip: Early morning and late evening are the best times for shore fishing, especially during summer when midday heat pushes fish deeper.

🗓️ When’s the Best Time to Fish at Lake Mead?

While fishing is possible year-round, certain seasons stand out:

Spring (March-May): Excellent for bass (spawning season), good for stripers

Summer (June-August): Night fishing for stripers and catfish is best

Fall (September-November): Great time for bass and schooling stripers

Winter (December-February): Slower overall, but deep-water stripers can still be caught

🎟️ Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Lake Mead spans Nevada and Arizona, so you’ll need a valid fishing license from either state. Depending on where you fish, you might need a reciprocal stamp. Always check the latest regulations for bag limits and size restrictions.

👉 Visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife or Arizona Game & Fish websites for updated info before heading out.

Final Thoughts: Why Lake Mead is a Fisherman’s Dream

Whether you’re angling from a boat in Boulder Basin or casting from the shore at Echo Bay, Lake Mead delivers variety, challenge, and spectacular desert scenery. Its vast waters hold surprises for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Planning your next fishing trip? Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, sun protection, and a camera—you’ll want to capture both the fish and the unforgettable views.

🎣 With the right spot and a little patience, Lake Mead promises an angling adventure you’ll never forget!