Lake Mead Fishing

🎣 Lake Mead Fishing: Everything You Need to Know for an Epic Angling Adventure

When you think of fishing hotspots in the U.S., you might imagine lush forests or cool mountain streams—but did you know one of the country’s top fishing destinations lies right in the middle of the desert? Welcome to Lake Mead, a sprawling reservoir on the Colorado River, famous not just for its history and scenery, but also for its incredible fishing.

Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing trophy striped bass or a beginner hoping to reel in your first catch, Lake Mead offers an unforgettable fishing experience. Here’s everything you need to know before you cast your line.

📍 Why Fish at Lake Mead?

Lake Mead, formed by the construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s, stretches across Nevada and Arizona. It’s the largest reservoir in the U.S. by capacity, covering more than 150,000 acres when full, with nearly 750 miles of shoreline.

But it’s not just the size that draws fishermen—it’s the variety of fish, the year-round fishing opportunities, and the chance to fish in a place surrounded by red rock cliffs, desert mountains, and historic landmarks.

✅ Fun fact: Lake Mead hosts numerous fishing tournaments every year, attracting anglers from all over the country.

🐟 What Fish Can You Catch at Lake Mead?

Lake Mead is home to a wide variety of game fish, making it an exciting destination for anglers of all levels. Here are the top species you’ll encounter:

1. Striped Bass

The king of Lake Mead fishing! Striped bass were introduced in the 1960s and have thrived. Some stripers grow to 30-40 pounds, but most catches range from 1-5 pounds. They’re known for traveling in schools, so once you find them, the action can be nonstop.

➡️ Best techniques: Trolling, topwater lures, live shad

➡️ Best times: Spring and fall for big schools; early morning and late evening in summer

2. Largemouth Bass

While not as abundant as stripers, largemouth bass attract dedicated bass anglers to Lake Mead. They’re typically found in shallow coves, around submerged brush, and near rocky structures.

➡️ Best techniques: Soft plastics, crankbaits, spinnerbaits

➡️ Best times: Spring (spawn) and fall

3. Smallmouth Bass

Lake Mead is also known for its smallmouth bass, especially around rocky points, cliffs, and underwater ledges. Though smaller than largemouth, smallmouth bass are feisty fighters and a lot of fun to catch.

➡️ Best techniques: Jigs, jerkbaits, tubes near rocks

➡️ Best times: Spring and early summer

4. Channel Catfish

Looking for a relaxing night of fishing? Channel catfish are plentiful and often caught from the shore after sunset. These bottom-feeders can grow quite large and are fun to catch—and tasty to eat!

➡️ Best techniques: Cut bait, chicken liver, stink bait

➡️ Best times: Summer nights

5. Bluegill & Sunfish

If you’re bringing the kids, target bluegill and sunfish. They’re easy to catch, abundant near docks and shallow waters, and make for a fun, low-key fishing day.

➡️ Best techniques: Worms or small jigs under a bobber

🎣 Where Are the Best Fishing Spots at Lake Mead?

With so much shoreline, it’s hard to pick just one spot! Here are a few popular fishing areas:

✅ Boulder Basin – Close to Las Vegas, great for stripers and bass

✅ Overton Arm – Known for largemouth bass, crappie, and stripers

✅ Temple Bar – Excellent for bass fishing, fewer crowds than Boulder Basin

✅ Gregg Basin – Deep water fishing for trophy stripers

Pro tip: A fish finder can be a big help at Lake Mead, especially for locating deep schools of stripers.

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

Lake Mead offers year-round fishing, but certain seasons are better for different species:

1. Spring (March-May): Best for largemouth and smallmouth bass (spawning season); good for stripers

2. Summer (June-August): Stripers feed at night or early morning; catfish are active at night

3. Fall (September-November): Great time for stripers and bass as fish feed before winter

4. Winter (December-February): Slower fishing, but stripers can still be caught in deeper water

🎟️ Licenses & Regulations

You’ll need a valid Nevada or Arizona fishing license to fish Lake Mead. Because the lake spans both states, check if your fishing location requires an additional stamp or reciprocal license.

Also, make sure to follow bag limits and size restrictions, especially for bass and stripers. These regulations help maintain healthy fish populations.

👉 Always check the latest rules on the Lake Mead National Recreation Area or state wildlife websites before your trip.

🚤 Tips for Fishing at Lake Mead

✅ Go early or late – Fish bite best during low light hours, especially in summer

✅ Watch the weather – Winds can pick up quickly, making boating dangerous

✅ Bring plenty of water & sun protection – The desert sun is intense, even in cooler months

✅ Consider hiring a guide – First time at Lake Mead? A local fishing guide can help you locate fish and improve your chances

Why Lake Mead is More Than Just a Fishing Spot

Beyond the fishing, Lake Mead offers stunning scenery, historic sites like Hoover Dam, and endless opportunities for boating, swimming, and exploring nearby canyons. Many anglers find themselves coming back year after year—not just for the fish, but for the experience of fishing in such a unique and beautiful setting.

Whether you’re trolling for stripers at sunrise, casting for bass in a hidden cove, or enjoying a relaxing night of catfishing under the stars, Lake Mead fishing is an adventure you won’t forget.

🎣 Ready to plan your trip? Grab your rod, your tackle box, and head out to Lake Mead—the fish are waiting!