Striped Bass Fishing Lake Mead

🎣 Striped Bass Fishing at Lake Mead: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to fishing adventures in the American Southwest, Lake Mead stands tall as one of the premier destinations. But among all the species that call this desert reservoir home, one fish draws anglers from across the country: the striped bass, or “striper.”

Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing a trophy fish or a beginner hoping for your first big catch, striped bass fishing at Lake Mead offers excitement, challenge, and plenty of action. In this guide, we’ll cover where, when, and how to catch striped bass at Lake Mead—plus insider tips to boost your chances of success.

🐟 Why Striped Bass?

Striped bass were first introduced into Lake Mead in 1969, and since then they’ve thrived. These powerful, fast-swimming fish grow large in the deep, nutrient-rich waters of the lake. It’s not uncommon for anglers to land stripers over 20 pounds, with some trophy fish tipping the scales at 40 pounds or more.

Striped bass are also known for their aggressive feeding behavior, making them one of the most exciting fish to catch—especially during “boil” season when schools of stripers chase baitfish to the surface in a feeding frenzy.

📍 Best Spots for Striped Bass Fishing at Lake Mead

Lake Mead is vast, covering over 150,000 acres, so knowing where to target striped bass is key. Here are some of the best spots:

✅ Boulder Basin: Close to Las Vegas and one of the most popular areas for striped bass. Fish around Hemenway Harbor, Las Vegas Bay, and near the intake towers by Hoover Dam.

✅ Temple Bar: Located on the Arizona side, Temple Bar is less crowded and known for big stripers. Focus on deeper channels and drop-offs.

✅ Gregg Basin: A prime location for deep-water striped bass, especially in summer when stripers move deeper to find cooler water.

✅ Overton Arm: This northern section of Lake Mead sees less fishing pressure. Target the mouth of the Virgin River and areas with submerged trees.

✅ South Cove & Pearce Ferry: At the eastern end of the lake, these spots are great for trolling and deeper fishing.

👉 Tip: Look for birds diving on baitfish schools—this usually signals a striper feeding frenzy nearby!

🗓️ When’s the Best Time to Catch Stripers?

Striped bass can be caught year-round at Lake Mead, but certain seasons and times of day are better:

🌸 Spring (March–May): Stripers are more active as water temperatures rise. Great time for trolling and casting in shallow areas.

☀️ Summer (June–August): Early mornings and evenings are best. Striped bass go deeper during the day—night fishing can be very productive.

🍂 Fall (September–November): Boils are common in late summer and fall. This is the prime time for surface action and sight fishing.

❄️ Winter (December–February): Slower fishing, but big stripers can still be caught deep with jigs and bait.

👉 Pro tip: During summer and fall, watch for boils—sudden splashes on the water as stripers herd shad to the surface. Throw topwater lures or spoons into the boil for explosive action!

🎣 Techniques & Gear for Striped Bass Fishing

Fishing for stripers at Lake Mead requires the right approach. Here are the top methods:

🔹 Trolling

• Use deep-diving crankbaits or umbrella rigs to cover lots of water
• Troll at varying depths to locate schooling fish
• Ideal for summer when stripers hold deep

🔹 Casting into Boils

• Use topwater plugs, spoons, or swimbaits
• Cast directly into or beyond the boil and retrieve quickly
• Best during early morning or late afternoon when boils are active

🔹 Live Bait Fishing

• Fish with anchovies or threadfin shad on a weighted line
• Target deeper water off points and submerged drop-offs
• Great for both shore and boat anglers

🔹 Vertical Jigging

• Use slab spoons or jigging spoons
• Drop lure straight down in deep water and jig vertically
• Effective during winter or when stripers are holding deep

👉 Recommended gear:

• Medium-heavy rod (6’6” to 7’)
• Reel with strong drag
• 20–30 lb braided line for trolling or jigging
• Fluorocarbon leader for clear water

Can You Fish from Shore for Stripers?

Absolutely! While a boat increases your access, Lake Mead has many productive shore fishing spots:

🎣 Hemenway Fishing Pier: A popular spot near Boulder Beach for catching stripers from shore, especially at night with bait.

🎣 Stewart’s Point (Overton Arm): Good for shore anglers targeting stripers with bait or lures.

🎣 Las Vegas Wash inlet: A good spot for catfish and stripers near the wash’s outflow.

👉 Best shore fishing times: Evening, night, and early morning when stripers come closer to shore to feed.

📝 Fishing Regulations & License Info

Since Lake Mead spans Nevada and Arizona, you’ll need a valid fishing license from either state. If you plan to fish across state lines, be sure to check if a reciprocal stamp is required.

⚠️ Daily limit: Typically 20 striped bass per person, with no more than 2 fish over 20 inches (check current regulations as they can change).

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

Final Thoughts: A Striped Bass Fishing Adventure Awaits

Whether you're trolling deep waters at Gregg Basin, casting into a boil at Boulder Basin, or soaking bait from shore under the stars, striped bass fishing at Lake Mead offers unforgettable moments. The thrill of the fight, the stunning desert scenery, and the chance at a true trophy make every trip worthwhile.

Pack your gear, grab your fishing license, and get ready to experience one of the best striped bass fisheries in the West. 🎣

👉 Have a favorite Lake Mead striper fishing story or tip? Share it in the comments below!