Lake Mead

The primary game fish include striped bass, largemouth , smallmouth , channel catfish, black bullhead catfish, bluegill sunfish, green sunfish, and black crappie. Catch rates for 2011 were 4.03 fish per angler and 0.84 fish per hour. Stripers averaged 16.8 inches, 1.8 lbs. Peak catch rates were seen July through December. Anglers caught 87% stripers and 8% channel catfish, with largemouth bass, rainbow trout and bluegill making up the rest.

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Open all year

Road Conditions:

Paved

Land Ownership:

Nevada and Arizona

Max Surface Acres:

150,000

River Lake Impounds:

Colorado River

Average Depth:

465 feet max

Fishing Allowed:

Yes

Boat/Engine Restrictions:

No motor restrictions

Boats to Rent:

Yes

Swimming:

Yes

Camping:

Yes

The most productive months for catching largemouth bass are May through September; for bluegill are May and June; for black crappie are January, November, and April; for channel catfish are April through September; Striped bass are caught year around, however July through December were the most productive for 2011. During November through March, striped bass can be taken in daytime with bait and nighttime with top water plugs. Largemouth bass can be patterned in both shallow and deep water with lures fished in the early morning or evening. Black crappie are caught generally at night with live bait such as shiners or jigs fished against rock walls or brushy areas in the upper Overton Arm. Channel catfish occasionally hit lures, but they are typically caught while fishing the bottom with beef/chicken liver, shrimp, or prepared baits.

Shad are the best bait to use for stripers, but are, at times, hard to find and catch. Prepared bait and anchovies are good replacements and fished down to 120 feet. Chumming is allowed on Lake Mead with anything except game fish or parts of game fish. A favorite chum is anchovies or corn. Striped bass typically move in schools and will clean up an area quickly, then move on. Therefore, fish over chum for at least an hour then move to a different spot. At times, anchoring along a steep drop off and chumming will do the trick. Lures such as Sassy Shad and KastMaster jigged down to 120 ft work great, as well as top water lures fished on“boils” (surface activity by stripers actively feeding on shad). Check with the local sporting goods dealer, they will be more than happy to sell the latest “hot” lure.

Fishing at night is a slow, relaxing way to spend an evening. Bait up, chum up, “bell” up, and have a seat. You could catch anything from catfish, stripers, to a turtle. Striped bass over 40 pounds have been caught this way; however, you will typically catch 2 to 3 pounders, which make excellent table fare.

While fishing the backs of coves, especially in the Overton area, look for Tilapia. Try fishing with corn, peas, hot dogs, sour mash, or corn meal. Tilapia can weigh as much as 5 pounds and are excellent to eat.

Camping by boat is allowed lake-wide and mobile-type campgrounds are becoming commonplace around the lake. Developed campgrounds are found at every launch ramp except South Cove, Hemenway, and Government Wash. Amenities can include bathrooms with showers, water, tables, and grills. Camping with full RV hookups include Trailer Village and Echo Bay Marina. Floating restrooms are found around the lake. Consider that summer temperatures generally reach 110°F, so carry water and leave a note as to your destination and expected time of return. The lake can, at times, get very rough, so listen to the weather forecast before boating for any distance, especially in a small craft.