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Overview: The Largest Reservoir in the US
Lake Mead is a 247-square-mile reservoir on the Colorado River, formed by Hoover Dam in 1935. Straddling the Nevada-Arizona border just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, it remains the largest reservoir by volume in the United States, even at the historic low water levels of recent years.
Lake Mead is dramatic, desert-walled and clear — and offers four distinct gamefish opportunities: striped bass, smallmouth, largemouth and channel catfish.
Best Species and Tactics
Striped bass are the most-targeted species. Schools to 8 lb 'boil' on the surface chasing threadfin shad from April through October — anglers throw topwaters, swimbaits and spoons into the breaking fish. Trolling deep-divers and spoons over points in 30-60 ft works year-round.
Smallmouth bass are the secret weapon. Drop-shot rigs and Ned rigs along rocky points and cliff walls produce 3-5 lb fish year-round. Largemouth hide in the few remaining brushy coves and channel catfish patrol the shallow flats at night.
Where to Fish on Lake Mead
Boulder Basin (Hemenway Harbor) is closest to Las Vegas and produces year-round stripers and smallmouth. Callville Bay and Las Vegas Bay are excellent secondary basins.
Overton Arm on the north end is a striper magnet in spring as fish run up toward the Muddy and Virgin Rivers. The Temple Bar area on the Arizona side and the Iceberg Canyon stretch toward Pearce Ferry offer the lake's wildest scenery and best smallmouth structure.
Best Season to Fish
April through October is peak topwater striper season. Early morning and late evening boils are most consistent in July and August when stripers chase shad to the surface.
Smallmouth fish year-round but are best March-June and October-November. Winter offers slow but reliable deep-water striper action on spoons and live anchovies in 80-120 ft near the dam.
Access, Permits and Regulations
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is managed by the National Park Service. An entrance fee or annual pass is required. Anglers need a Nevada or Arizona fishing license plus a use stamp for the other state if fishing both sides.
Stripers have no daily limit. Bass limit is 6 fish with a 12-inch minimum (largemouth) and 13-inch (smallmouth). Major ramps are Hemenway, Callville Bay, Temple Bar and South Cove — check NPS for current closures due to water levels.
Nearby Spots Worth a Day Trip
Lake Mohave, just downstream below Hoover Dam, offers rainbow trout and stripers in crystal-clear water. Willow Beach and Cottonwood Cove are the main access points.
Lake Powell is 4 hours northeast and is one of America's premier striper, smallmouth and walleye lakes. The Colorado River below Davis Dam (Laughlin) offers excellent striper, trout and bass fishing within a day-trip distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Despite historic low water levels, striper fishing on Lake Mead remains strong. Surface boils from April through October are reliable in Boulder Basin and the Overton Arm, with schools to 8 lb common.
You need a license from the state you launch in. To fish both sides legally, add a 'use stamp' for the other state. Both licenses and stamps are available online at ndow.org and azgfd.gov.
There is no daily limit or size limit on striped bass on Lake Mead. The species was introduced and is considered abundant, so harvest is actively encouraged by both Nevada Department of Wildlife and Arizona Game and Fish.
Hemenway Harbor in Boulder Basin is closest to Las Vegas and remains open at low water. Callville Bay, Temple Bar and South Cove are also operational. Check the National Park Service website for current ramp status before traveling.
Yes. Boulder Beach, Hemenway Fishing Pier, Las Vegas Bay shoreline and Stewart's Point all offer good shore access. Night fishing for stripers and channel catfish with cut anchovy is especially productive in summer.