| Name | Lake Mead |
| Size | 158,147 acres |
| Average Depth | 182 feet |
| Maximum Depth | 532 feet |
| Popular Fishing Species | Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Panfish |
| Boat Ramps Available | Yes |
| Major Tributaries | Colorado River |
Table of Contents
About Lake Mead
Lake Mead is a large reservoir located in Nevada and Arizona, about 30 miles east of Las Vegas. The Lake is a National Recreation Area and was created during the construction of the famous Hoover Dam on the Colorado River.
The Lake Mead system is comprised of 4 main basins and consists of hundreds of coves, canyons, and numerous smaller tributaries. The Colorado River is the main source of water inflow and the lake has over 550 miles of shoreline, making it one of the largest reservoirs in the United States.
Fishing and Boating are very popular on Lake Mead, with Striped Bass being the most popular species. Other popular fish include rainbow trout, catfish, panfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie.
Lake Mead Fishing Tips
Below are my recommendations and tips for fishing Lake Mead:
| Fish Species | Bait & Method | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | shad, anchovies, large swim baits | Overton Arm, Las Vegas Bay, Temple Bar, Willow Beach |
| Largemouth Bass | wild shiners, minnows, drop shot live worms | Find weedy vegetation, rocky outcroppings, ledges and submerged structure |
| Smallmouth Bass | live minnows, crawfish, ned rigs and wacky rig worms | Look for clean water over sand or rock bottom with sparse vegetation |
| Channel Catfish | cut shad, stinkbaits, nightcrawlers | Fish on the bottom in areas with moderate water flow |
| Panfish (Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish) | minnows, worms, insects, crayfish, flies | Fish along steep canyon walls, offshore rock piles & creek mouths |
| Rainbow Trout | minnows, worms and crickets | Look for clear & clean water, fish along rocky walls and outcroppings |
Lake Mead Fishing Charters
Due to its very large size, many anglers hire local fishing guides or charter captains to show them around the lake and put them on the fish. Below are my recommendations:
Striped Bass Charter: Captain John Wood – Fish Anglers Edge
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Trout: Captain Eric Richins – Big Water Boating Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat fish from Lake Mead?
Yes, it is safe to eat fish from Lake Mead. The lake is regularly sampled for toxins such as heavy metals and mercury. For the latest fish consumption advisories, contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
How Do I Catch Striped Bass At Lake Mead?
Live shad is the most effective bait to use for striped bass fishing on lake mead. If you are unable to get live shad, use lures that imitate shad such as large swimbaits, crankbaits, or topwater lures.
Are there alligators in Lake Mead?
No, there are not any alligators in lake Mead. The lake system is far too cold to support a population of alligators, however, pet alligators are sometimes released into the lake illegally.
What is the biggest fish in Lake Mead?
The biggest fish species in lake mead is the Striped Bass. The record on the lake is 52-pounds 8 ounces caught by Carson Romans in June 1982.
Where can I fish from shore at Lake Mead?
Piers and public fishing areas are found throughout Lake Mead and the National Recreation Area. These include:
- Hemenway Fishing Pier near Boulder Beach and just to the north of Hemenway Launch Ramp
- Willow Beach Fishing Pier on Lake Mohave just to the north of Willow Beach Marina
- Katherine Landing Fishing Pier (this pier was waiting for repairs as of March of 2020) located near Katherine Landing Marina
You May Also Like: Lake Havasu Sunfish- Home Of Giant Shellcracker!
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