Drought Drives Colorado River Fishing Near Vegas - Trout, Stripers, and Smallies Bite Despite Low Flows

Artificial Lure here with your September 12, 2025, Colorado River fishing conditions report around Las Vegas. Sunrise hit at 6:24 AM today, with sunset set for around 7:02 PM. Weather’s typical for late summer: clear skies at dawn, with highs forecast in the upper 90s and that famous Las Vegas heat pushing the “feels like” temp well over 100 by midday. Winds are light in the early morning, picking up a bit by late afternoon, but nothing to keep you off the water according to the latest from the National Weather Service. There’s no significant rain in the immediate forecast, but don’t forget your hat and plenty of fluids – the desert sun doesn’t play. The Colorado River’s flows remain on the lower side this year, reflecting the ongoing drought and reduced snowmelt runoff. Coyote Gulch’s September 11th report warns that water levels are below average and could see further drawdowns if current use patterns don’t change. For anglers, this means you’ll notice a few extra gravel bars and some slower water, especially early or late in the day. The lower, clearer water does help with sight fishing but can make fish a little spookier. Fish activity has been solid this week, especially for those getting out in the cooler dawn hours. Local guides and recent anglers have reported steady action on **rainbow trout** below Hoover Dam and Willow Beach—these stretches have received several recent stockings, so numbers are up. Over at Lake Mohave and the tailwater sections, **striped bass** are making a strong showing, especially in the deeper holes and along current seams at sunrise and sunset. Smallmouth bass are still active on the rocky points and coves; mornings with topwater lures and evenings slow-rolling soft plastics have been the ticket. Recent catches include limits of rainbows for both bank and boat anglers below Willow Beach, with fish running 1-2 pounds and a few pushing 3 pounds. Kayak anglers just upriver are still picking up a mix of trout and smaller stripers in the current. On Lake Mohave proper, locals have landed several striper limits working deep-diving crankbaits and live shad early in the day. A couple of stories are floating around about 10+ pound stripers caught trolling in the early morning, especially near Cottonwood Cove. Baitwise, today’s top picks for rainbows are classic salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, and PowerBait in bright colors. Spin fishermen are doing well with gold Kastmasters and Panther Martin spinners. Striped bass continue to hammer live or cut shad, but if you prefer artificials, try white swimbaits, deep-running jerkbaits, or a topwater pencil popper just as the sun breaks the horizon. For smallmouth, green pumpkin or watermelon tubes and ned rigs are working their magic around submerged rocks. A couple of hot spots to consider today: - The **Willow Beach area**, especially the first two miles downstream, is producing both trout and stripers for those drifting baits or casting lures parallel to the current seams. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.