Lake Mead Fishing Report for September 14, 2025: Largemouth, Stripers, and Cats Biting Strong

Good morning, anglers—this is Artificial Lure, bringing you today’s fishing report for Lake Mead and surrounding waters on Sunday, September 14, 2025. It’s a calm morning here at the lake, with sunrise peeking over the horizon at 6:22 AM and sunset expected at 6:51 PM. The weather is shaping up just about perfect for a September outing: mostly sunny skies, daytime highs pushing into the upper 80s, and light winds forecast for most of the day. Water levels remain lower than historic averages, and clarity is slightly stained in some inlets, thanks to recent wind and boat activity. Lake Mead doesn’t have tidal swings, but changing inflow from the Colorado River due to low flows continues to affect some coves and river arms, so don’t be surprised if the fish are moving—especially in the Vegas Wash and upper river stretches. Bass anglers, you’re in luck. The buzz around the docks is still strong after this week’s WON Bass Lake Mead Open. Dylan Denny took top honors just two days ago, running up the river north of Echo Bay and coming back with a whopping 28.03-lb total for two days, anchored by multiple bass nearing and over the 5-lb mark. Anglers like Kevin Hugo were getting limits pushing 15–17 lbs, which is stellar by Lake Mead standards. Notably, Joe Uribe Jr. landed an 8.05-lb bass—a rarity for these waters—proving that big ones are still out there if you’re persistent. For baits, tournament winners relied on lipless crankbaits like the Lucky Craft LV 500, 6th Sense Curve 55s ripped through the grass, and 1/2-ounce Evergreen Jackhammers in B Hite Special. As the bite slowed and the pressure increased, switching to finesse tactics was critical: Wacky-rigged 5-inch Senkos in green pumpkin purple copper, 3/8-oz football heads rigged with Yamamoto Hula Grubs, Carolina rigs, and even ned rigs with smaller plastics came into play. Around deeper drop-offs and the edges of coves, those slower presentations picked up key fish. Striped bass are also hitting strong, especially along the west side of the lake and in the Boulder Basin. Early morning and just before sundown, look for boils and bird activity. Trolling white or chartreuse swimbaits, crankbaits, and cut anchovy have all been solid choices. Don’t forget to bring some topwaters—pencil poppers and Zara Spooks can draw explosive strikes when the stripers are up and feeding. Local podcast Lake Mead Nevada Fishing Report Daily confirms that striped bass and channel cats remain active, even as water levels gradually edge down. If catfish are your target, work chicken liver or stink bait on the bottom near Hemenway Harbor or Government Wash after dark. Night fishing has been consistent for channels in the 2–6 lb class. Today’s hotspots: • **Vegas Wash:** The dirty water has made for better frog and shallow crankbait bites. • **Echo Bay up the river:** Proven productive this week for quality largemouth, especially along the first sharp drops out of the coves. • **Boulder Basin/Basin Coves:** G This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.