Lake Mead Fishing Report: Low Levels, Scattered Fish, Persistence Pays Off

Artificial Lure here with your fresh Lake Mead fishing report for Thursday, November 13th, 2025. We woke up to crystal clear skies and mild temps after yesterday’s cold snap. It’s about mid-50s this morning, with only a whisper of wind from the west. The lake is sitting a bit low—reports from Coyote Gulch say Lake Mead’s at about 31% capacity, so expect exposed structure and some narrowing in creek arms. Sunrise hit at 6:23 am and sunset is heading for 4:45 pm, so plan your topwater action in the low light windows. As for the bite: it’s on the slow side right now. Fishbox’s forecast pins things at a “poor” 31% activity score, but don’t let that keep you off the water. Fish tend to hole up deep when the days shorten and the nights get cold, but patient anglers have been picking off decent numbers at drop-offs and along submerged points. Striped bass are still king here—folks reported schools busting shad early near Boulder Basin yesterday. Most catches are running 1–3 pounds but there’s always a few ten-pounders lurking down deep. Catfish are steady, especially in muddy coves overnight, and largemouth bass are sluggish but catchable around rocky ledges as the sun warms things mid-morning. Best baits? With shad moving deep for warmth, go with cut shad, anchovies, or nightcrawlers for stripers and cats. For artificial action, tie on a deep-diving crankbait, swim jig, or spoons with a hint of silver and blue. Cast Again Tackle’s premium jigs are a local secret for bass when worked slow along transitions from shallow flats to deeper channels. When the wind picks up—or if you like an old-school approach—a noisy topwater plug tossed at dawn near the narrows is worth a shot. Hot spots today: - Boulder Basin, especially where the river channel breaks into shallower shelves. - The Temple Bar area, which sees less pressure and has good submerged timber and hard-bottom transitions. - Vegas Wash for catfish, especially after dusk. - The mouth of Government Wash for mixed schools of stripers and black bass. Major League Fishing reminded us to register for this year’s Bass Fishing League circuit, but even if you’re not competing, keep an eye out for pre-tournament scouting anglers this weekend—those folks know where the action is and can point you to crowded (and productive) spots. Remember: water levels are low, so keep tight to the channel and watch for submerged hazards near shore. The fish might be scattered, but with patience, persistence, and the right lure, Lake Mead will provide. Thanks for tuning in to today’s angling report—subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s update, and as always, tight lines from your pal, Artificial Lure. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.