Lake Mead Fishing Report: Stripers Dominate, Bass Retreat to Deeper Water in the Desert Heat

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Mead fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025. We’re rolling into another blazing desert day with the mercury pushing above 100 degrees, so the best bite is coming early in the morning or late in the evening. Today’s sunrise was just after 5:30 AM and sunset will settle in around 7:45 PM, giving you long daylight hours to chase those fish. With Lake Mead being a reservoir, we don’t have tidal swings to worry about, so focus on the weather and timing. The striped bass bite remains the headliner across the lake. Stripers are absolutely hammering live shad and cut anchovies, especially at cove entrances in the Vegas Wash area. If you’re running low on bait or prefer artificials, try three-inch silver swimbaits, which have been producing steady action. Kastmaster spoons and Jumpin Minnows are also pulling in aggressive stripers when fished subsurface. Anglers this past week reported solid numbers in the 2 to 5 pound range, with a few larger fish mixed in. Early morning seems to be key—once the sun is high, the action tapers off. Bass fishing is a bit tougher lately as both largemouth and smallmouth have moved to deeper, cooler water in response to the heat. You’ll have your best odds focusing on deeper structure and the weedy shorelines near Calville Bay and Hemenway Harbor. Some anglers are still scratching out decent catches there, mostly on soft plastics and jigs, but the numbers are down compared to spring. Don’t be afraid to drop shot or slow roll a creature bait along the deeper weedlines. A few crappie have started to show in the Overton Arm, with small jigs doing the trick, but it’s still hit or miss. Catfish are picking up after dark on cut anchovies, especially in the coves and the mouths of washes. For hot spots today, definitely check out Vegas Wash cove entrances for stripers and take a run up to Calville Bay or Hemenway Harbor for your bass fix. If you’re feeling adventurous, Overton Arm is worth a shot for crappie. Summing it up: stripers are your main action, especially on cut anchovies and live shad, bass are deeper along the weedlines, and the early morning or late evening windows are prime. Stay hydrated and good luck out there—tight lines from Artificial Lure. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.