Lake Mead Fishing Report: Trout, Catfish, and Stripers Biting in Ideal Winter Conditions

As of December 20, 2024, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Mead, Nevada. First off, the weather is crisp with a high of around 58°F and a low of 43°F, making it a perfect winter day for fishing. Sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:23 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water. Tides aren’t a major factor at Lake Mead since it’s a landlocked lake, but water levels have been relatively stable lately. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has been actively stocking rainbow trout in various spots around the lake, which has kept the fish activity lively. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a decent number of catfish and striped bass. Catfish were biting well on cut anchovies, especially in the cove entrances around the Vegas Wash area. Striped bass were also active, particularly in the early morning hours, and were caught using topwater lures and baitfish imitations. For black bass, boating anglers found success using soft plastics and crankbaits near the submerged structures and drop-offs. The recent trout stocking has also made rainbow trout a common catch, especially near the community fishing areas and urban ponds. If you’re looking for some hot spots, consider Government Wash and Callville Bay. These areas have been producing some good catches of stripers and catfish. Another spot worth trying is the Hemenway Fishing Pier, which has seen some action from trout and bass. For lures, stick with what’s been working: cut anchovies for catfish, topwater lures and baitfish imitations for striped bass, and soft plastics or crankbaits for black bass. If you’re after trout, small spinners and powerbait are your best bets. Overall, it’s a great time to get out on Lake Mead, with a variety of fish species active and the winter weather making for a pleasant fishing experience. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.