Fishing Forecast for Lake Mead: Stripers, Bass, and Catfish Biting Strong as Weather Heats Up

Sunrise splashed Lake Mead at 6:13 this morning, and the water’s glassy calm gave anglers prime conditions to kick off their Friday. We’ve got the tail end of a warm spell sticking around—temps are set to touch 81 by mid-afternoon under clear desert skies, with a gentle wind barely topping 6 mph. No rain in the forecast and no tidal swing out here in Nevada’s desert, so it’s all about water temp and light for predicting fish activity.

Last night’s full moon really got the stripers moving—according to FishingReminder, predator action has been strong after dark and at first light, with solid bank and boat reports near the washes. Major activity windows hit right before dawn and will swing again at dusk around sunset, which falls today at 4:40 PM.

Anglers are seeing good action across the board:
- **Striped bass** are schooling up in deeper water. The best action’s been between Boulder Harbor and Government Wash, especially near the drop-offs. Several locals landed limits this morning—fish mostly in the 2-5 lb range, with the occasional 8 lb hawg showing on cut anchovy.
- Around Las Vegas Bay and Gypsum Wash, **largemouth bass** are working the rocky points. Most are in the pound-and-a-half to three-pound range, with a couple four-pounders weighed this week.
- There’s been a trickle of **catfish** above 6 lbs from the coves near Crawdad and Hatchery, especially overnight, and crappie slabs have been coming out of the shallows on live minnows at dawn.

Best baits and lures right now:
- For stripers: Frozen anchovies and sardines are consistent, but those tossing white swimbaits or jigging silver spoons—think one to two ounces—are out-fishing bait during low-light windows.
- Largemouth are firing up for medium-diving crankbaits in bluegill and perch patterns, and green pumpkin or watermelon soft plastics are strong along the rocky ledges.
- Topwater was quiet early, but don’t skip a popper right at dusk near the marina and shallow points.
- Catfish remain partial to stinkbait and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom overnight—best after moonrise.
- Crappie are stacking up around submerged brush in the coves. Small jigs in pink or chartreuse tipped with a minnow have drawn the best bites.

Hot spots to focus on if you’re heading out:
- **Boulder Harbor**: The drop-offs near the old Hemenway launch and east toward Saddle Cove are loaded up with stripers this week.
- **Government Wash**: This cove offers a mix of striper, largemouth, and catfish opportunities, especially at sunrise and after sunset.
- **Gypsum Wash**: Action here favors a mixed bag—cast from shore at dawn for a chance at both bass and panfish.

Water levels are a little higher than this time last year and clarity’s good—so cover some water and watch for schooling action. Remember, those full-moon nights mean the fish might be feeding more at night, so early mornings and late afternoons get better as the day wears on.

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