How to Fish Lake Mead

Lake Mead fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Pre-spawn bass are transitioning to shallower waters and actively feeding on crawfish around rocky structures Fish are establishing ambush points in protected coves and along rock walls, showing aggressive feeding behavior when properly targeted Key locations: Rocky coves and protected areas near marina entrances; Rock walls and ledges with direct access to deeper water; Secondary points with rock or brush cover. Best techniques: Finesse Jigs worked slowly along rock structures, Wacky Rigs allowed to fall naturally along vertical structure, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting rocky cover and ledges. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter areas and actively moving on rocky substrate, Baitfish concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-60°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are relating heavily to rocky structure and showing increased aggression toward crawfish-imitating baits Key locations: Flat long points with boulders/rocks; Bushes in the backs of coves and pockets; Rocky transition areas between winter and spawning grounds. Best techniques: Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12'), Spinnerbaits, Football Jigs. Primary forage: Crawfish, Small Baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Pre-spawn striped bass are actively staging near spawning tributaries and following large bait schools, making frequent feeding runs into shallower water Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to more active feeding, with schools beginning to break up into smaller groups Key locations: Main lake points and channel swings near tributary mouths; Secondary points in east-facing coves that warm first in the morning; Steep shoreline breaks adjacent to deeper wintering areas. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through suspended schools, Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near points and breaks, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper. Primary forage: Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad, Herring moving shallow for their own spawn. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Largemouth bass transitioning into spawning phase, actively feeding in pre-spawn pattern while seeking warmer spawning areas Showing strong response to shad movements in early morning, with birds indicating active feeding zones Key locations: Points adjacent to spawning pockets, especially those with direct access to deeper water; Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation; Rocky areas with crawfish activity near spawning flats. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve, adjusted for feeding activity, Bladed Jigs worked around points and shallow cover, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting emerging cover and spawning pockets. Primary forage: Shad schools in early morning, especially around points, Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas as water warms. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Smallmouth bass are in spawn/pre-spawn phase, actively moving between staging areas and spawning flats near deep water access Fish are utilizing 5-25 foot depth range, showing typical spawning period movements between deeper staging and shallow spawning areas Key locations: Large boulders and rock structures near deep water, particularly in the 5-25 foot range; Protected rocky flats with nearby deep water access; Secondary points with rock or gravel composition leading into spawning bays. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock structure, Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish, Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky bottom. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas, Small baitfish relating to spawning areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Striped bass are staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter depths to shallower spawning grounds Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during dawn and dusk Schools are breaking up into smaller groups, with larger females becoming more solitary as they prepare to spawn Key locations: Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats; Deep water access points near tributary mouths; East-facing coves that warm first in the morning. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through transitional depths, Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked vertically along channel edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily parallel to points. Primary forage: Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns, Blueback Herring moving shallow with warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on shad and crawfish in the 5-10 foot range Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, relating heavily to boulder-strewn areas and points Key locations: Boulder fields and rocky areas in 5-10 foot depth range; Points with mixed rock and brush in transition areas; Secondary points near spawning bays with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked around boulders and rock transitions, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to mimic abundant shad, Shakey Heads worked slowly around rocky areas. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on recent reports, Crawfish - active in rocky areas during spring. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Actively feeding in shallower transition areas near spawning flats, showing increased aggression and feeding activity as they recover from spawn Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones following baitfish schools and targeting crawfish in rocky areas More likely to feed during early morning and evening hours, with a focus on structure-oriented feeding patterns Key locations: Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays with 5-15 foot depth transitions; Gravel and boulder-strewn flats in 8-12 feet of water; Secondary points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly along rocky transitions, Ned Rigs dragged on gravel flats, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish chasing baitfish. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in rocky areas, Small baitfish schools in transition areas, Young of the year perch beginning to appear. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Mead in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-74°F. Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding zones Fish are forming loose schools and beginning to chase bait in the upper water column, especially during early morning and evening hours Key locations: Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning tributaries; Secondary points in east-facing coves where morning sun warms water first; Deep water access areas near shallow flats where bait schools gather. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked at varying depths to match bait movement, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with umbrella rigs or deep diving crankbaits, Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses to trigger reaction strikes in clear water. Primary forage: Large schools of shad moving from spawning areas to main lake, Juvenile baitfish emerging in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Mead in Summer?

Water temp 78-85°F. Fish are seeking shade and cooler water during hot summer conditions, with active feeding periods early and late in the day Largemouth are splitting time between shallow brush cover and deeper adjacent areas as temperatures fluctuate Key locations: Flooded brush areas with nearby deeper water access; Shaded pockets and overhanging cover along shoreline; Main lake points with brush that provide quick access to deeper water. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Prop) worked around brush early morning, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy brush cover, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along deeper brush edges. Primary forage: Bluegill in shallow brush areas, Shad schools in open water and around points. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Mead in Summer?

Water temp 75-87°F. Early morning shallow feeding activity near rocky areas and points, transitioning to deeper water as temperatures rise during the day Actively feeding on both crawfish around rocky structure and shad in open water, with increased activity during lower light conditions Key locations: Secondary points with rocky structure, especially during morning and evening periods; Deeper boulder fields and rock piles in 5-15 foot range during midday; Shaded areas near ledges and drop-offs during peak daytime temperatures. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning hours, Drop Shot around shade pockets and ledges during midday, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with intermittent retrieve near rock piles, Football Jigs with craw trailers dragged along points. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage during low light periods and around bait balls, Crawfish - actively feeding around rocky structure and points. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Mead in Summer?

Water temp 74-85°F. Active surface feeding on shad with frequent boils, particularly during low light periods Seeking shade during peak heat, utilizing structure in coves and boulder areas Utilizing full water column but concentrating in upper levels when actively feeding Key locations: Active surface boils in open water following shad schools; Shaded areas near boulders and grass piles in coves; Main lake points and channel edges adjacent to bait concentrations. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Walking) over active surface feeding fish, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) near boulders and grass in shaded areas, Drop Shot when fish are holding deeper or less active. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage, concentrated in large schools), Other Baitfish (secondary forage in structure areas). Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Mead in Fall?

Water temp 65-80°F. Actively chasing shad schools in open water and near shorelines, particularly evident by bird activity Transitioning between shallow and medium depths (5-15 feet) based on daily conditions and forage location Key locations: Areas where shad are schooling, especially near shorelines and points where birds are active; Flooded brush in 5-15 foot depth range; Bank areas where stripers are pushing bait. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs with fast retrieves when bass are actively chasing shad, Drop Shot with soft plastics in 5-15 foot range around brush, Buzzbaits and walking topwater baits during active feeding periods. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports and bird activity, Crawfish - particularly around brush areas as indicated by recent reports. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Mead in Fall?

Water temp 65-80°F. Actively feeding on shad in open water, following bait balls with aggressive feeding periods Moving between shallow rocky points and deeper structure based on light and temperature conditions Showing increased schooling behavior as they target concentrated baitfish Key locations: Rocky points adjacent to deep water where bait balls are present; Offshore structure in 15-25 foot range near baitfish schools; Main lake points with boulder structure. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs with swimbait trailers worked through bait schools, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting transitional areas, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) matching shad size. Primary forage: Shad schools in open water, Crawfish on rocky structure, Small baitfish in bait balls. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Mead in Fall?

Water temp 74-80°F. Actively chasing shad in bait balls, particularly in east-facing coves during morning hours when water warms quickly Fish are utilizing the full water column, from surface to deep water, adjusting depth based on bait location and time of day Key locations: East-facing coves where water warms quickly in the morning; Areas with active bait balls in open water; Deep water adjacent to feeding zones for transitional holding areas. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs with swimbait trailers to match shad size, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) in shad patterns, Spinnerbaits worked through active bait schools. Primary forage: Shad in large bait balls, Scattered smaller baitfish schools. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Mead in Winter?

Water temp 49-66°F. Largemouth bass are holding in deeper water (17-22ft) near structural elements, making selective feeding movements Fish are responding to shad movements, with some fish still utilizing shallower water during warming trends Key locations: Deep main lake points and humps in 17-22ft range; Secondary points with access to deeper water; Submerged vegetation in lower basin during warmer periods. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked slowly along bottom in deeper water, Drop Shot with finesse presentations, Bladed Jigs for covering water during warming trends. Primary forage: Shad schools in deeper water, Suspended baitfish near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Mead in Winter?

Water temp 55-62°F. Smallmouth bass are holding on rocky main lake points at moderate depths (15-20 feet), actively feeding on crawfish Fish are showing broad depth range utilization (5-25 feet) suggesting they follow active crawfish movements throughout the day Key locations: Rocky points in main lake areas, particularly from 15-20 feet deep; Rocky transition areas between points and deeper water, focusing on 5-25 foot depth range; Main lake structure with boulder and rock composition. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure, Football Jigs dragged on rocky points, Drop Shot with small profile baits for suspended fish. Primary forage: Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure, Small baitfish relating to points. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Mead in Winter?

Water temp 45-55°F. Schooling in deep water near main lake points and channel breaks, following larger concentrations of baitfish Most active during warmer parts of day, typically early afternoon when water temperatures peak Feeding patterns become more predictable as fish concentrate around specific structure and depth ranges Key locations: Deep main lake points adjacent to channel breaks (20-40 feet); East-facing coves that warm first during sunny afternoons; Deep water sanctuaries near major creek channels. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigging spoons, Trolling Deep (20'+) with umbrella rigs, Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked slowly through suspended schools. Primary forage: Schooled shad in deeper water, Yellow perch along deeper structure, Suspended baitfish schools near thermocline. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.