Chilly Fishing on Lake Mead: Stripers, Bass, and Trout Bites Despite Approaching Winter

As of December 28, 2024, here’s the latest fishing report for Lake Mead, Nevada.

First, let's talk about the weather and timing. Today, sunrise is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:30 PM. The weather is expected to be chilly, especially with a cold front approaching, which will make the fish a bit lethargic but also increase their appetite as they prepare for winter.

For Lake Mead, the best times to fish are typically around sunrise and just after sundown. Yesterday, anglers reported good catches of striped bass, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening. Striped bass have been active around Government Wash and Kingman Wash, where using remade Old Henry spinning lures has been successful[1][5].

For those targeting bass, both smallmouth and largemouth bass have been caught in good numbers near the backs of coves using drop shots and dark plastics. With the cold front, these fish are starting to move to their winter holding areas at depths ranging from 15 to 50 feet[1].

If you're looking for hot spots, Government Wash and Kingman Wash are highly recommended. Another good spot is the Hemenway Fishing Pier, which offers access to open water even as parts of the lake start to ice up[3].

In terms of bait, anchovies have been effective for catching striped bass, while green PowerBait has been working well for rainbow trout in the open water areas near the dam and boat dock[1].

Overall, it's a good time to get out on the water, but be prepared for the cold and changing fish behavior as winter sets in.