Fishing the Hot Striped Bass Bite at Lake Mead's Overton Arm

As of October 7, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake Mead, Nevada, is looking promising despite the lingering summer heat. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

**Weather and Conditions:**
Expect a hot day with temperatures soaring up to 100°F, minimal precipitation, and a gentle breeze of about 5 mph. Make sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection. The water level at Lake Mead is currently at 1,063.98 feet, which is 165.02 feet below the full pool.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:00 PM, giving you ample time to take advantage of the cooler morning and evening hours when fish are most active.

**Fish Activity:**
Striped bass are active around dawn and dusk, providing lively action during these cooler hours. They can be found feeding voraciously on shad at the surface, especially in areas like the Overton Arm and Boulder Beach. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing remains slow, but persistent anglers have found some success around Las Vegas Bay using topwater poppers and Chatterbaits.

**Catches:**
Yesterday, anglers in the Overton Arm reported good top-water action for striped bass, catching significant numbers. Channel catfish and carp are also being caught frequently, particularly in the late afternoon, using anchovies and corn at spots like Hemenway.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For striped bass, live shad or store-bought anchovies are highly effective. Chumming with anchovies or corn can attract schools of stripers. Kastmasters, swim baits, and top-water lures work well during the late afternoon when stripers are boiling at the surface. For largemouth and smallmouth bass, poppers and rattling jigs are good choices, especially during the morning hours. For channel catfish and carp, beef/chicken liver, shrimp, or prepared baits are recommended.

**Hot Spots:**
Focus on the Overton Arm for striped bass, where top-water action has been excellent. For largemouth and smallmouth bass, try the areas around Las Vegas Bay and Echo Bay. Hemenway offers a promising spot for channel catfish and carp.

Remember to stay mobile, look for bird activity indicating schooling fish, and be prepared for the heat and potential windy conditions on the lake. Enjoy your day on the water at Lake Mead