As of October 8, 2024, here’s a detailed fishing report for Lake Mead, Nevada.
### Weather and Time
Today, the weather at Lake Mead is expected to be clear with a high of around 85°F and a low of 68°F. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 6:03 PM. Given the lake's location, there are no tidal changes to consider, as it is a freshwater reservoir.
### Fish Activity
Striped bass are highly active during the cooler hours of the day, particularly around dawn and dusk. These fish are known to feed voraciously on shad at the surface, creating "boils" that are ideal for casting topwater lures or using live shad as bait. Hard plastics in shad patterns are also effective for drawing strikes.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing remains slow, but persistent anglers have found success around Las Vegas Bay using topwater poppers and Chatterbaits. Channel catfish and carp are active, especially in the late afternoon, and can be caught using anchovies, corn, or nightcrawlers.
### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, live shad or store-bought anchovies are the best baits. Chumming with anchovies or corn can also attract these fish. Topwater lures and hard plastics in shad patterns work well during their active feeding times. For catfish and carp, beef or chicken liver, shrimp, or prepared baits are effective, with corn being a favorite for both species.
### Hot Spots
- **Hatchery Cove**: This area is known for its active striped bass population, especially in deeper waters. Anchoring near the hatchery building and using nightcrawlers on the bottom can yield good results.
- **Hemenway**: This spot is promising for catching catfish and carp, with frequent catches reported using anchovies and corn in the late afternoon.
- **Las Vegas Bay**: For those targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass, this area has seen some success with topwater poppers and Chatterbaits.
### Recent Catches
While specific catch numbers for yesterday are not available, striped bass have been consistently caught in good numbers, especially in areas like Hatchery Cove. Channel catfish and carp are also being caught regularly around the shorelines and in areas like Hemenway.
Remember to follow local fishing regulations, including the requirement for a valid Nevada or Arizona fishing license and the Nevada Special Use Stamp for lakes Mead and Mohave. Enjoy your day on the water