Fishing At Lake Mead

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and striped bass at Lake Mead in Arizona.

By Rick Seaman

Located on the Colorado River along the Arizona-Nevada border, massive Lake Mead is truly a recreation paradise. 160,000 surface-acres fulfill the dreams of those who love to spend time on the water boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming and vacationing on rental houseboats.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing, and area amenities to beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows the visitor to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Mead, located in Arizona, is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a diverse angling experience. The lake, formed by the Colorado River, offers abundant opportunities to catch a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot among both locals and visitors.

Lake Video

One of the main attractions of Lake Mead is its excellent striped bass fishing. The lake is known for its robust population of striped bass, providing anglers with the chance to reel in some impressive catches. These hard-fighting fish are highly sought after for their size and thrilling fights. Anglers can target striped bass using a variety of techniques, such as trolling, casting with topwater lures, or using live bait.

In addition to striped bass, Lake Mead is also home to other popular sport fish species. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie can be found in the lake's waters, providing anglers with a diverse range of fishing opportunities. Whether you prefer targeting bass or going after catfish, Lake Mead offers something for every angler.

Lake Mead in Arizona is a prime destination for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass, providing an exhilarating bass fishing experience. The lake is known for its robust population of largemouth bass, making it a favorite spot for bass fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels. Largemouth bass are highly sought after for their size, strength, and acrobatic fights. Anglers can employ various techniques such as flipping and pitching soft plastics, working topwater lures, or using crankbaits to entice these prized game fish. The lake offers diverse fishing opportunities with its vast shoreline, submerged structures, and clear waters. Anglers can explore different areas of the lake, including coves, rocky points, and weed beds, to find their preferred fishing spots. The plentiful food sources and favorable conditions in the lake create an ideal habitat for largemouth bass to thrive, making it an exciting challenge to land a trophy-sized bass.

Arizona Side

Arizonans access the lake at two primary marinas. To camp or launch at Lake Mead Marina, take US Highway 93 across the Hoover Dam bypass into Nevada. Turn north on Lakeshore road to arrive at Lake Mead Marina.To access to the Temple Bar area, leave Highway 93 onto Temple Bar Road (County Road 143) east approximately 24 miles to Temple Bar Marina.

Nevada Side

Several options for accessing Lake Mead, are available from Nevada. Highway 147 out of Las Vegas travels Stewart's Point, Echo Bay and Callville Bay. There is also a turnoff onto Lakeshore Blvd for access to Lake Mead Marina.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Mead

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bass & Striper Fishing at Lake Mead.

Largemouth bass populations have declined with the introduction of striped bass into Lake Mead. However, there is still plenty of action for both species. Stripers school, often in very large schools, and the fishing can be fast and furious when you locate one of these schools. They may be deep or cruising the surface chasing schools of shad. When stripers are shallow, any baitfish-imitating lure will catch them. If you find them deep, a spoon or cut bait will do the trick. Largemouth can be caught by most conventional methods, when you find an area that is not dominated by stripers.

Lake Mead Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

(Weather at Hoover Dam)

Boating is a favorite activity at Lake Mead, offering anglers and recreational enthusiasts the chance to explore the vast waters. With its expansive size and multiple marinas, the lake provides ample space for boaters to cruise around and find their ideal fishing spots. From motorized boats to kayaks, there are options available for all types of boating enthusiasts.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Callville Bay Resort & Marina
Rentals: Bass boats, deck boats and pontoons
702 565-4813

Lake Mead Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
702 293-3484

Temple Bar Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, deck boats, runabouts, canoes and kayaks
928 767-3211

Marinas

Lake Mead Marina
490 Horsepower Cove
Boulder City, NV 89005
702 293-3484

Temple Bar Marina
1 Main St
Temple Bar Marina, AZ 86443
928 767-3211

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Callville Bay Resort & Marina
100 Callville Bay Rd
Overton, NV 89040
Concrete boat launch ramp with ample paved parking.
702 565-4813

Echo Bay Launch Ramp
Concrete boat launch ramp with ample parking, located midway up the Overton Arm on the west side of the lake.

Hemenway Harbor Launch Ramp
Boulder City, NV 89005
Large concrete launch ramp with plenty of parking.
702 293-8990

South Cove Marina
Concrete boat launch ramp with ample paved parking, located on the southeast sector of the lake.

Temple Bar Marina
1 Main St
Temple Bar Marina, AZ 86443
Concrete boat launch ramp with ample paved parking.
928 767-3211

Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.

Click here for a Nevada Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Lake Mead, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the outdoor experience. The lake features several campgrounds with amenities such as picnic areas, fire pits, and restrooms. Camping near Lake Mead provides anglers with the opportunity to spend multiple days enjoying the fishing, boating, and natural beauty of the area.