Tips for Striper Fishing in Las Vegas

Lake Mead

Lake Mead is the Western Hemisphere's 16th largest man-made lake. It was created by the Hoover Dam next to the Colorado River and has 820 miles of shore line.

If you decide to fish during the winter in Lake Mead, note that from November through February you should be able to find striped bass at depths of 25 to 40 feet. This is also peak fishing time for crappie.

Fishing in coves is recommended, according to the River Lakes website section for Lake Mead fishing. Fish swim near the lake wall perimeter during this time as well.

As the water warms from March to May, you can find striped bass in coves at depths of 10 to 25 feet. From June through August, find stripers at depths of 35 feet. As the water cools from September through November find stripers in 10 to 20 feet deep water.

Lake Mohave

Lake Mohave is considered an excellent fishing lake, according to the River Lakes website. The upper lake area is a prime fishing area where the lake is actually a river coming out of the Hoover Dam. Cooler water temperatures and the river current make an attractive fish environment. The current is especially favorited by stripers.

The water is much colder than Lake Mead from March to November and has water at 53 degree temperatures flowing from the Hoover Dam year round. The water that travels 15 to 20 miles south of the dam warms up but is still cool enough for good fishing.

In the winter stripers are found in depths of 10 to 20 feet near cliff areas and coves. In the spring and summer, the water in the northern areas of the lake are still cool enough to attract stripers. Find stripers in deeper water in the fall at depths of 25 to 40 feet.

Additional Striper Fishing Tips

Stripers tend to feed at night. Anchovies are a favorite form of bait for stripers as are live eels, frozen mackerel or other chunk bait. Eels about 20 inches long can be used if you are looking to catch bigger stripers.

Layer warm clothing and wear gloves when fishing in colder temperatures. Try to fish on clear nights with low wind.

Look for current breaks or areas where the current changes due to large rocks or other objects. Current breaks create seams, or an area where water meets from two different directions. Stripers tend to hang around these areas or within a 30-foot radius.