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Fall Fishing Report from Lake Mead: Stripers, Bass, and More in the Autumn Bite
Artificial Lure here with your Lake Mead fishing report for Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.
Sunrise hit Lake Mead at about 6:42 this morning and we’ll see sunset close in around 6:04 this evening, giving anglers a solid window for those prime bites. Weather’s seasonably cool for late October—daytime highs expected near 80°F, and overnight lows dropping to the upper 40s—so layer up, especially for those early casts. Winds are mild, sitting at 5 to 10 mph from the northwest this morning, which makes for smooth water and easy handling, whether you’re drifting coves or working points.
With autumn in full swing and no tides to worry about inland, fish activity is picking up as water temps cool. Stripers are chasing shad in schools near open water and the edges of submerged structure. Recently, local anglers have been pulling in solid numbers of striped bass—many running 2–5 pounds, with the occasional double-digit brute reported from the deeper southern basin and drop-offs near the Boulder Basin.
Black bass action is respectable, too. You’ll find smallmouth and largemouth hanging tight to chunk rock and brush. According to seasoned pros like Rick Clunn, who’s had success here during fall tournaments, topwater lures like the Walking Boss are producing strikes at first light—especially if you get a little chop on the surface. Transition to shad-pattern crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics as the sun rises. For smallmouth, finesse tactics on rocky points pay off, so keep Ned rigs and light jigs handy.
Catfish are still on the prowl, particularly in coves with muddy bottoms and brush. Channel cats up to 10 pounds have been landed lately—most after sunset using cut bait, chicken liver, or shrimp. Early birds are scoring rainbow trout at the nearby Black Canyon site, with best results on small spinners or PowerBait, especially around inflows and cooler pockets. Fall is prime for trout action, so don’t overlook those tributary mouths.
The shad spawn is winding down, but bait balls remain visible. If you’re targeting stripers, matching the hatch is key. Toss chrome or white swimbaits, vertical jigging spoons, and topwater plugs when you see surface boils. For deeper fish, use cut anchovy or sardines on drop lines near the old river channel.
Hot spots today:
- **Government Wash:** Stripers and catfish in the early mornings, with plenty of shad activity.
- **Boulder Basin:** Smallmouth near rocky ledges; reliable counts of two- to four-pounders.
- **Las Vegas Bay:** Trout and bass near inflows—especially mornings after a cool night.
Remember, fall fishing at Lake Mead is about timing and location—early and late in the day for best action, focus on transition zones, and don’t be afraid to move if the bite slows down. Local guides and regulars all recommend being flexible with your lure selection as water clarity and wind can change quickly.
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Published on 1 week, 3 days ago