Artificial Lure here with your Lake Mead fishing report for Friday, May 30, 2025.
Sunrise came in early at 5:30 this morning, and sunset will light up the sky until about 7:45 tonight—plenty of time for lines in the water, but with daytime highs topping 100 degrees, the best fishing is definitely in the early hours or just before dusk. As always, make sure you’re packing lots of water and sun protection; the desert sun doesn’t mess around.
Lake Mead isn’t tidal, so no need to worry about tides shifting your plans. Water levels have remained steady this week, and the surface temperature is pushing into the mid-70s, keeping summer patterns locked in. According to the Lake Mead, Nevada Daily Fishing Report podcast, the big story is stripers dominating the scene right now. Striped bass are hammering live shad and cut anchovies, especially near the cove entrances in the Vegas Wash area and Hemenway Harbor. If you can’t find live bait, three-inch silver swimbaits, white swim baits, and classic Kastmasters are all producing. Jumpin Minnows are a go-to if you’re after that explosive subsurface action.
Bass fishing has gotten a bit tough these past weeks. The black bass—both largemouth and smallmouth—have pulled off the shallows and moved to deeper, cooler water, with most action coming from 15-25 feet down, close to structure. Deep-diving crankbaits in shad patterns, Texas-rigged worms in watermelon or pumpkin, and drop-shot rigs with small creature baits are your best bet. Reports from Sportsman’s Warehouse and the Nevada Department of Wildlife mention anglers still managing some nice fish along the weedy shorelines at Calville Bay and Hemenway Harbor, but you’ll need to grind a bit and fish deep.
Crappie are still spotty but worth targeting in the Overton Arm if you locate a school. Small jigs tipped with minnows, especially around submerged brush piles, can fill your cooler when the bite’s on.
Catfish action is picking up in the warm evenings, especially around Las Vegas Bay. Cut anchovies, chicken liver, or cut shad on the bottom are consistently drawing bites.
For hot spots this week, check out:
- Hemenway Harbor: Early morning striper blitzes, especially on cut bait or swim baits.
- Temple Bar coves: Shaded structure ideal for bass chasing crankbaits or worms deep.
- Government Wash: Reliable striper activity, especially if you beat the heat and launch before sunrise.
Stay safe out there, hydrate often, and make sure you’ve got your fishing license up to date.
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