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Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Striped Bass in Nevada are not native to the state but were successfully introduced into Colorado River impoundments starting in 1959.

These anadromous fish have adapted well to Nevada's reservoir systems, establishing thriving populations in Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River below Davis Dam.

Nevada's striped bass are descendants of Atlantic coast fish that were originally stocked in California's San Francisco Bay area in 1879.

Scientific Name: Morone saxatilis

Physical Characteristics:
  • Lake Mead has become famous for its striped bass fishery, with occasional catches weighing over 40 pounds, though fish in the 2-3 pound range are more common.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These fish prefer larger, deeper water bodies and are most abundant in the main lake areas rather than shallow coves.

Key Locations

  • Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Colorado River below Davis Dam, Cottonwood Cove area, Willow Beach, Katherine's Landing vicinity, upper Lake Mohave area near Hoover Dam outflow.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas include the deeper main lake areas, around powerlines in coves (especially during cooler months), off points near Davis Dam.
  • On the Colorado River below Davis Dam, focus on areas with current and structure.
  • Look for 'boils' where stripers surface-feed on baitfish schools.

Striped Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Striped Bass in Nevada?

Live threadfin shad is the premier choice, store-bought anchovies work extremely well, cut anchovies are particularly effective around structure. Topwater lures, Kast-Master jigs, swimbaits, tube jigs, spinners, crankbaits, pencil poppers, and Rat-L-Traps in silver and blue colors.

When is the best time to fish for Striped Bass in Nevada?

Nevada's best striped bass fishing occurs from April through November, with peak action in October and excellent fishing continuing through December. During cooler months (November through March), stripers move shallower into coves at 10-25 foot depths.

How do you catch Striped Bass in Nevada?

Chumming is permitted and highly effective - use anchovies and corn as preferred chum, fish over the chummed area for at least an hour before moving. Swimbaits jigged in deeper water, working Kast-Master jigs over schools, topwater fishing during early morning surface activity.

What do Striped Bass eat?

Striped bass are opportunistic predators with an eclectic diet including threadfin shad, gizzard shad, anchovies, various baitfish, crustaceans, and occasionally other game fish like rainbow trout. They feed actively throughout the water column but show preference for areas with abundant forage.

Where do Striped Bass live in Nevada?

These fish prefer larger, deeper water bodies and are most abundant in the main lake areas rather than shallow coves.

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