Crankbaits
Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap
The classic lipless rattling crankbait for flats and schooling fish.
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The huge Colorado River reservoir behind Hoover Dam with striped bass and largemouth.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Mead for largemouth bass and striped bass. The best months overall are Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, largemouth bass and striped bass are in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Bass Jig and Spinnerbait are a good place to start. There are 6 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Boulder City Bass Tackle in Boulder City, 28 mi away. Lake Mohave is 50 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov
In October
Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Lake Mead Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
10 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Walking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass · Surface blitzes.
Shop This LureSoft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureBass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz
LureJig · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.
Shop This LureBladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.
Shop This LureSquarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureLipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Striped Bass
Shop This LureBucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz
LureJig · Striped Bass
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass · Live shad or herring.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Largemouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
Striped Bass
Fly 9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, 20 lb leader. Clousers and Deceivers.
Spin / Cast 7 to 8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 30 lb braid with a 20 to 30 lb leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Lake Mead
Line
PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Heddon Zara Spook
The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Lew's Mach Baitcasting Combo
A matched casting combo for bass fishing around cover.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Lake Mead
Bait & Tackle
Boulder City Bass Tackle
Boulder City, Nevada· 28 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Boulder City, NV.
Bait & Tackle
Sunset Market Bait & Tackle
Henderson, Nevada· 32 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Henderson, NV.
Make It a Trip