[left]Some pertinent info for ya'll-
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[left]Lake Mead has a maximum depth of 465 feet and covers 150,000 surface acres over its 110-mile length. Game fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black bullhead catfish, bluegill sunfish, green sunfish, black crappie, striped bass, rainbow trout and walleye. Catch rates for 2007 were 4.49 fish per angler. Stripers averaged 19.4 inches in 2006 and rainbow trout 10.0 inches. Approximately 91% of the catch was made up of stripers and 5% were rainbow trout, with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and black crappie making up the other 4% of the catch. Peak catch rates are usually June and July and again in October and November. The most productive months to harvest largemouth bass are June, July and October; to harvest bluegill are May and June; to harvest black crappie January, November and April; to harvest channel catfish June, July and October; to harvest rainbow trout are December, January, February, and March; and to harvest stripers are July, October and November, although stripers are captured year around. Fish can be harvested any time of the day or night if the angler is well equipped, knowledgeable and versatile. During the cold months of November through March, striped bass can be taken during the day with bait (threadfin shad captured with cast net) and at night with top water plugs such as the AC plug fished with a slow retrieve. Additionally, bait can be fished under a clear bubble with or without a slip sinker. Largemouth bass can be patterned in both shallow and deep water with artificial lures fished early morning or evenings. Black crappie can be taken in the Overton Arm at night with live bait such as shiners and/or jigs. Fish against rock walls and in brushy areas. Trout can be taken in the immediate vicinity of their stocking with conventional gear such as worms, Power Bait or lures. Channel catfish occasionally hit spinners, but are usually captured while fishing on the bottom utilizing fresh fish parts, liver, prawns or prepared catfish bait fished on a sliding sinker with a treble hook.
Shad are the best bait for stripers, but are, at times, hard to find. Prepared bait and anchovies are good replacements as well as lures such as Sassy Shad and KastMasters. Numerous top water gear works during fish "boils". Check with the local sporting goods dealer. They will be more than happy to sell the latest "hot" top water lure. Stripers are fished in two ways: at depth (up to 120 feet) with prepared bait or spoons and hunting boils (surface activity generated by stripers actively feeding on shad), then fishing the boil with top water plugs. Chumming is allowed on Lake Mead with anything except game fish parts. One of the favorite chums is anchovies and corn. Fish over the chum for at least an hour then move to a different spot. At times, anchoring along a steep drop
[left]off and chumming on a set pattern will do the trick. Striped bass on the hunt move in schools and will clean up an area quickly, then move on.
Fishing at night is a slow relaxing way to spend an evening. Bait up, chum up, "bell" up and have a seat. You could catch anything from a catfish to a striper to a leatherneck turtle. Striped bass up to 43 pounds have been taken utilizing this method, however, the normal size is 2 to 3 pounds and these make excellent table fare.
While fishing in the back of coves during the spring and summer, look for weedbeds. Holes in the beds and a clean bottom often indicate nesting Tilapia. Try fishing with corn, peas, prepared meats such as hot dogs and/or sour mash or corn meal. Tilapia can weigh as much as 5 pounds and are excellent to eat.
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[left]Camping - Camping via boat is allowed lake wide, while shore camping is becoming restricted. Established mobile type campgrounds are becoming the commonplace around the lake. Drive-to type campgrounds are found at every launch ramp except South Cove, Hemenway and Government Wash. Amenities include showers, water, tables and grills. Areas with full hookups include the Trailer Village, Echo Bay Marina and Overton Marina. Floating restrooms can be foundaround the lake. Seven were installed in 2001. Things to Consider - Summer temperatures at times reach 110°F, so carry water and leave a note as to your destination and expected time of return. The lake can, at times, get very rough, so listen to the weather forecast before boating for any distance, especially in a small craft.
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