Today, large stripers, as everywhere else, are not common, but you can expect many three to five pound fish plus an occasional fish in the "teens" on most trips. Considering the superb scenery and the well-known diversions of Las Vegas just over the hill, it should be no surprise that Mead stripers and black bass attract so many Southern Californians. It's just a shame more people don't fly or drive in to enjoy quality fishing and low cost recreation.
Winter is lovely if you avoid windy days that blow you off the lake. A majority of the six million annual visitors find hot summers most comfortable in air-conditioned houseboats or motels or when they zip around the lake. Serious anglers might want to plan to come early or plan a longer stay to enjoy the other attractions of the area. You might book a trip with a guide who can help you learn the lake fast. Make sure you mention "big stripers" and "artificial." Otherwise you will doubtless end dunking anchovy over a small school of stripers in the two- to five-pound range. I find I catch fewer, but much larger fish casting or trolling lures. So we only fish with anchovy when we want channel cats.
Like most fishing writers, Annette and I always fished with Al Cieri. I was his sponsor for membership in Outdoor Writers of America. Al did more to protect Lake Mead striper fishing than anyone I know. Unfortunately, Al died a few years back. Now they have built a prototype fish cleaning station on the lake and named it, and a tournament, after him. You might remember him when you go by.
Going With Guides
Some guides pick up in Las Vegas; others meet you at the lake. If you book a guide, you can use his boat, tackle and expertise. Then, after you learn the basics and see where fish lurk, you can do well on your own. Don't forget, the water backed up behind the 726 foot tall Hoover Dam covers a huge area and fish can be hard to find.
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