Best Times & Seasons to Fish Near Las Vegas (Complete Guide)

Few people think of Las Vegas as a fishing destination, but nearby fisheries offer world-class angling. Knowing the right times to fish in these rich waters can help you catch a lot more fish.

The best times to fish near Las Vegas are generally during the cooler months of spring and fall, from March to May and September to November, with early mornings and late afternoons being the best fishing windows.

Month	Las Vegas-Area Fishing Location
January	Lake Mohave – Anglers can find success fishing for largemouth bass and striped bass at Katherine Landing.
February	Colorado River – The riverbanks near Laughlin are great spots for catching smallmouth bass and catfish.
March	Lake Mead – The Overton Arm area offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass and catfish.
April	Lake Las Vegas – Anglers can target largemouth bass and rainbow trout in this scenic reservoir.
May	Lake Mead – Boulder Basin is a prime location for catching striped bass and black bass.
June	Lake Mead – Black Canyon is a great spot for pursuing largemouth bass and striped bass.
July	Colorado River – The river near Searchlight provides opportunities to catch smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.
August	Lake Mohave – Anglers can target striped bass and catfish at Willow Beach.
September	Colorado River – Anglers can target smallmouth bass and striped bass near Nelson.
October	Lake Mohave – Katherine Landing is excellent for pursuing striped bass and catfish.
November	Colorado River – Anglers can target smallmouth bass and striped bass in the river near Nelson.
December	Lake Mohave – Katherine Landing is an excellent spot for pursuing striped bass and catfish.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish near Las Vegas. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Fishing near Las Vegas

Virgin River, Virgin: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Muddy River, Moapa: Best months for fishing: March to May and October to December; Targeted fish: Carp, Channel Catfish.

Colorado River, Laughlin: Best months for fishing: Year-round; Targeted fish: Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass.

Cottonwood Creek, Blue Diamond: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Las Vegas Wash, Las Vegas: Best months for fishing: Year-round; Targeted fish: Carp, Channel Catfish.

Meadow Valley Wash, Caliente: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

White River, Ely: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Eagle Valley Reservoir, Pioche: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Mount Charleston: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Lee Canyon Creek, Mount Charleston: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Cold Creek, Mount Charleston: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Kyle Canyon Creek, Mount Charleston: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Willow Creek, Mount Charleston: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Lee Meadows, Mount Charleston: Best months for fishing: April to June and September to November; Targeted fish: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Moapa Valley: Best months for fishing: Year-round; Targeted fish: Carp, Channel Catfish.

Eldorado Canyon, Nelson: Best months for fishing: Year-round; Targeted fish: Largemouth Bass, Catfish.

Lake Mead, Boulder City: Best months for fishing: Year-round; Targeted fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass.

Lake Mohave, Laughlin: Best months for fishing: Year-round; Targeted fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass.

Colorado River, Searchlight: Best months for fishing: Year-round; Targeted fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass.

Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City: Best months for fishing: Year-round; Targeted fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass.

Recommended Fishing Guides near Las Vegas

These Lake Mead-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Hooked On Stripers – Lake Mead	Boulder City, NV
Hooked On Stripers – Willow Beach	Willow Beach, AZ
Big Water Boating – Grand Canyon Skywalk	Meadview, AZ

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout can be found near Las Vegas during the spring and fall seasons, from March to May and September to November. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon when the water is cooler. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for cutthroat trout fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River, and Willow Beach.

Brown Trout

The best times to fish for brown trout near Las Vegas are during the cooler months, from October to April. Brown trout are most active during early morning and late afternoon when the water is cooler. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for brown trout fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River, and Willow Beach.

Rainbow Trout

The best times to fish for rainbow trout near Las Vegas are during the cooler months, from October to April. Rainbow trout are more active during early morning and late afternoon when the water is cooler. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for rainbow trout fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River, and Willow Beach.

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee fishing near Las Vegas is best during the spring and fall seasons, particularly from April to June and September to October. Kokanee are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for kokanee fishing include Lake Mohave, Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, and the Colorado River.

Largemouth Bass

The best times to fish for largemouth bass near Las Vegas are spring and fall, from March to May, and September to November. Largemouth bass are most active during the early morning and late afternoon when the water is cooler. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for largemouth bass fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu, and Lake Las Vegas.

Smallmouth Bass

The best times to fish for smallmouth bass near Las Vegas are spring and fall, from March to May, and September to November. Smallmouth bass are most active during the early morning and late afternoon when the water is cooler. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for smallmouth bass fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River, and Lake Havasu.

Striped Bass

The best times to fish for striped bass near Las Vegas are spring and fall, from March to May and September to November. Striped bass are active during low light conditions, so early morning and late afternoon are ideal for fishing. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for striped bass fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River, and Willow Beach.

Hybrid Striped Bass

The best times to fish for wipers near Las Vegas are typically during the spring and fall seasons, from March to May and September to November. Wipers are most active during low light conditions, so early morning and late afternoon are good times to fish. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for wiper fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Willow Beach.

Carp

The best times to fish for carp near Las Vegas are spring and fall, from March to May and September to November. Carp are active during the day, so fishing in the morning or afternoon is recommended. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for carp fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River.

Crappie

The best times to fish for crappie near Las Vegas are spring and fall, from March to May and September to November. Crappie are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for crappie fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu, and Willow Beach.

Catfish

The best times to fish for catfish near Las Vegas are during the warmer months, from April to September. Catfish are more active in the evening and at night, so fishing during those times can be more successful. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for catfish fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River, and Pahranagat Lake.

Walleye

Walleye fishing near Las Vegas is best during the cooler months, typically from October to March. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to target walleye, as they are most active during low-light conditions. Some of the best locations near Las Vegas for walleye fishing include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River.

Best Fishing near Las Vegas on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lake Mead: Lake Mead, just east of Las Vegas, is an excellent place for striped bass fishing in winter. These fish remain active even in the colder months, providing a good challenge.
Colorado River: Winter is a great time for trout fishing in the Colorado River. The cooler water temperatures are just right for rainbow trout.
Echo Canyon State Park: You can find largemouth bass at Echo Canyon State Park even in the winter. These fish don’t mind the cooler temperatures, making them a good choice for winter fishing.
Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area: Located a few hours north of Las Vegas, this area has several reservoirs known for their rainbow trout, which can be caught even in winter.

Spring

Lake Mead: Just east of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is a great spot for bass fishing in the spring. As the water warms up, bass start to feed more and it’s an excellent time to catch them.
Colorado River: You can find rainbow trout in the Colorado River, especially in the spring. This is when the trout are most active and it’s a fantastic time for fishing.
Lake Mohave: Lake Mohave is a popular spot for fishing striped bass in the spring. These fish love the changing temperatures and can provide a lot of fun.
Pahranagat Lake: Located north of Las Vegas, Pahranagat Lake is a great spot for catching catfish in the spring. As the weather warms up, the catfish begin to feed more, making spring a great time to fish.

Summer

Lake Mead: Summer is a great time to fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass in Lake Mead. These fish love the warm water and provide exciting fights for anglers.
Lake Mohave: Known for its striped bass, Lake Mohave is an excellent place for summer fishing. These fish are particularly active in the warm summer months.
Colorado River: If you enjoy fishing for rainbow trout, head to the Colorado River in the summer. Even though it’s warm, the river’s cooler waters can still offer great trout fishing.
Echo Canyon State Park: Catfish are abundant in the waters of Echo Canyon State Park during the summer months. They love the warm weather, making this a great time to fish.

Fall

Lake Mead: Lake Mead is an excellent location for fishing striped bass in the fall. As the water cools down, these fish tend to feed more and are a lot of fun to catch.
Lake Mohave: During the fall, you can catch a variety of fish like smallmouth bass and rainbow trout in Lake Mohave. They are more active with the milder temperatures of fall.
Colorado River: The Colorado River is a great place to fish for rainbow trout in the fall. The cooler water temperatures in fall are perfect for these fish.
Pahranagat Lake: Fall is a fantastic time to fish for catfish at Pahranagat Lake, north of Las Vegas. As the temperatures start to cool, catfish become more active, making it a great time for fishing.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Utah, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Wyoming, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Colorado, check out this guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Arizona. Click here to see a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Nevada.