Bass Fishing In Nevada
Guide To Spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass in NV.
By Rick Seaman
Nevada Bass Fishing
Bass fishing in Nevada is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.
Bass fishing basics video.
Bass Fishing In The State
Largemouth Bass Fishing In Nevada
Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Nevada. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Nevada. The state record largemouth bass is over 12 pounds.
Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass
Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!
Popular bass fishing spots include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu. The best time to target largemouth bass is during the warmer months when they become more active and move closer to the shallows to feed.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Nevada
While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 8 pounds.
The Sparks Marina and the Truckee River are popular destinations for smallmouth bass fishing. The best time to catch them is in the spring and fall when they are more active and responsive to various lures and baits.
Spotted Bass Fishing In Nevada
Spotted bass, while less abundant than largemouth and smallmouth, can still be found in some of Nevada's reservoirs and lakes. Lake Mead and Lake Mohave are known for having populations of spotted bass. They are similar in behavior to largemouth bass and offer an exciting challenge for anglers.
Bass fishing in Nevada is a year-round activity, with the best seasons varying depending on the specific species and the location. Spring and fall are generally considered prime times for bass fishing, as the water temperatures are comfortable, and the bass are more active. However, dedicated anglers can find success throughout the year with proper techniques and knowledge of the local waters.
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Nevada
Bass can be found in most of the southern waters in Nevada and throughout the Colorado River system of lakes. The major lakes in NV with healthy populations of bass include Lake Lahontan, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Ruby Lake, Rye Patch Reservoir, Topaz Lake, South Fork Reservoir and Wild Horse Reservoir.
Bass In Nevada
Largemouth bass
World record: 22 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 12 lbs 0 oz
Smallmouth bass
World record: 11 lbs 15 oz
State Record: 8 lbs 11 oz
Spotted bass
World record: 9 lbs 8 oz
State Record: 4 lbs 6 oz
Click the images and links above for species details.
Top 5 bass fishing lures for Nevada this year
When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.
Nevada State Record Bass
The state record largemouth bass was caught from Lake Mead.
The state record smallmouth bass came from South Fork Reservoir.
The state record spotted bass was caught out of Helms Lake at Sparks Marina.
Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Nevada.
Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Silver State.
Catch big bass!
Bass fishing information by state.
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The lifecycle of bass
The more you know about the seasonal migration of bass, the more likely you are to be looking in the right area next time you visit Nevada bass fishing lakes. Visit the bass fishing page for more in-depth information about bass activities.