If you're planning to hit the Colorado River near Las Vegas today, here's what you need to know. First off, the weather is expected to be hot, with temperatures soaring up to 100°F and minimal precipitation, so be sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection. The gentle breeze of about 5 mph will make conditions ideal for boating and casting.

Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:30 PM, giving you a full day on the water. The water flow is stable, ranging between 2,000 and 20,000 cubic feet per second, which is typical for this time of year. Water clarity is clear, and temperatures are in the mid-70s to low 80s, affecting fish activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

For striped bass, the area between Davis Dam and the Nature Center is a hot spot. Anglers have been doing well here using anchovies as bait. Along the Nevada side of the river, areas like Sportsman’s Park in Laughlin, Big Bend State Park, and the Avi Resort and Casino offer good boating access and shoreline fishing spots. Backwater areas on the Nevada side are also worth exploring for species like catfish and panfish.

Striped bass are active throughout the day but tend to feed more voraciously during the cooler morning and evening hours. They can be found at various depths but are often near the surface, especially when chasing shad. Black bass are more active in the morning, while catfish tend to bite better at night.

For bait and tackle, anchovies and cut bait that imitate threadfin shad or trout are highly effective for striped bass. Black bass are biting on poppers and rattling jigs, especially during the morning hours. Channel catfish can be caught using stink bait and anchovies fished along drop-offs.

Local anglers suggest staying mobile and looking for bird activity, which can indicate the presence of schooling fish. Nighttime bank anglers have been successful in catching small stripers, catfish, and panfish.

So, gear up, stay hydrated, and enjoy the day on the Colorado River. The clear waters and active fish make for an exciting day of fishing.