As of September 27, 2024, the Colorado River near Las Vegas is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the lingering summer heat. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

**Weather Conditions:**
Expect a hot day with temperatures soaring up to 100°F, minimal precipitation, and a gentle breeze of about 5 mph. Make sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM, giving you ample time to fish during the cooler morning and evening hours.

**Water Conditions:**
The water flow is currently between 2,000 and 20,000 cubic feet per second, which is typical for this time of year. The water clarity is clear, making it ideal for spotting fish. Water temperatures are in the mid to high 80s, which can affect fish activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

**Fish Activity:**
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.

**Catches:**
Yesterday, anglers caught limits of striped bass along the shoreline, with some fish reaching up to 15 inches. Largemouth and smallmouth bass were also caught, particularly in the morning hours. Channel catfish were active at night, biting on stink bait and anchovies.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For striped bass, anchovies and cut bait that imitate threadfin shad or trout are highly effective. Live shad or store-bought anchovies are recommended, and chumming with anchovies or corn can attract schools of stripers. Kastmasters, swim baits, and top-water lures work well during the late afternoon when stripers are boiling at the surface. For largemouth and smallmouth bass, poppers and rattling jigs are good choices, especially during the morning hours. Plastics and crankbaits can also yield good results. Channel catfish can be caught using stink bait and anchovies in tubes, fished along drop-offs and bottom areas.

**Hot Spots:**
Focus on the areas between Davis Dam and the Nature Center, as well as the backwater areas along the Nevada side of the river. Sportsman’s Park in Laughlin, Big Bend State Park, and the Avi Resort and Casino offer good boating access and shoreline fishing spots. These areas have been producing good catches of striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and channel catfish.

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. Enjoy your day on the Colorado River