Lake Mead level rising: what it means for fishing

Best times to fish

Best bite 5:30 am to 7:45 am (sunrise). Also good 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm.

Tomorrow: Best bite 3:00 pm to 5:15 pm (sunset and moonset). Also good 5:30 am to 7:45 am.

Bite outlook by day, from the sun, the moon and the wind forecast.

How warm is the water

Lake Mead shows 81°F at the surface (last clear look from above: 3 weeks ago).

Across the lake it ranges from 74 to 97°F, so the warmer pockets are worth a look.

What's biting

• Striped bass (slow): Hot water. Deep and near the dam. Fish very early or at night.
• Largemouth bass (good): Active early and late. Head to shade, docks and grass in midday.
• Catfish (good): Active. Evenings and nights are best.
• Crappie (fair): Hot water. Deeper brush and bridge pilings, early or at night.

Best spot today

Point drop-off at about 20 ft: The bottom falls away fast off this point, so fish hold here and move up to feed.

See this spot in 3-D

Water level

The gauge reads 1,039.3 ft.

It is rising — 0.9 ft up over 7 days.

That is 32.3 ft below normal for this time of year.

Water level, 1,037.2 to 1,039.3 ft over 29 days.

Weather on the lake

Sunny with a high of 74°F and wind around 13 mph from the N.

Saturday looks calm, good for kayaks and small boats.