Phoenix, Arizona – Anglers targeting Lake Mead and Lake Mohave have new opportunities for harvesting striped bass and catfish following regulatory updates approved by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
The commission greenlit these out-of-cycle fishing regulations changes during its January 16, 2026, meeting. Under the new rules, the daily bag limit for striped bass is now unlimited, while the limit for catfish has been raised to 25 fish per day. These modifications apply equally to both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, two popular shared-water bodies straddling the Arizona-Nevada border.
The primary goal of the adjustments is to synchronize Arizona’s rules with recent changes implemented by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). NDOW revised its striped bass regulations effective January 1, 2026, eliminating what it deemed an unnecessary and complicated restriction: a 20-fish daily limit with a 20-inch minimum size. This alignment simplifies compliance for anglers and enhances enforcement consistency across state lines.
NDOW’s decision stemmed from comprehensive creel survey data, which revealed that anglers seldom reached the previous 20-fish threshold, and even more rarely harvested 20 fish measuring over 20 inches. Further research indicated that striped bass population growth is predominantly influenced by food availability rather than harvest pressure. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reviewed and endorsed these findings, determining no adverse effects on the striped bass populations from the relaxed limits.
During the evaluation, AZGFD also addressed inconsistencies in catfish regulations. In 2015, Arizona reduced its statewide catfish bag limit to 10 fish, which inadvertently altered the special rules for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Restoring the limit to 25 fish at these locations realigns them with NDOW standards. Supporting fisheries data shows stable catfish populations, bolstered by statewide creel surveys indicating that approximately 70 percent of captured catfish are released by anglers. This high release rate suggests the increased harvest allowance poses minimal risk to sustainability.
These targeted changes reflect AZGFD’s commitment to evidence-based fisheries management. While the department typically revises fishing regulations on a biennial cycle, out-of-cycle proposals like this one undergo the same rigorous public review process as standard updates. Public input ensures that modifications balance recreational access with long-term resource health.
The updated Fishing Regulations incorporating these bag limit changes are now available online. Hard copies are expected at AZGFD offices and license vendors by mid- to late February 2026, providing anglers convenient access to the latest rules before heading out.
For outdoor enthusiasts, these updates enhance flexibility on premier waters known for abundant striped bass and catfish. Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume when full, and Lake Mohave offer diverse angling experiences amid stunning desert landscapes. The unlimited striped bass provision, in particular, removes prior constraints, allowing harvest based on individual preference and conditions.
AZGFD emphasizes that while limits are liberalized, responsible practices remain essential for preserving these vital fisheries. Creel surveys continue to monitor harvest patterns, informing future management decisions. As shared resources, ongoing coordination with NDOW exemplifies cooperative stewardship across jurisdictions.
The one statistical highlight from recent assessments is the 70 percent catch-and-release rate for catfish, underscoring anglers‘ conservation ethic. A concrete example of the changes’ basis is the striped bass data at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, where oversized harvests were negligible under prior rules.
For more information, visit Arizona Game and Fish Department.