Mohave Days and Laughlin Nights 

Fifteen minutes out of Katherine’s Landing was all I could stand.  I turned into a cove, and dropped the trolling motor.  As I reached down to grab my reel, my fishing buddy let out a whoop and set the hook hard.  Moments later she was rewarded with a nice 5 pound Mohave Largemouth. 

 Lake Mohave is a part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area located on the Colorado River and was formed by Davis Dam in the 1950’s.  This 67 mile long lake is comparatively narrow, not more than 4 miles across at its widest point. It is confined for most of its length between the steep walls of Pyramid, Painted, Eldorado and Black canyons.   From Bullhead City or Laughlin, access to the lake is only a few miles up the road at Katherine’s Landing.   You will also find the Lake Mohave Resort featuring a Motel and a National Parks Service Campground.

Mohave has it all, Large Mouth Bass, Crappie; you name it, even Trout. Stripped Bass were introduced into the lake in the early 80's as a result of flooding on the Colorado River.  Hoover Dam at the head of Lake Mohave was forced to open its spillways to release excess runoff and strippers were able to establish themselves in the lake.  Lake Mohave's trout and large mouth bass fisheries have not suffered drastically as a result of the stripper introduction.  Cottonwood Cove and Willow Beach areas are particularly good for Striper Fishing nearly year round. 

But for me one of the best things about Mohave is Laughlin.  My wife likes to fish, but after a long day of fishing, a shower, some great food, a little nightlife and a soft bed makes my fishing buddy happy.  If she gets tired of fishing we take a break, go bowling, play a round of golf, see a movie, or try our luck in the Casino’s.   Then there’s also the Colorado River, you’ll find good fishing there too.  All in all, it’s not your usual fishing trip and its not terribly expensive either.  The only problem I’ve encountered is trying to get her to fish anywhere else.

You won’t have any problems parking you rig.  The parking lots are full of boats and the Casino’s don’t mind.  There is a park and a public ramp nearby where you can launch your boat into the Colorado.  Because Lake Mohave and the Colorado River are located on the Nevada and Arizona Border, you must purchase a Colorado River special use-fishing stamp.   For more information you can call The Arizona Game and Fish Department at 1-800 ASK FISH or contact the Laughlin Visitor Information Center at (702) 298-3321 or call 1-800-4-LAUGHLIN.  So head on over to Laughling and try your luck.  Your fishing buddy will love you for it.