Map of Lake Mohave

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History

Lake Mohave was created in 1951 following the construction of Davis Dam on the Colorado River southeast of Las Vegas. It is located within the Lake Mead Recreational Area and is administered by the National Park Service.

Pertinent Information

The 64 mile long reservoir covers approximately 30,000 surface acres to a maximum depth of 120 feet. It is subject to fluctuating water levels and exchange flows. The upper 20 miles of the reservoir lies within Black Canyon and is cold all year from Hoover Dam’s deep-water releases. The remainder of the reservoir is seasonally warm and more open with the widest section in Cottonwood Basin (4 miles). Game fish include striped bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish. Nongame fish include carp, razorback sucker, bonytail chub, red shiner, and threadfin shad. The best time of year to fish for striped bass is April through November with the peak in October. For largemouth bass, March through June is generally best and for rainbow trout anytime they are stocked (November through March). Generally, the most productive fishing for striped bass occurs when sunlight is low or at night. During these times, use cut bait or lures as fish move into shallow water to feed. Daytime fishing requires trolling or still fishing 40 to 100 feet deep with cut bait or lures that imitate trout or shad. Plastic worms, live worms, and various crankbaits work best for largemouth bass during the spawning season. For trout, Power Bait and small spinners work best within 3 to 4 days of a plant. Two state records have come from Lake Mohave; a 63 lb striped bass was caught in 2001 and a 16 lb 4 oz rainbow trout was caught in 1971 (although recently beaten in February 2011 with a 16 lb 8 oz from Ruby Lake). Other water records include a 30 lb 8 oz carp, an 11 lb largemouth bass, a 26 lb 4 oz channel catfish, a 2 lb 12 oz black crappie, a 1 lb 1 oz bluegill sunfish, and an 11 lb 6 oz cutthroat trout. There are three marinas with launch ramps, two in Arizona (Willow Beach and Katherine’s Landing) and one in Nevada (Cottonwood Cove). There is a launch ramp at Princess Cove in the Arizona near Katherine’s landing. Developed camping is available at Cottonwood Cove and Katherine’s Landing. Shoreline camping is permitted and campers should carry out their trash and provide for adequate sanitation. Bring plenty of drinking water since summer temperatures can exceed 110 degrees F.

Stocking

The Willow Beach is usually stocked every 2 weeks, year round with 1,000 to 2,000, 12 inch rainbow trout by the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery. Nevada Department of Wildlife will not stock Lake Mohave this year.

Regulations

Season is open year around, any hour of the day or night, except in areas as posted. Limits are 10 trout, 6 black bass, 25 catfish and 15 crappie. There is no limit on striped bass less than 20 inches total length. The limit on striped bass 20 inches total length or longer is 20 fish. There is no limit restriction on other game fish.

Boating Regulations

Watch for restricted or prohibited areas around marinas, Davis Dam, and in the Black Canyon above Willow Beach.

Access

Travel east out of Las Vegas for approximately 20 miles on Highway 515, 93, or 95 towards Boulder City, turning south on 95 to Searchlight. You will reach Searchlight in 40 miles. From here, turn east and travel approximately 13 miles to Cottonwood Cove at Lake Mohave. To reach Willow Beach, stay on Highway 93 from Las Vegas through Boulder City. Crossover into Arizona via the Hover Dam Bypass and in another 12 miles, you will reach the turnoff to Willow Beach.