Lake Mohave

Overview

Lake Mohave is a 67‑mile Colorado River reservoir framed by steep desert canyons between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam. Created in 1951 to regulate releases from Hoover Dam, it straddles the Nevada–Arizona line and mixes river‑narrow sections (Black Canyon is under 300 feet wide in places) with broad open water like Cottonwood Basin, which spreads to nearly four miles across.

What You’ll See

Expect striking blue water against the Black, Eldorado, Painted, and Pyramid canyon walls. The lake’s northern reach feels river‑like; farther south, coves and wider water invite exploring and swimming. Look for desert wildlife along the shore and keep an eye out for wild burros. Under the surface, the lake supports a mix of native species and popular game fish.

Hubs and Access

You’ve got three developed gateways:

• Willow Beach (upper lake, Arizona): marina, boat ramp, small beach, restaurant, and a convenience store. Campground with full‑hookup RV sites and walk‑in tent sites, plus showers and laundry.
• Cottonwood Cove (mid‑lake, Nevada): marina, boat ramp, camp store, motel, sandy beach/picnic area, and boat rentals (including houseboats). Campground areas include both no‑hookup and full‑hookup loops with water, flush toilets, and laundry.
• Katherine Landing (south end near Laughlin, Arizona): full‑service marina with rentals, restaurant, camp store, picnic area, and extensive camping (mix of standard sites and full‑hookup RV sites), plus showers, laundry, and a dump station.

There’s also a launch at Princess Cove on the Arizona side.

On the Water

• Boating and paddling: The three marinas are your launch points for exploring coves and long open stretches. The shoreline is part of the Mohave National Water Trail.
• Scuba: Black Canyon offers excellent diving; advanced divers tackle Ringbolt Rapids where swift water demands experience.
• Beaches: Plenty of sandy options, with the quietest often reachable only by boat; some areas offer cabanas for day use.

Fishing

Anglers target largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, plus rainbow trout, channel catfish, and sunfish. Special regulations apply to striped bass here, including a 20‑fish limit at 20 inches minimum and no limit under 20 inches; in certain areas striped bass may be taken by spear or speargun. Always check current rules before you cast.

Wildlife

Along the water and riparian pockets you’ll encounter desert plants, fish, and the occasional wild burro. The lake’s habitat supports both native and introduced species.

Best Time to Visit

It’s a year‑round destination with boating, fishing, diving, camping, and lakeside downtime in every season. Plan around marina fuel and store hours, which can change, and check current park alerts before you travel.

Practical Notes

• Fuel, rentals, repairs, and stores are centered at Willow Beach, Cottonwood Cove, and Katherine Landing; availability can vary.
• Lodging is offered at Cottonwood Cove (motel) and Katherine Landing, with extensive camping and RV options around the lake.