Trip to lake mojave

[brekonripper]

Hi everyone, We've been planning a trip out to lake mojave from California, this will be our first out of state trip and I have a few questions. First question, will my California registration be valid on lake mojave? Second, If my kids want to drop a line in the water, do they need to be accompanied by a licensed adult? Third, We will be launching out of kathrine, keeping in mind fuel prices, does anyone have coordinates of a nice beach to campout at? And please feel free to kick down any advise or wisdom you may have about mojave or the area in general.


Thanks.

 

[Bigdaveaz]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

When, do you know the temps here?

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

CA tags on the boat is good, but you need a Lake Mead Recreational Area tag which is available at the entrance to the lake. Not sure about the kids fishing without an adult, but you will need an AZ or NV fishing license with the lake stamp since Mohave does not border CA. Not familiar with the lake by Katherine's as I usually launch at Willow Beach, 50 miles up lake.

Google Earth is handy for finding places beach and camp. I've heard Katherine's get's to be a cluster on the weekends, if you haven't made permanent plans you might look into launching out of Cottonwood Cove,,, but then you don't have Laughlin 15 minutes away.

 

[azlakes]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

We will be launching out of kathrine, keeping in mind fuel prices, does anyone have coordinates of a nice beach to campout at? And please feel free to kick down any advise or wisdom you may have about mojave or the area in general. Thanks.

hiya brek;

the offical campground at Katherines Landing is excellent. Large and many spots to choose from. plus very close to the launch. the weekends can line up so be patient, prepared and ready.

the heat is gunna suck. shade is not abundant along the shores. one idea might be:

make a reservation at a hotel casino in laughlin. as stated, its very close to the lake. scope out the lake and go up Lake Mohave about 10, 20miles scanning the beaches for a spot. go back to the hotel, cool down and make a run to that spot you found next day. Riverside hotel/casino has theatres, bowling alley and river access so much to do for the kids.

Enjoy - its a great rec area!

 

[Bigdaveaz]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

hiya brek;

the offical campground at Katherines Landing is excellent. Large and many spots to choose from. plus very close to the launch. the weekends can line up so be patient, prepared and ready.

the heat is gunna suck. shade is not abundant along the shores. one idea might be:

make a reservation at a hotel casino in laughlin. as stated, its very close to the lake. scope out the lake and go up Lake Mohave about 10, 20miles scanning the beaches for a spot. go back to the hotel, cool down and make a run to that spot you found next day. Riverside hotel/casino has theatres, bowling alley and river access so much to do for the kids.

Enjoy - its a great rec area!

Have you launched at the Riverside? do they charge? Gunna be a hot one this weekend,110 or more!

 

[azlakes]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

Have you launched at the Riverside? do they charge? Gunna be a hot one this weekend,110 or more!

hiya bigdave;

two ways to do it. yup free, its not a large area but it is right next to the casino. just cross the main bridge into Laughlin from AZ side.

or there is a camp/picnic ground on the AZ side next to the same bridge that crosses the river. i think there you can launch your boat or PWC from your campsite or day use site. makes it nice and all your own ramp. there is a day use fee or camp fee however.

yes hot is the werd, so water sports and cold beers at the casinos makes for great company(after boating!).

 

[brekonripper]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

Thanks for the info, we have actually reserved a house boat in July so there will be some relief from the heat, at a cost of two to three gallons of fuel an hour, hopefully I can get away with using it sparingly. The resort gave me a four hundred dollar fuel voucher which helps I guess.


Thanks again.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

We rented a 47' Summit house boat on Mead last October and were concerned about running up a huge fuel bill so we only drove the boat about 15 miles and ran the AC 12-15 hours total. At the end of the trip I had a 5 gallon jug of gas on my boat, so I dumped it in the house boat's fuel tank (you're NOT supposed to do that)

When we returned to the marina the fuel bill was something like $50 for all 3 days ,,, If I had known we used so little fuel I would have cranked the AC all day long and went cruising the lake...

 

[Bigdaveaz]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

AZ, had not thought about Davis Camp,although with a prop I don't think I like the thought of running the river! Prob launch at Katherins on Sunday morn.

 

[brekonripper]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

We rented a 47' Summit house boat on Mead last October and were concerned about running up a huge fuel bill so we only drove the boat about 15 miles and ran the AC 12-15 hours total. At the end of the trip I had a 5 gallon jug of gas on my boat, so I dumped it in the house boat's fuel tank (you're NOT supposed to do that)

When we returned to the marina the fuel bill was something like $50 for all 3 days ,,, If I had known we used so little fuel I would have cranked the AC all day long and went cruising the lake...

fishrdan, we sort of have the same plan, drive up a few miles park it and use the wellcraft for exploring and beer runs, I also want to head up to some of the more scenic areas to the north. Willow beach is what, probably a days trip there and back from kathrine? Man I cant wait, been going round in circles at my local lakes(ponds) for too long I need to get out on a big lake and go for a cruise.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

fishrdan, we sort of have the same plan, drive up a few miles park it and use the wellcraft for exploring and beer runs, I also want to head up to some of the more scenic areas to the north. Willow beach is what, probably a days trip there and back from kathrine?

Yes I would plan for an entire day if your heading up north, Willow Beach is MM52 so your looking at least an hour if hauling, would take me almost 2 cruising. Hoover Dam is another 1/2 hour +- winding through the canyon, pretty cool stuff there and you might get to see some big horns if your lucky. Willow has a store and fuel but no restaurant. The river is cold 52-53 degrees year round, so if your planning on swimming up there be prepared. My kids didn't mind swimming in the chilly water, but I could get only so deep... Also watch the river above Willow, seen/heard of many torn up props, absolutely doable, just be careful.

If you plan on heading up north check the weather, that lake can get nasty if the south winds get howling, I've had to tuck up in coves waiting it out. 30+ miles of busting waves wouldn't be a fun day.

I don't know your plans or how many are in your group, but if possible scout a good beach/cove with the Wellcraft, mark your territory (tents, chairs, big scarry dog, etc) and then go back to retrieve the houseboat.

I've only taken out a house boat once, but was surprised by their rule of not allowing private boats back by the house boats and no towing other boats until the house boat was well out of the marina. We had to adjust our plan of how to get my boat out of the marina along with the house boat, sure glad my dad was along for the trip as my wife would have had a fit trying to drive my boat or the house boat.

 

[brekonripper]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

Yes I would plan for an entire day if your heading up north, Willow Beach is MM52 so your looking at least an hour if hauling, would take me almost 2 cruising. Hoover Dam is another 1/2 hour +- winding through the canyon, pretty cool stuff there and you might get to see some big horns if your lucky. Willow has a store and fuel but no restaurant. The river is cold 52-53 degrees year round, so if your planning on swimming up there be prepared. My kids didn't mind swimming in the chilly water, but I could get only so deep... Also watch the river above Willow, seen/heard of many torn up props, absolutely doable, just be careful.

If you plan on heading up north check the weather, that lake can get nasty if the south winds get howling, I've had to tuck up in coves waiting it out. 30+ miles of busting waves wouldn't be a fun day.

I don't know your plans or how many are in your group, but if possible scout a good beach/cove with the Wellcraft, mark your territory (tents, chairs, big scarry dog, etc) and then go back to retrieve the houseboat.

I've only taken out a house boat once, but was surprised by their rule of not allowing private boats back by the house boats and no towing other boats until the house boat was well out of the marina. We had to adjust our plan of how to get my boat out of the marina along with the house boat, sure glad my dad was along for the trip as my wife would have had a fit trying to drive my boat or the house boat.

Dan you are the man, good looking out for your fellow boater!!!

 

[12vMan]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

First, will my California registration be valid on lake mojave? Second, If my kids want to drop a line in the water, do they need to be accompanied by a licensed adult? Third, We will be launching out of kathrine.

First, your registration will be good, and I've gone out with others that haven't got the Lake Mead Nat'l Rec. sticker and they've never, ever been bothered, but there's always a first time:redface:

Second, A valid fishing license is required of any person, except residents or non-residents under the age of fourteen (14) years and blind residents. Don't get caught handeling their poles or casting for them either. The fines are STEEP, like around $750.00.

Third, if you're launching out of Catherine's I would strongly reccommend that you either get there before 6am or prepare to not only wait in a long launch line, but you'll also have to park your car in one of the upper lots. Not bad in the am, but when you want to leave and it's still 115 degrees out, you'll wish you got there early. Rent a slip and leave your boat in the water, too, if at all possible. Call ahead and researve a slip or there may not be any avail.

Most of the nicer beaches are toward the dam if you want to stay close to the ramp, or head up the lake and keep an eye on the wind conditions. Mohave is infamous for it's wind.

Have a great time!

 

[baineyg]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

I camp quite a bit on Lake Mohave. Last weekend the water was super high and cold the whole way from Willow Beach to Cottonwood Cove. Hopefully the heat will warm it up.
Make sure you bring a bag of anchovies. Once it gets dark me and the kids always get at least 20 stripers. If you're at Willow beach on Friday morning bring a spinner. Just messing around me, my daughter and her freind reeled in 7 nice trout from the 0730 stocking.
I agree on the camping. You have to go to Cottonwood cove or farther for the nice sandy spots.
The river is a longer drive but worth every minute ($$$) once you get there.

 

[H8tank]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

What is the current like in the river from willow?

Could you launch a runabout at willow and cruise down to mohave?

How about river depth?

Is lake mohave warm like Mead on the main water?

What is the farthest ramp on the northeast side of mohave down stream from willow?

We are planning a camping trip this coming September, thanks for any info!

 

[QC]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

There is some current up there, but not strong. You can run a boat from dam to dam, I've done it three times. It's 70 miles. Just look at my avatar for the north side Depth is a non-issue from Willow south, especially in the middle.

Water is absolutely frigid until you get nearer to Cottonwood. Never quite as warm as Mead. There are no ramps between Willow and Telephone Cove on the East side. Close to 50 miles as you are barely north of Katherine. The closest ramp south is at Cottonwood Cove, but that is on the West side.

Personally Mohave is my least favorite Colorado River lake. Not that it is bad, but the others are better. The best part is Willow north for scenery. The basin gets a big south blow all summer long and it gets very nasty. Fun going north, but the other way absolutely sucks in the afternoon. Wind is usually reversed in winter.

BTW, your boat is perfect for that basin even when it's kinda nasty. I have a 23 footer and a 20 degree botton as well, it's fun if Mrs. QC keeps quiet . . .

Keep asking questions, what time of year for your trip? Where you coming from?

 

[H8tank]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

Yeah, I read you placed Mohave last... I've been to Mead 4 years in a row, and am simply looking for some new sights. Goal is Powell, but have business which requires me in Vegas for at least two days, so have to be close. I'll be trailering in from Tulsa.

Might try and make it down to Havasu, have never been there.

Mead is amazing, we houseboated there in 2006, and other years have just rented a boat from echo or calville. Last year we did all three basins in one day one a 260hp deck boat. Spent $300 in gas in one day lol!

 

[QC]

Re: Trip to lake mojave

From Cottonwood to the dam is beautiful. We launch at Willow whenever the wind is blowing hard up on Mead. So don't give up on that plan. There are hot springs some small beaches etc. VERY cold water all year round above Willow. Up near the dam, I believe it is high 40s and doesn't vary at all.

Havasu is a lot of fun. The furthest north you should consider launching is at Golden Shores, Park Moabi or Needles Marina. That is a long way from Vegas though, 2 hours minmum and some hills etc.