Things to do nearLake Mohave

Lake Mohave was created when Davis Dam was completed in 1953, impounding the Colorado River between Hoover Dam to the north and the new structure to the south. The result was a reservoir unlike most others in the American Southwest, shaped less like a broad open lake and more like a flooded canyon system, with walls of volcanic rock and ancient sediment pressing in close on either side. That geography gives the lake its defining character, a sense of depth and enclosure that open-water reservoirs rarely provide.

Visitors come primarily to boat, fish, and swim. The stretch of water below Hoover Dam is one of the most productive trout fisheries in the region, stocked regularly and fed by cold releases from the dam. Further south, largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish draw anglers to the warmer shallows. Houseboats and motorboats are common in summer, while kayakers and paddleboarders tend to gravitate toward the quieter coves near Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove.

The surrounding Mojave Desert landscape adds a striking backdrop to every activity on the water. Bighorn sheep are occasionally spotted on the canyon rims, and the area is home to desert tortoises and a variety of migratory birds. Hiking trails near the lake offer close views of the volcanic rock formations that define the canyon walls.

Lake Mohave sits within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which means the infrastructure is well maintained without feeling overdeveloped. Ranger programs, campgrounds, and marinas make it accessible for extended stays. For anyone drawn to the intersection of desert wilderness and clear water, Lake Mohave offers a quietly compelling destination.