Lake Mohave Fishing Guide

June 14, 2021

There’s nothing quite like a long, quiet morning fishing on the waters of Lake Mohave. It’s the ideal place for those who are beginners, just learning how to cast or seasoned near-pros who know just what type of bait will lure in the big one. Lake Mohave fishing is a must for anyone visiting the area. With the right tools and tips in this guide, you can ensure every trip is a successful one. At Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, we welcome you to test out the fishing right here from your houseboat rental.

Lake Mohave Fishing Basics

For those who are exploring the 240 miles of shoreline around Lake Mohave, know this. There are a lot of fantastic fishing opportunities to explore here. Most days, you’ll have a lot of success, other days you might not get so lucky. That’s what makes fishing so exciting. You never know what kind of challenge is up next. However, there are some ways to guarantee at least one bite.

When you launch from Cottonwood Cove, you have about 28,000 surface acres to explore. There are some sheer cliffs and secluded covers throughout the area which fish tend to migrate.

If you are fishing on Lake Mohave, don’t overlook Nevada fishing requirements. That includes getting a fishing license in place. The cost is $40 for adults and $15 for those between 12 and 17 years of age. These licenses last a year for residents. Costs are higher for those who are visiting from out of state – up to $80 for a fishing license. The Nevada Department of Wildlife answers all of your questions about these licensing requirements. Depending on which side of the lake you are on, you may need to obtain an Arizona fishing license as well.

Types of Fish Available

Lake Mohave has a maximum depth of about 100 feet, with various ranges throughout. When it comes to what type of fish you’ll find, there’s a good selection including:

Largemouth bass
Bluegill sunfish
Crappie
Rainbow trout
Channel catfish
Smallmouth bass
Striper

There are also nongame fish located in the lake. This includes bonytail chub, threadfin shad, carp and razorback suckers.

If you are coming in for a specific type of fish, you’ll find some specific times of the year ideal. For some of the most sought after, you can expect the following:

Largemouth bass: Fishing is best between March through June
Striped bass: Fishing is best from April through November, with the best numbers in October
Rainbow trout: Fish for these November through March – or whenever they are stocked

When it comes to the size of these fish, there’s a huge range. Keep in mind some state records have been set at Lake Mohave – a 63-pound striped bass was one of them. Most of the time, you will find bigger fish here. For example, it’s not uncommon to find a 10-pound largemouth bass or much bigger carp. The lake produced an over 30-pound carp at one time. Of course, the sizes range at various times of the year and conditions for that year. Most often, you’ll catch yourself an impressive fish to show off to your friends.

What Type of Bait Should You Bring With You?

First, remember that you can pick up bait locally before heading out. Even if you bring it along with you, you’ll want a wide range of options to choose from – some anglers swear by specific bait types and sizes, but there’s a large range of options that could work well.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about the bait you use:

Always go with a long cast. This can prove to be critical at reducing the fish’s awareness of your presence.
Spoons are one of the best options overall for bait.
A lot of people bring a range of jigs – color and uniqueness are a good option.
Worms are perhaps the most commonly used option.
Most importantly, choose bait that imitates crawfish or baitfish here, as those are likely to get solid results.

If you are after largemouth bass, use plastic worms or live worms for the best overall results. There are some lures that may work well, especially if you are fishing during the spawning season.

The Best Time of the Day to Fish

Overall, there’s no time that’s a bad time if you’re not picky about the type of fish you’ll bring in. There are people out on the lake as early as possible to get the best catch. Still, you can fish later in the evening too and get good results.

Most of the time, for those after striped bass or largemouth bass, the best time of the day to fish is when the light is low. That could be under clouds, early in the morning or at night. These are the best times to get the attention of these larger fish, who may be a bit smarter than you realize when it comes to steering clear of humans.

Still, it’s worth it to head out to fish no matter when you have the time. Take a day to get out there and have some fun.

Where Are the Best Fishing Spots on Lake Mohave?

You will find a wide range of fishing spots at Lake Mohave. If you are brand new, stick closer to the shoreline near Cottonwood Cove for the easiest options.

If you are on a boat, know that the upper 20 miles of the reservoir is much colder all year long. This comes from the deep water releases from Hoover Dam. The rest of the reservoir is warmer, especially during the summer months. This creates the largest opportunities for fishing. The Cottonwood Basin, which spans about four miles, is an excellent option with the widest section on the lake.

For the 2021 season, we’re seeing a lot of opportunity for bass in the early morning hours. Those on the lake are reporting success with crankbaits and topwater lures. Those looking for striper are finding the best opportunity near the coves – any of the coves along the bank are worth exploring.

When it comes to finding striped bass, anglers are getting some impressive results at Willow Beach this year. Keep in mind that some people are having a lot of fun with shoreline fishing. They are seeing a lot of activity near Willow Beach as well.

Another tip, anglers are reporting the best rainbow trout fishing is happening at night this season. Early morning is also proving to be ideal. Some have caught up to 3-pound fish this year. Black bass are also coming up during the morning hours, and are generally up to 4 pounds.

Lake Mohave fishing creates a number of opportunities for anglers. If you are unsure where to go, be sure to ask the pros at Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina for some guidance. Get the latest fishing reports before heading out as well.