There’s something magical about these late October days on Lake Mohave, when the desert air still holds onto summer’s warmth while the water below takes on that crisp autumn chill. After sixty-plus years of exploring the American Southwest’s wild places, from the highest alpine meadows to the lowest desert valleys, We’ve found few places that capture the raw beauty of this land quite like Lake Mohave.
This morning, like many others, began with Paulette and me sharing our morning coffee on the patio of our desert winter home. We’ve made this our ritual over the years, watching the sun peek over the Black Mountains and slowly illuminate the valley below, where Lake Mohave stretches like a blue ribbon through the desert landscape, some five miles distant. The coffee steam mingles with the cool morning air, and we plan our day on the water.
“Perfect day for a boat ride,” Paulette says, already packing her famous spicy beans and smoked sausage lunch into our cooler. Who am I to argue? After all these years, she knows exactly what makes for the perfect lake day meal.
Our 2005 Key West center console has been our faithful companion on these waters since we first discovered Lake Mohave’s charms back in 2014. She’s not the flashiest boat on the water, but she’s perfect for these waters – stable, reliable, and just right for two people who appreciate the simple pleasures of being out on the lake. We’ve maintained her meticulously over the years, and she’s rewarded us with countless memorable days on the water.
Katherine Landing: Gateway to Adventure
By 11:00, we’re launching at Katherine Landing Marina. The morning rush of anglers and boaters has already dispersed across the lake, leaving the launch ramp peaceful and easy to navigate. The contrast between the desert air and the lake water is stark today – 94 degrees Fahrenheit above meets 74 degrees below.
Lake Mohave, formed by Davis Dam on the Colorado River, stretches 67 miles northward toward Hoover Dam. It’s a different kind of desert lake, narrower than most, following the natural contours of the old river valley. This gives it a unique character – more intimate than vast Lake Mead to the north, but still wild and magnificent in its own right.
A Journey Upriver
As we head up the lake, the landscape unfolds like a living geology lesson. To our west, Spirit Mountain rises majestically from the Nevada shoreline. Known as Avi Kwa Ame to the native peoples who have long considered this area sacred, it stands as an eternal sentinel over these waters. The Natives believe it to be the spiritual birthplace of their people, and when you see it in the morning light, it’s easy to understand why they considered it a holy place.
On the Arizona side, the Black Mountain Range creates a rugged backdrop, its dark volcanic rocks contrasting sharply with the deep blue sky. Through my camera lens, I’ve captured these mountains in countless moods over the years – bathed in early morning light, shrouded in storm clouds, and glowing with the day’s last rays. Each time, they reveal something new.
Rattlesnake Cove: A Special Place
After about thirty minutes of cruising, we reach one of our favorite spots on the lake – Rattlesnake Cove. This place holds a special place in our hearts, not just for its stunning beauty, but for the memories it holds. Back in 2014, during our first fishing trip on Lake Mohave, Paulette landed a magnificent 5-pound largemouth bass right in the back of this cove. I can still see her face lighting up as she played that fish – it’s one of those moments that keeps drawing us back here.
The high cliff walls of Rattlesnake Cove rise dramatically from the water, creating a natural sanctuary from the winds that often sweep through this stretch of the Colorado River valley. The water here is crystal clear, a characteristic that makes Lake Mohave special among desert reservoirs. On calm days like today, you can see down 30 feet or more, watching fish cruise through the underwater landscape of boulders and submerged vegetation.
Desert Wildlife and a Peaceful Lunch
While we’ve often spotted Bighorn Sheep and Wild Burros in this cove, today our only visitor is a curious Roadrunner who stops briefly at the cliff top to observe our presence in his domain. There’s something fitting about having this iconic desert bird as our lunch companion while we enjoy Paulette’s home-cooked meal in the gentle shelter of the cove.
The contrast between the cool water and hot desert air creates a perfect microclimate in the cove. The gentle breeze carries the subtle scents of creosote and desert sage from the surrounding Mohave Desert, mixing with the clean smell of the river water. It’s these small sensory details that make each trip unique and memorable.
Afternoon Explorations
After lunch, we decide to explore some of our other favorite coves downlake. The water clarity today is exceptional, even by Lake Mohave standards. In the shallow areas, we can easily spot fish cruising over the rocky bottom. Though it’s mid-afternoon – typically not the most active time for fish – we manage to spot a few carp and one enterprising smallmouth bass.
The afternoon light plays across the water, creating that distinctive southwestern pattern of light and shadow that I’ve tried to capture in thousands of photographs over the years. The stark beauty of the Mohave Desert meeting the life-giving waters of the Colorado River never ceases to inspire me. Each visit reveals new angles, new perspectives, and new opportunities to document this remarkable landscape.
The Day Winds Down
Around 3:00, we make our way back toward Katherine Landing, but not before stopping at a promising main lake point where we’ve had fishing success in years past. Though the fish aren’t cooperative today, the stop gives us one last chance to soak in the magnificent views of Spirit Mountain and the Black Mountains framing the lake.
By 4:00, we’re back at the marina, pulling our faithful Key West onto her trailer. As we secure the boat for the drive home, I can’t help but reflect on how fortunate we are to have this remarkable place as our winter playground. Lake Mohave, with its perfect blend of desert and water, mountains and sky, never fails to provide us with days worth remembering.
A Desert Jewel
Lake Mohave might not have the name recognition of Lake Havasu, Lake Mead or Lake Powell, but for those who know her waters, she holds a special place in their hearts. Whether you’re an angler chasing striped bass in the deep waters near Davis Dam, a photographer capturing the desert light playing across Spirit Mountain, or simply someone seeking peace in the shelter of a quiet cove, Lake Mohave offers something for everyone.
As Paulette and I head home to rest up after another wonderful day on the water, we’re already planning our next outing. The lake changes with each visit – the light, the wildlife, the water conditions are never quite the same twice. That’s what keeps drawing us back, time and time again, to this remarkable place where the desert meets the river.
For those considering a visit to Lake Mohave, October is perhaps the perfect time. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather has moderated from the intense heat of July and August, and the fishing often picks up as the water begins to cool. Just remember to bring plenty of water, respect the desert environment, and take time to appreciate the unique beauty of this special place.
As we pull into our High Chaparral driveway, the setting sun painting the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow morning’s coffee on the patio, where we’ll gaze down at the lake and plan our next adventure on Lake Mohave’s crystal-clear waters.
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