Lake Mojave or Laughlin to Sandbar?

cleanEG · Jul 5, 2012

Hi Guys,

We're staying at the Riverside Casino in laughlin next weekend and I'm trying to decide if we should launch at the Riverside and head south to the sandbar or launch out of Cottonwood cove. I have 18.5' Glastron I/O and I'm more familiar with Lake Mead and Lake Mojave on the stretch between Nelson's landing and Hoover Dam north of Willow. Been fishing Willow Beach since early 90's. I've been researching board and heard that during the summer the water levels are higher on the river below Davis Dam, but I'm still nervous about the depth heading south towards Needles. Looking to be on the water all day Saturday. Thanks!

QC · Jul 5, 2012

Re: Lake Mojave or Laughlin to Sandbar?

If you want to go to the Sandbar in Topock Gorge, the ride from Laughlin to Needles is indeed treacherous. The only way I would do it the first time is to follow somebody (Jet boat Tour). I've done it twice, your experience above Willow will help, but nothing like the river between Laughlin and the Gorge. You can get water release info here: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html and here: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html

Water releases are indeed higher in the summer, but you have to understand how long it takes for the water to get down river too. If I were you, I'd come down and launch at Park Moabi.

I haven't been to the Sandbar in a while, but not what it used to be. It's been overgrown and just not as popular as say five years ago. From Moabi you could easily run to London Bridge if you are looking for a party. Have fun, I'm jealous :redface:

cleanEG · Jul 6, 2012

Re: Lake Mojave or Laughlin to Sandbar?

Thanks QC! I'll take your advice and launch out of Moabi and then head down towards London Bridge. How long will it take to drive to Moabi? 45 mins? Thanks again for the links as well

QC · Jul 6, 2012

Re: Lake Mojave or Laughlin to Sandbar?

A lot less than Cottonwood!!

Looks like an hour. I've never done that actual drive, but you coudl go on the CA side the whole way or go through Bullhead. I don't like lights so I'd go the CA way, but it is further.. Call Moabi as I forget what their launch only rules are, but should be OK. Take a good look at the transition from the river into Lake Havasu on Google maps satellite view. Water is clear and freaks people out because it is shallow. Follow someone in and out and you'll be fine. I go through on the Arizona side. Looks like the wrong way, but I have become more comfortable with that.

cleanEG · Jul 6, 2012

Re: Lake Mojave or Laughlin to Sandbar?

Doesnt seem too bad....I'll give it a shot

In August I'll make a run to Cottonwood to explore that section of Mohave. Seems like each section of the river has it's own unique characteristics and places to see. I did some research on the river section near the entrance to lake Havasu and I heard they dredged a channel section near the california side. I might try that or just follow someone like you suggested, either way it will be a learning experience!

LoweSuperior · Jul 20, 2012

Re: Lake Mojave or Laughlin to Sandbar?

Old thread but for my money, I'd launch unrestricted and free at Jack Smith Park just south of the needles bridge. That's what I do when going to London Bridge or Devils Elbow and the sandbar. Used to put in at the Riverside for years but too many gravel bars at Bullhead and Needles proper. Of course the best part of the river IMHO is the first 12 miles south of Hoover. (unless you are into jet boats and thunder boats then stay down by Bullhead and Havasu) The bay just south of Cottonwood can get white caps real quick and that's no fun (been there done that)

Socaltruker · Jul 21, 2012