Colorado River - Laughlin

The Colorado River at Laughlin, Nevada, just below Davis Dam, presents a unique warmwater fishery in an urban setting that’s highly accessible to anglers of all skill levels. The river here supports healthy populations of striped bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish, making it a multi-species hotspot with year-round fishing potential.

Striped bass are the primary draw. These hard-fighting predators school near current seams, eddies, and deeper pools. Anglers often use swimbaits, jerkbaits, and live shad to tempt stripers, especially in the cooler seasons. Fish commonly range from 3–10 pounds, with larger catches recorded each year.

Smallmouth bass are also abundant and particularly active in spring and early summer. They prefer rocky structure and respond well to soft plastics, crankbaits, and finesse rigs. Channel catfish are plentiful in slower sections, especially near the river bottom, and are best targeted at night with cut bait or chicken liver.

Access is excellent, with fishing allowed along the riverwalk and casino areas. Daily flow changes from Davis Dam can influence fishing conditions, but the river remains fishable most of the year. The combination of consistent fish populations, scenic desert surroundings, and urban convenience make Laughlin a standout fishery in the Colorado River system.