Colorado River - Laughlin - Laughlin, NV

River Information

Fish Species: Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, American Gizzard Shad
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.



Latest Photos

5-22-2025
25 lbs. 13 oz.
Bryan Werkmeister
2-5-2025
12 lbs. 13 oz.
1-22-2025
7 lbs. 6 oz.
Mitch Jones
10-16-2024

Colorado River - Laughlin Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Striped Bass 39 lbs. 6 oz. 2-13-2019 View Report
Striped Bass 36 lbs. 11 oz. 1-24-2018 View Report
Striped Bass 35 lbs. 8 oz. 1-18-2024 View Report
Striped Bass 32 lbs. 1 oz. 7-22-2020 View Report
Striped Bass 31 lbs. 11 oz. 12-27-2017 View Report
Striped Bass 28 lbs. 5 oz. 8-18-2022 View Report
Striped Bass 27 lbs. 15 oz. 1-12-2023 View Report
Striped Bass 27 lbs. 4 oz. 2-07-2024 View Report
Striped Bass 26 lbs. 2 oz. 4-20-2016 View Report
Striped Bass 25 lbs. 13 oz. 2-05-2025 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSource# of Fish
2-20-2024Rainbow TroutWillow Beach NFH1500
2-06-2024Rainbow TroutAZGF1600
12-27-2023Rainbow TroutWillow Beach NFH1600
12-19-2023Rainbow TroutWillow Beach NFH1200
11-28-2023Rainbow TroutWillow Beach NFH2000


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
6-12-2025 Our local fishing club is back with a nice catch!
Our local fishing club is back with a... more »
Rusty
6-5-2025 This week, our local high school’s fishing club was out on the water!
This week, our local high school’s fishing club... more »
Rusty
5-22-2025 Riviera Marina Fishing Report
We’ve got some great news for local anglers!... more »
Rusty
5-14-2025 Now’s a Great Time to Catch a Striper or Two!
The Colorado River below Davis Dam is producing... more »
Rusty
4-30-2025 Riviera Marina Fishing Report
Here are a few stripers we caught a... more »
Rusty

Detailed Map