Big Bend

 In several of my previous posts, I have talked about the importance of water, and in particular, the Colorado River here in the western United States. It is a crucial life-line that supports many people in this region. Even if Lake Mead runs dry, then the river will still be there. This is why I am surprised to find that few people ever think about fishing in the river. Is this in some way an act to protect the river itself, or is there something preventing anglers from looking toward the river?

In all fairness, access to the river is probably the biggest problem. This is after all, the river that runs through the Grand Canyon. And with the enormity of this river, vast mountains and gorges have been carved out to protect this river. There are a few isolated spots along the river that does grant access; places like Willow Beach. It is only downriver from Davis Dam where the landscape opens up and makes the river more accessible. It is here where you can find the Big Bend on the Colorado River.

Just outside the town of Laughlin, Nevada, the river makes a big bend. This area has a few resorts and campsites with the largest being the Big Bend of the Colorado River State Recreation Area. It was while looking at a map of this area that I noticed a small point that is part of the park but has an access road from outside the park. This turned out to be a decent fishing spot that offered up some good fishing and site-seeing. But why then do people not know of it? Why was this location not packed with fishermen?

Looking at the houses on the river one can quickly see this area is a playground for the wealthy. Jet skis, boats, and all manner of watercraft constantly buzz up and down this stretch of the river. And yet, an abundant array of wild life shares these waters with the odd beaver cruising by. For me, the challenge with fishing this river is the river itself. The dams built on the river all produce hydroelectric power, with schedules for when they are releasing water. This in turn gives this river a strong current making fishing difficult. It may be all the different factors together that makes anglers cast a blind eye to the river. But for those who are willing take on the challenges, the rewards can be sweet.