Posted by HD on October 25, 2000 at 12:54:34:
In Reply to: Diving Lake Mohave posted by Don on October 24, 2000 at 23:50:50:
I've dove Lake Mojave (actually the Colorado River below Hoover Dam) many times. The water is about 55-60 degrees year round, so it is definitely full wetsuit diving if you are between 2 and about 20 miles south of the Dam. The water is pretty clear with great visibility in the river section.
You will need a boat to get where the diving is best. Easiest launch is at Willow Beach on the Arizona side or put in at Cottonwood Cove (NV) then head up river. There are shallow spots so be careful and usually stay on the east side of the river as you head upstream. You will need to watch the bottom as you go to be safe.
There are some treacherous rapids (easily avoidable with good planning because you can see 'em) and some places where the water will suck you down and rip your mask off of you. Just look for the slower flow of water for your diving, and you should be OK.
The water is about 80 feet deep in a couple spots and this is where a good depth finder will help. This is about 3 miles south of the dam and closest to the east side (wall) of the river. There are mile markers on the river walls to let you know how far south of the dam you are. Most of the rest of the river is about 20-50 feet depending on where you are.
Look for a place where the surface water is calm. This is the place where you can get suited up and start your dive in relatively calm water. It is below the rapids section so you wont have to worry about that hazard. Once you are in it's a drift dive. No way to swim up river unless you are in real good shape.
During the dive you will see trout, carp (huge), striper, eel grass, rocks, etc. The water is pretty clear with easily 50 foot visibilty or more, because it is coming from a lower and colder part of Lake Mead as it is used for the power generating at Hoover Dam.
There is a lot of boat traffic on the river, especially during the weekends so make sure you have a flag up, and surface near the edges to avoid the boats. You can usually hear them underwater. You will also need someone who is a capable boat handler to stay in the boat. They will need to drift down river with you so you will have a pick-up.
Overall it's a great experience. If you have any other questions let me know. If you are more interested in just diving Lake Mojave's lake section...not much to see as it is a desert lake. Muddy bottom and trees with bare branches, assorted trash, etc. Good luck. HD.