Lakes and Waterways of the Colorado River Guide Book: Essential Information

The lakes and waterways of the Colorado River guide book provides comprehensive information on the major water bodies, boating routes, fishing spots, and camping options along the Colorado River system. This guide covers key reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell, popular rafting sections through the Grand Canyon and Canyonlands, prime fishing locations, and riverside campsites. It offers essential details for planning river trips, including launch sites, difficulty levels, and permit requirements.

What Are the Major Lakes Along the Colorado River?

The Colorado River system features several significant lakes and reservoirs, each offering unique recreational opportunities:

1. Lake Mead
2. Location: Arizona-Nevada border
3. Size: Approximately 247 square miles (640 km²)
4. Features: Largest reservoir in the United States by volume when full

5. Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports

6. Lake Powell

7. Location: Utah-Arizona border
8. Size: About 186 miles long, 1,900 square miles in area
9. Features: Second-largest man-made reservoir in the U.S.

10. Activities: Houseboating, kayaking, fishing, and exploring slot canyons

11. Lake Mohave

12. Location: Arizona-Nevada border
13. Size: Approximately 67 miles long
14. Features: Formed by Davis Dam, narrower than Lake Mead
15. Activities: Fishing, boating, and water skiing

What Are the Primary Boating Routes on the Colorado River?

The Colorado River offers diverse boating experiences, from calm water to challenging rapids:

Grand Canyon Section

• Length: 297 miles from Glen Canyon Dam to Lake Mead
• Difficulty: Class I to V rapids
• Popular launch site: Lees Ferry
• Take-out points: Various, including Lake Mead

Canyonlands Section (Utah)

• Length: Approximately 320 river miles (including Green River)
• Difficulty: Varies, with both calm stretches and rapids
• Launch sites:
• Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area
• James M. Robb Colorado River State Park
• Blue Heron Boat Launch

Where Are the Top Fishing Spots on the Colorado River?

The Colorado River system offers excellent fishing opportunities:

1. Lake Powell
2. Species: Striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie
3. Best seasons: Spring and fall

4. Techniques: Trolling, casting, and bait fishing

5. Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam

6. Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout
7. Best seasons: Year-round, with peak times in spring and fall

8. Techniques: Fly fishing, spin casting

9. Lake Mead

10. Species: Striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish
11. Best seasons: Spring and fall
12. Techniques: Trolling, bottom fishing, and casting

Location	Top Species	Best Seasons	Techniques
Lake Powell	Striped bass, largemouth bass	Spring, Fall	Trolling, casting
Below Glen Canyon Dam	Rainbow trout, brown trout	Year-round	Fly fishing, spin casting
Lake Mead	Striped bass, catfish	Spring, Fall	Trolling, bottom fishing

What Camping Options Are Available Along the Colorado River?

Camping along the Colorado River varies from developed campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites:

Grand Canyon Section

• Campsite types: Backcountry river camps
• Amenities: Minimal (some have composting toilets)
• Reservation: Required through National Park Service
• Cost: Varies based on group size and trip length

Canyonlands Section

• Campsite types: Developed campgrounds and primitive sites
• Amenities: Range from full facilities to basic
• Reservation: Some sites reservable, others first-come, first-served
• Cost: Varies by location and amenities

Lake Powell

• Campsite types: Developed campgrounds and boat-in sites
• Amenities: Range from full RV hookups to primitive
• Reservation: Recommended for developed sites
• Cost: Varies by site type and season

What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken on Colorado River Trips?

Safety is paramount when exploring the Colorado River:

1. Weather Awareness
2. Check forecasts regularly
3. Be prepared for sudden changes

4. Understand flash flood risks in side canyons

5. Water Safety

6. Wear life jackets at all times on the water
7. Know your swimming abilities

8. Be aware of water temperatures and hypothermia risk

9. Navigation

10. Carry detailed maps and know how to use them
11. Be aware of your location and upcoming rapids

12. Understand river flow rates and how they affect travel

13. Equipment

14. Ensure all gear is in good condition
15. Carry appropriate safety equipment (first aid kit, signaling devices)

16. Have proper clothing for varying conditions

17. Communication

18. Carry a satellite communication device
19. Leave a detailed trip plan with someone onshore
20. Know emergency procedures and evacuation points

How Can I Obtain Permits for Colorado River Activities?

Permit requirements vary by location and activity:

1. Grand Canyon Rafting
2. Apply through National Park Service lottery system
3. Commercial trips available through authorized outfitters

4. Deadlines and fees vary by trip type and length

5. Canyonlands Boating

6. Permits required for overnight trips
7. Day use permits available for some sections

8. Apply through National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management

9. Fishing Licenses

10. Required for all anglers over a certain age
11. Available online or through local vendors

12. Specific regulations vary by state and water body

13. Camping Permits

14. Often included with boating permits for river trips
15. Separate permits may be required for some campgrounds
16. Reserve through recreation.gov or managing agency websites

By following this comprehensive guide to the lakes and waterways of the Colorado River, adventurers can plan safe and enjoyable trips through one of America’s most iconic river systems.

References:
1. Guide to the Colorado & Green Rivers in the Canyonlands of Utah & Colorado
2. The Colorado River in Grand Canyon River Map & Guide
3. Grand Canyon River Guide – Westwater Books