Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Make a splash in Laughlin with water activities, since you should get on the river at least one time while you are visiting.
Previous Laughlin Correspondence articles have included The Riverside’s USS Riverside cruise up to the bridge and down the river with libations and The Celebration Cruise from the Aquarius up to Davis Dam, snacking and drinking during the day and wining and dining at sunset. You might also have read about the Water Taxis that ply and fight the midday swift water current. But there are other ways to enjoy the river.
Let’s go fishing! If you are just spending a day or a night in Laughlin it might not make sense to fill half your day fishing. After all, what would you do with your catch? If you are planning on spending 4 to 5 days or even more you might want to try this as something different in our great state of Nevada.
There are actually fishing excursions you can go on where you have a guide and “captain” to drive the boat out to the best fishing areas along the Colorado and Lake Mojave areas. A little history: Lake Mojave was created as a reservoir from the Colorado River when Davis Dam was finished in 1951. Davis Dam regulates the water that is released from Hoover Dam upstream. Although Hoover Dam was Boulder Dam, more than once as a matter of fact, Hoover Dam (aka Boulder Dam) is not located in Boulder City, Nevada. Nor is it located in Las Vegas. Confused? Let’s go fishing.
You could always just rent a small fishing boat and do it yourself. And I am sure it would be a better choice, since excursions can be cost prohibitive and run 4-6 hours a day, with upwards of $250 per person; but it is more fun with someone that knows the area and can tell you what you are doing wrong, which is why you are not capturing those little suckers … literally, I guess. Smiles!
Updated information on fishing activity, locations, bait, and type of fish are published every week, on Wednesday, in the Las Vegas Review Journal in the Sports section.
Bluegill, catfish, largemouth and striped bass, and black crappie can be found, as well as rainbow trout in abundant supply when they stock them below the Davis Dam.
Remember to obtain your fishing license if you are planning on fishing in the Colorado River or the lakes. You can purchase an Interstate Boundary Waters license for $30 (plus fee) if you are an adult, non-resident of Nevada. This license is good for 1 year. You can also purchase a 1-day license for $18 (plus fee) with an additional charge of $7 (plus fee) for each consecutive day after the first.
Jet Ski rentals can be found all over the place and can be rented on both sides of the river. For Nevada rentals you can go to The Aquarius landing, which has Rocky River Jet Ski Rentals. Their prices are $79 for 1 hour, $129 for 2 hours, $229 for a half-day, and $329 for a full day.
Watercraft Adventures is located at several hotels, including the beach at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino, Laughlin River Lodge, Riverside Resort, AVI Resort, Colorado Belle, and Edgewater. Their pricing is comparable to Rocky River’s.
Laughlin River Jet Ski Rentals is located in the Laughlin Outlet Center mall. Jet Ski rental prices fluctuate frequently, depending on the weekend, holiday, summer, and if on or off-season. I have seen full day prices of $55 across the river. It makes sense to scope out the rental places’ prices and conditions, including deposits, before you decide.
Notes: If you rent anything, from a fishing boat to a jet ski, make sure you take photos of the equipment before you take it off the rental lot. And I would also take photos after you take it back. There have been several people who have not received their deposits back because they were told they damaged, scratched, and/or dented the equipment.
When renting jet skis make sure the gas tank is full before you leave shore, otherwise you could be spending some of your hour(s) back at shore filling the tank. You will not be credited for this time, even if it takes ½ hour waiting to fill your tank.
You should receive a safety briefing before being allowed to launch your vessel. If it is not automatically offered please ask for the information.
If you have seen advertisements for the London Bridge Jet Boat Tours that depart from Edgewater Hotel and Harrah’s Hotel, this is a day-long excursion down the Colorado from Laughlin to London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This tour does not stay in the Laughlin or Nevada areas.
Next month we will explore the coves of Lake Mojave.
— Pauline Cimoch
The Cult will Rock the E Center
British post-punk rock band The Cult will visit the Edgewater’s E Center on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. This will be an opportunity to relive some of the group’s chart-topping songs, including “Fire Woman,” “Edie (Ciao Baby),” and “Sweet Soul Sister.” Tickets start at $35.
The Cult was formed in 1983. After moving to London, they released a second album “Love,” which charted at No. 4 in the UK. Their third and fourth albums in 1987 and 1989 allowed the band to break into the North American market. They moved to Los Angeles during this time, where they are based today.
The band split up in 1995 and reunited in 1999, when they released the album “Beyond Good and Evil” two years later. The Cult reissued all their albums in Asia and Eastern Europe in 2003 and Japan in 2004. After another hiatus, the band reformed in 2006 for a series of worldwide tours and have since released three more studio albums: “Born into This,” “Choice of Weapon, and “Hidden City.”
Chicago Headlines at Harrah’s
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Chicago, will appear in concert at the Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheater at Harrah’s on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41.82.
Successful in terms of sales and longevity, Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades. Three DePaul University music majors formed Chicago (Transit Authority) in 1967 as a horn-dominated underground rock band, which quickly had three Top 10 singles in a year and were selling out arenas. By the 1980s, they were no longer underground or avant-garde, and under producer David Foster’s tutelage the band morphed into a mainstream pop group. Regardless of ever-changing member lineups, it’s the music and hit tunes like “If You Leave Me Now” and “You’re the Inspiration” keeping Chicago in the limelight.
Vicki Lawrence and Mama visit the Riverside
“Vicki Lawrence And Mama: A Two Women Show” will be center stage at the Riverside in Don’s Celebrity Theatre Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40.
Lawrence who gained her fame on the “The Carol Burnett Show,” which aired from 1967-1978, takes the stage first. Her part is a mixture of stand-up comedy, music, and observations about real life. The multi-talented entertainer, mostly known for her acting and comedic talents, even earned a gold record for the 1973 hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”
In 2001, following the unprecedented ratings for the “Carol Burnett Showstopper Special,” Lawrence decided to bring Mama out of the closet and hit the road with her new touring production, “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show,” much to her fans’ delight. The crazy old gal is always a scene stealer!
Car Events at the Tropicana and Avi
The weekend of Sept. 27-29 will be a perfect time for car enthusiasts to visit Laughlin with two resorts hosting vehicle events.
Roddin’ on the River, The River Cruizers’ 28th annual car and bike show, will be held at the Beach Overlook at the Avi with raffles and a poker run. It’s free to view the classic cars and eye-appealing bikes. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. with awards on Sept. 29 from 8 to 10 a.m.
The 2019 Viva Tropicana Celebration & Car Show will be held at the Tropicana. On Friday and Saturday, the Car Show with vendors will be held in the North Lot and viewing is free. There will be dance parties in Tango’s Lounge both nights with The Chico Band 4:30-8:30 p.m. and The Champagne Band 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Outside in Victory Plaza the live entertainment will be Harbor Groove Band 4-8 p.m. and Balance Band of Azusa 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
— Jackie Brett
