Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is a Colorado River reservoir behind Parker Dam on the Arizona and California line. It is known for smallmouth bass, striped bass, and world-record redear sunfish.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Smallmouth Bass
Winter is good, so focus on windswept banks with jerkbaits or bluegill-colored crankbaits.
Redear Sunfish
The lake has produced world-record redear.
Largemouth Bass
Spring brings sight fishing for bass on beds.
Striped Bass
Stripers feed hard by day in October and November.
Channel Catfish
Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.
When they bite
Month-by-month activity for each target species.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth Bass | ||||||||||||
| Redear Sunfish | ||||||||||||
| Largemouth Bass | ||||||||||||
| Striped Bass |
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Site Six Launch RampFreeCity ramp on the island side near London Bridge, freeDirections ↗
- Lake Havasu State Park (Windsor) RampsFeeArizona State Parks ramps in Lot 2 plus a PWC ramp; park entry feeDirections ↗
- Cattail Cove State ParkFeeArizona State Parks ramp about 15 miles south on Hwy 95; park entry feeDirections ↗
- Havasu Riviera MarinaMarinaState park concession marina with launch ramps, 2067 Havasu Riviera PkwyDirections ↗
- Lake Havasu MarinaMarinaPrivate marina ramp at 1100 N McCulloch Blvd, paid launchDirections ↗
- More public accessPublicSee Arizona Game & Fish or the lake manager's website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass Colorado River incl. Lake Havasu; bass combined | 13 in | 6 / day combined |
| Smallmouth Bass Colorado River incl. Lake Havasu; bass combined | 13 in | 6 / day combined |
| Crappie Combined with sunfish | See Arizona rules book ↗ | 25 / day combined |
| Bluegill Sunfish/crappie combined | See Arizona rules book ↗ | 25 / day combined |
| Redear Sunfish Sunfish/crappie combined | See Arizona rules book ↗ | 25 / day combined |
| Rainbow Trout Colorado River incl. Lake Havasu | See Arizona rules book ↗ | 10 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Arizona Game and Fish Department ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Havasu Bait & Tackle CoNearby3032 N London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ(928) 764-2248Directions ↗
- Bass Tackle MasterNearby260 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ(928) 854-2277Directions ↗
Local tips
- For stripers in summer, fish deep water at night with lights to draw baitfish.
- Anchovies and live shad are common striper baits.
- The lake crosses the state line, so check which license covers the water you fish.
Angler reports
Water temp, what's biting, and anything else other anglers should know about Lake Havasu.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.