Mohave County, AZ · Reservoir
Lake Havasu
A 19,000-acre Colorado River reservoir on the Arizona–California line — a year-round warmwater fishery for largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and crappie, with consistent winter action thanks to the desert climate.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Marginal conditions for Striped Bass.
Best conditions of 5 species tracked at Lake Havasu.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 5 at 12:36PM PDT until June 9 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Havasu
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Marginal conditions for Striped Bass. In season 53/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
- Daily creel
- no limit
No limit on Lakes Mead/Mohave/Havasu and the Colorado River.
Source: Arizona regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass. In season 49/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 6
6/day in aggregate with other black bass.
Source: Arizona regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Largemouth Bass Marginal conditions for Largemouth Bass. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
#3 Channel Catfish Marginal conditions for Channel Catfish. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 10
10/day in combination (Colorado River district); no size limit.
Source: Arizona regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Crappie Marginal conditions for Crappie. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Arizona
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Lake Havasu: Arizona Game & Fish fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Havasu?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lake Havasu you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lake Havasu?
Lake Havasu is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Lake Havasu?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Lake Havasu against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Lake Havasu have?
Lake Havasu has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lake Havasu?
state agency regulations apply at Lake Havasu. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Lake Havasu tidal water?
No. Lake Havasu is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.