Fishing Lake Havasu

What's biting on Lake Havasu by month, the latest stocking reports, limits, bait shops and the gear to bring.

Photo: CWanamaker · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Rentals, stays & trips for Lake HavasuPartner links · same price for you
Fishing charterHalf and full-day trips, gear includedViator Rent a boat on Lake HavasuPontoons, ski and fishing boats from local ownersBoatsetter Stay near Lake HavasuLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Private campsiteWhen the public sites are fullHipcamp

Heads up: Off-season trips are quieter. Many owners still rent on calm, sunny weekends.

Fishing charterViator · partner link→
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What's biting

Fish in Lake Havasu

SpeciesOriginBest monthsNotes
Striped bassWild Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov Reproduces in the lake. Boils on shad at dawn.
Largemouth bassWild Mar, Apr, May Reproduces in the lake. Spawns on habitat structures in spring.
Smallmouth bassWild Mar, Apr, Oct Reproduces in the lake. Rocky points and the island.
Redear sunfishWild Apr, May, Jun Reproduces in the lake. Known for record-size redear.
Channel catfishWild May, Jun, Jul, Aug Reproduces in the lake. Night fishing in summer.
Flathead catfishWild May, Jun, Jul, Aug Reproduces in the river. Big fish on live bait.

No state stocking reports for this water in our records.

Gear for these fish

Partner links

Striped bass

Swimbaits, spoons and heavy lineTackleDirect→Rods and reels for big fishEnigma Fishing→Topwater and trolling luresRapala→

Largemouth bass

Bass rods and reelsEnigma Fishing→Crankbaits and jerkbaitsRapala→Soft plastics and terminal tackleDiscount Tackle→

Redear sunfish

Small hooks, bobbers and jigsDiscount Tackle→Nets for kids and familiesEGO Fishing→

For every angler

Landing nets and fly boxesEGO Fishing→Sun-protective fishing shirtsHook & Tackle→Fishing shirts, shorts and vestsColumbia→

Gas and fuel docks

  • Shell
    0.6 mi
  • Smith's Gas StationDiesel
    0.6 mi
  • Marathon
    0.6 mi
  • Maverik
    0.6 mi

Groceries and ice

  • Herb's HerbsIce
    0.4 mi
  • AlbertsonsIce1980 McCulloch Boulevard, Lake Havasu City
    0.5 miCall
  • Oasis Mini Mart2201 McCulloch Boulevard North, Lake Havasu City
    0.6 mi
  • Smith'sIce80 Acoma Boulevard North, Lake Havasu City
    0.7 miCall

⚑ Limits.See the full limits table on the Lake Havasu page, and always confirm with the Arizona Game and Fish Department Fishing Regulations (azgfd.gov) before you fish.

Good to know

Questions about Lake Havasu

What fish are in Lake Havasu?

Lake Havasu has Striped bass, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Flathead catfish.

Do I need a fishing license at Lake Havasu?

Yes. In Arizona, anyone 10 or older needs a Arizona fishing license, and some waters need extra stamps or validations. Check the state wildlife agency for current rules before you fish.