Lake Havasu Fishing Guide — Best Spots, Lures & Tips

Lake Havasu is a Lake known for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill. Our lure recommendations are matched to seasonal patterns and today's exact conditions.

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Fishing Guide: Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is a clear Colorado River reservoir on the Arizona-California border offering a strong mixed largemouth and smallmouth bass fishery around rock, artificial habitat, and remaining grass.

Known For

Quality largemouth and smallmouth in clear desert water, extensive artificial fish habitat, and a reliable year-round bite.

Best Spots & Structure

Rocky points and bluff walls

Main-lake and channel rock — points, bluff walls, and boulder fields — hold smallmouth and largemouth relating to shade and bait in the clear water. Drop shots, jigs, and Ned rigs excel.

Depth: 10-30 ft

Artificial habitat and remaining grass in the coves

Planted brush/habitat structures and remaining vegetation in coves and the river channel concentrate largemouth and bait.

Depth: 6-20 ft

Top Techniques

Drop shot and Ned rig on rock for clear-water smallmouth and spotted-style feeding
Flipping and cranking artificial habitat and grass for largemouth
Topwater and jerkbaits during low light around points

New to these rigs? View our Rig & Technique Guides →

Seasonal Patterns

Spring

Bass move shallow to spawn on gravel and in protected coves; sight fishing and reaction baits in the clear water.

Summer

Fish relate to deeper rock, habitat, and channel edges; drop shot and jigs, with early/late topwater.

Fall

Bass feed up around bait; reaction baits and moving lures on points and in coves.

Winter

Deeper, slower finesse bite on rock and channel structure remains productive in the mild climate.

Best Times of Day

Early morning and evening for the shallow and topwater bite, especially in summer heat. The mild desert climate keeps fish catchable year-round.

Local Knowledge

Clear water demands finesse — light line, natural colors, and long casts.
Learn the locations of planted fish habitat; they are bass magnets.
Summer heat and heavy recreational traffic make dawn the prime window.

What fish can I catch at Lake Havasu?

Lake Havasu is home to Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Bluegill, Striped Bass. Select a species below for full seasonal lure recommendations.

Best Lures at Lake Havasu by Species

Select a species to see full seasonal lure recommendations.

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