How to Fish Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 57-68°F. Pre-spawn bass are transitioning to shallower staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are relating heavily to structure, particularly docks and rock piles, while making periodic movements to feed Key locations: Docks with adjacent deep water access, especially those with tule pockets nearby; Rock piles and points in 12-15 foot depth range; Tule fields with pockets and irregular edges. Best techniques: Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and structure, Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper staging areas, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along points and transitions. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging and active in rocky areas and around docks, Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas near points. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 47-59°F. Smallmouth bass actively transitioning from winter to pre-spawn patterns, utilizing points as staging areas before moving to spawning grounds Fish becoming more aggressive with warming trends, showing willingness to chase moving baits in upper water column as evidenced by topwater success at 59°F Key locations: Main lake points, especially those with rocky composition serving as pre-spawn staging areas; Flats with scattered grass adjacent to deeper water; Secondary points leading into spawning pockets with 2-8 ft depth range. Best techniques: Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly along bottom in cold, calm conditions, Hard Topwater (Prop) across points during warmer days with surface ripple, Drop Shot with light fluorocarbon leader for clear water presentations. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging as primary forage in rocky areas, Shad present in open water and around points. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 56-67°F. Actively feeding on shad schools in the upper-middle water column, particularly in the 15-20 foot depth range as they prepare for spawn Following pre-spawn migration patterns along main lake points and channel edges, with increased activity during morning and evening periods Key locations: Main lake points and channel edges in 15-20 foot depth range where shad schools are present; Areas near submerged vegetation that provide habitat for baitfish schools; Current breaks and ambush points in coves and channel intersections. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits to cover water and locate active fish, Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools when fish are actively feeding, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') cast near points and structure during higher activity periods. Primary forage: Shad schools in the mid-depth range, Various baitfish relating to submerged vegetation. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 59-67°F. Actively spawning with fish moving into shallow areas and establishing beds. Males are aggressive in protecting nests while females move between shallow and slightly deeper staging areas. Pre-spawn and spawning fish showing mixed behavior - some actively on beds while others staging in transition areas, as evidenced by reaction bait success Key locations: Shallow spawning flats near docks and pilings with protective cover; Reed beds and tule areas in protected pockets; Transition areas between shallow and deep water with submerged vegetation. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds and cover, Ned Rigs for finesse presentations to spooky bed fish, Bladed Jigs for covering water and targeting transition fish. Primary forage: Shad moving into spawning areas, Crawfish becoming more active in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 63-66°F. Actively spawning in shallow water (2-8 ft) with males guarding nests around docks and rock piles Some fish transitioning between spawning areas and deeper points, showing split patterns Highly visible and aggressive when protecting beds, but requiring finesse presentations for success Key locations: Dock areas with hard bottom in 2-8 ft depth; Rock piles and gravel areas in protected bays; Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly around beds and visible fish, Drop Shot with light fluorocarbon leaders for spooky fish, Hard Jerkbaits for fish transitioning between areas. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in warming waters, Small baitfish in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Light Neutral Colors, Pink Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 56-67°F. Striped bass are actively moving into spawning areas, following pre-spawn feeding patterns with aggressive pursuit of shad schools in the 15-20 ft range Fish are utilizing current breaks and points as staging areas, making frequent movements between deeper and shallower water as water temperatures fluctuate Key locations: Main lake points and channel edges where pre-spawn staging occurs; Shallow tributary areas and coves where warmer water temperatures develop first; Current breaks near submerged vegetation where shad congregate. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with artificial lures to cover water and locate active schools, Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended fish marked on electronics, Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked vertically through suspended schools. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in the upper-middle water column, Secondary forage relating to emerging vegetation patterns. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 64-72°F. Post-spawn largemouth transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish holding tight to structure during daylight hours, becoming more active in low light conditions around reed edges Key locations: Reed lines and edges in 5-15 foot depth range; Ledge points transitioning from 20-40 foot depths; Deep weed edges in 15-20 foot range. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked through and around reed edges, Drop Shot for deeper ledge points and structure, Texas Rigs pitched to tight structure. Primary forage: Crawfish active in shallow to mid-depth areas, Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period, Bluegill becoming more active in vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 60-70°F. Fish transitioning off beds but remaining relatively shallow (3-8 ft) with active feeding patterns resuming Showing aggressive behavior around hard structure, particularly around docks and boulders Key locations: Docks in Thompson Bay (3-8 ft depth range); Boulder fields and rock piles near spawning areas; Points with hard bottom composition. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom near structure, Drop Shot with finesse presentations, Soft Jerkbaits for more active fish. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in rocky areas, Small baitfish (smelt) in open water. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Havasu in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 56-67°F. Actively feeding on shad schools in the upper-middle water column, particularly during low light periods Following predictable migration routes along points and channel edges as they recover from spawn Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced as fish group up to chase bait in post-spawn period Key locations: Main lake points intersecting with channel edges where current breaks form; Submerged vegetation edges in 15-20 foot depth range; Secondary points in major creek arms where shad schools congregate. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with multiple lines to cover water effectively, Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended fish schools, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow rolled through bait schools. Primary forage: Shad schools in upper-middle water column, Young of year baitfish relating to vegetation edges. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Summer?

Water temp 75-85°F. Bass are actively feeding on shad and crawfish, relating heavily to submerged vegetation in the 15-foot zone Fish showing dual pattern behavior - some holding in matted grass for shade, others actively chasing shad in deeper vegetation Key locations: Submerged vegetation in 15-foot depth zone; Matted grass areas with shade; Brush piles adjacent to deep weed edges. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked through submerged vegetation, Grass Jigs flipped into matted grass, Football Jigs worked through brush piles. Primary forage: Shad schooling around deep vegetation, Crawfish in brush piles and grass. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Actively feeding on crawfish around rocky structure, particularly during early morning and evening hours Establishing deeper holding patterns during midday, relating to points and rock piles as primary feeding zones Key locations: Rock piles with adjacent deeper water; Main lake points with chunk rock; Steep rocky banks with larger boulders. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure, Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas, Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water during midday. Primary forage: Crawfish, Small bottom-dwelling baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Havasu in Summer?

Water temp 65-82°F. During summer, striped bass will be actively schooling and chasing shad in the upper water column during early morning and late evening, moving to deeper water during midday heat Fish will concentrate near current breaks and points where cooler, oxygenated water meets structure, creating prime feeding zones Key locations: Main lake points and channel edges where current meets structure, especially in 15-25 foot depth range; Areas adjacent to submerged vegetation where shad schools congregate; Deep water sanctuaries near major creek channels and main lake structure during midday. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with umbrella rigs and crankbaits during morning and evening periods, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) during midday heat when fish move deeper, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along points and grass edges during active feeding periods. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in the upper water column during low light periods, Smaller baitfish relating to grass beds and structure edges. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. Fish are actively feeding on both crawfish and shad, transitioning between shallow and deep water as they follow baitfish movements Largemouth are relating heavily to vegetation edges and points, using these areas as ambush points for feeding Key locations: Matted grass edges and deep weed lines in 15-20 foot range; Main lake points with access to deep water; Submerged vegetation patches near channel swings. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked through and around grass mats, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along points, Ned Rigs worked through submerged vegetation. Primary forage: Crawfish in and around vegetation and structure, Shad schools suspending near points and grass edges. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Fall?

Water temp 55-68°F. Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on crawfish around rock-based structure, preparing for winter Fish are transitioning between summer and winter locations, using ledges as primary feeding zones Key locations: Rocky ledges with nearby deep water access; Main lake points with mixed rock and gravel; Deep rock piles adjacent to primary forage areas. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure, Drop Shot with small profile baits, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along ledges. Primary forage: Crawfish, Small Baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Havasu in Fall?

Water temp 56-67°F. Striped bass actively following large schools of shad as they migrate to creek arms and major coves Fish transitioning between shallow and deep water throughout the day, with most active feeding during low light periods Aggressive schooling behavior with surface feeding activity, especially during early morning and evening hours Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to deep water channels; Creek arm mouths with submerged vegetation; Channel edges near major structural transitions. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'), Umbrella Rigs, Hard Body Swimbaits, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large). Primary forage: Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools, Young-of-year baitfish, Bluegill near vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Winter?

Water temp 50-64°F. Bass are schooling tightly around remaining deep vegetation and structure, making concentrated feeding movements during warmer periods Fish are relating heavily to transition areas between deep water and structure, particularly where grass edges meet points Key locations: Outside edges of submerged grass where they intersect with secondary or main lake points in 10-14 foot range; Deep grass clumps in mouth of coves 5-20 feet deep; Main lake points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along grass edges and point transitions, Drop Shot with 4-inch soft plastics for precise presentations in deeper grass, Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly around dying grass edges. Primary forage: Shad schooling in deeper water near structure, Crawfish active around grass edges and rocky points. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Havasu in Winter?

Water temp 47-50°F. Smallmouth bass are holding on deep structure, especially points and boulder areas, with limited shallow activity. Fish are responding to slow-moving baits with long pauses, indicating a more lethargic winter pattern Feeding activity appears concentrated during specific windows, with strikes occurring on the fall of baits, suggesting a reactive strike response rather than active pursuit Key locations: Main lake points, particularly those with access to deeper water; Boulder fields and rock piles in 13-20 foot depth range; Transitional areas between deep wintering holes and secondary points. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses (8-10 seconds) on fluorocarbon line, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked slowly around structure, Drop Shot with subtle movements in deeper water. Primary forage: Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas, Shad schools suspended in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Havasu in Winter?

Water temp 52-62°F. Striped bass actively following large shad schools in deeper main lake areas, with feeding activity concentrated during warmer parts of the day Fish moving along channel edges and deep points, suspending in 15-25 foot depths near structure that concentrates bait Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to deep water channels where shad schools concentrate; Channel edges near submerged vegetation in 15-25 foot depths; Deep water current breaks near complex shoreline structures. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with umbrella rigs and deep diving crankbaits, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with blade baits and spoons, Live Bait Rigs with down-lines in areas where fish are marked. Primary forage: Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad, Smaller baitfish relating to submerged vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.