What the Colorado River offers Arizona anglers
The Colorado River runs 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California, and the Arizona stretch—roughly 400 miles from the Utah border to the Mexican boundary—holds some of the most accessible and productive fishing in the state. You can reach the river from multiple points without a boat, catch warm-water species year-round, and fish in canyons, behind dams, and through open desert in a single trip. The river's character changes dramatically depending on where you fish: cold tailwater below dams produces trout; warm reservoirs hold bass, catfish, and stripers; and the lower river supports channel catfish and carp.
Access varies by location. Some sections require no permits beyond your Arizona fishing license; others sit on tribal land or require special passes. Water temperature, flow, and fish behavior shift with dam releases and season, so knowing which section matches your target species and skill level matters before you drive out.
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado River in Arizona divides into distinct zones—tailwater trout sections below dams, warm reservoirs with bass and stripers, and the lower river with catfish—each requiring different gear and timing.
- Access is free at most public sections with an Arizona fishing license, but some areas require tribal permits or day-use fees, and regulations on catch limits and tackle vary by location.
- Tailwater sections below Glen Canyon and Hoover dams run cold year-round and fish best in spring and fall; reservoirs like Lake Powell and Lake Havasu warm in summer and hold active fish through winter.
- The river's flow changes daily based on dam releases, which affects where fish hold and how easy wading is, so check current conditions before you go.
- Boat access opens sections inaccessible from shore, but you can catch fish from banks, rocks, and wading areas without launching anything.
Tailwater trout sections below Glen Canyon and Hoover dams
The stretch immediately below Glen Canyon Dam (near Page) and below Hoover Dam (between Arizona and Nevada) runs cold because water releases come from the bottom of the reservoirs above. This cold water—typically 48 to 52 degrees year-round—supports rainbow and brown trout that cannot survive in the warm lower river. Both sections are open to the public with an Arizona license and no additional permit.
Below Glen Canyon Dam, the river flows through Marble Canyon and into the Grand Canyon. Public access is limited to the first few miles near Page; beyond that, you need a commercial river permit or private boat. The accessible stretch near Page holds good numbers of rainbows and browns, with nymphs and small streamers working best. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) see the most consistent hatches and active feeding.
Below Hoover Dam, the river runs through the Colorado River Valley between Arizona and Nevada. You can access the Arizona side from several points: Willow Beach (a small community south of the dam), Katherine Landing, and various pullouts along US Route 95. This section is wider and more open than the Glen Canyon tailwater, and it holds larger trout. Flows here are more stable because Hoover Dam is operated for hydroelectric power, so water levels and current change predictably. Fishing is good year-round, but summer heat makes wading uncomfortable; spring and fall are more pleasant.
Lake Powell and Lake Havasu: warm-water reservoirs
Lake Powell (formed by Glen Canyon Dam) and Lake Havasu (formed by Parker Dam) are reservoirs, not river sections, but they sit on the Colorado River system and offer different fishing than the tailwater below the dams. Both warm significantly in summer and hold largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. You need a boat to fish most of these lakes effectively, though some shore access exists at marinas and developed areas.
Lake Powell, in northern Arizona near the Utah border, is massive—186 miles long when full—and holds large populations of stripers and largemouths. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are prime seasons; summer heat pushes fish deep, and winter is cold but fishable. Marinas at Wahweap, Bullfrog, and Hall's Crossing rent boats and sell licenses. Stripers here average 3 to 8 pounds, and largemouths run 2 to 5 pounds.
Lake Havasu, south of Lake Powell near the California border, is smaller and shallower, warming faster in spring and staying warm longer into fall. Largemouths and smallmouths are abundant; stripers are present but less numerous than at Powell. The town of Lake Havasu City sits on the Arizona shore and has multiple marinas, boat ramps, and lodging. This lake is more crowded than Powell but easier to reach from central Arizona.
The lower Colorado River: catfish and carp
South of Lake Havasu, the Colorado River widens and warms, flowing through desert toward Mexico. This section holds channel catfish, flathead catfish, common carp, and some largemouth bass. The water is murky and warm, and fishing is most active at dawn, dusk, and night. You can access the lower river from several points: Needles area (California side, but Arizona anglers fish here), Topock Marsh, and various pullouts along Arizona Route 95 south of Lake Havasu.
Channel catfish dominate this section and are easiest to catch on cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits fished on the bottom. Flatheads, which are larger and more aggressive, prefer live baitfish and are caught mostly at night. Carp are abundant and can be taken on corn, dough balls, or specialized carp baits. This section is less crowded than the reservoirs and requires no boat—you can fish from shore or wade in shallow areas. Summer is hot; fall and spring are more comfortable.
Regulations, licenses, and tribal waters
Arizona fishing licenses are required on all public sections of the Colorado River. A one-day license costs less than a year-long license; both are sold online, at sporting goods stores, and at some marinas. Catch limits and size restrictions vary by section and species, so check the current Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations before you fish.
Some sections of the Colorado River cross tribal land, particularly the Navajo Nation (near Page and Glen Canyon) and the Colorado River Indian Tribes reservation (near Lake Havasu and the lower river). Fishing on tribal land requires a tribal permit in addition to your Arizona license. Tribal permits are sold at local shops and marinas; costs and regulations differ from state regulations. Ask at the nearest marina or visitor center whether you are on tribal water.
The Hoover Dam section is managed jointly by Arizona and Nevada, and regulations are the same on both sides. You do not need a separate Nevada license if you are fishing from the Arizona shore, but check current rules before you go.
Seasons and water conditions
The Colorado River's best fishing windows depend on which section you choose. Tailwater trout sections fish well in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate and hatches are active; summer is fishable but requires early mornings and shade; winter is cold but productive for anglers willing to bundle up. Reservoirs warm in summer and hold active fish through fall; winter fishing is slower but possible. The lower river is best in fall and spring; summer heat makes midday fishing nearly impossible.
Water flow changes daily based on dam releases for hydroelectric power and irrigation. High flows make wading dangerous and push fish into slower water along banks and behind rocks. Low flows concentrate fish and make wading easier. Check the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation website or call the dam visitor centers for current flow rates before you go. Flows below Glen Canyon Dam are typically 8,000 to 30,000 cubic feet per second; below Hoover Dam they are more stable, around 15,000 to 25,000 cubic feet per second.
Gear and tackle for different sections
Tailwater trout sections require light spinning or fly-fishing gear. For spinning, use 4- to 6-pound test line and small spoons, spinners, or soft plastics. For fly fishing, bring nymphs (size 14 to 20), small streamers, and dry flies in sizes 16 to 20. Wading boots with good grip are essential because the bottom is rocky and slippery.
Warm-water reservoirs call for medium spinning or baitcasting gear. Largemouths and smallmouths respond to crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures; stripers take live baitfish and large streamers. Catfish and carp in the lower river need heavier gear—medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rods with 12- to 20-pound line. Bring a net for larger fish and a headlamp if you plan to fish at night.
Getting there and where to stay
The Colorado River runs through remote country, and the nearest towns vary by section. Page, Arizona (near Glen Canyon Dam) has motels, restaurants, and a marina. Kingman, Arizona (south of Hoover Dam) is a larger town with more services. Lake Havasu City is a resort town with abundant lodging and restaurants. Needles, California (near the lower river) has basic services. Plan to drive 2 to 4 hours from Phoenix depending on your destination.
Camping is available at several locations: Lee's Ferry (near Page, for Glen Canyon tailwater), Willow Beach (near Hoover Dam), Lake Havasu State Park, and various Bureau of Land Management sites along the lower river. Some areas require reservations; others are first-come, first-served. Check ahead if you plan to camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Colorado River?
No. You can catch fish from shore or wading at most sections—tailwater below the dams, parts of the reservoirs, and the lower river all have bank access. A boat opens more water and is necessary for the best fishing at Lake Powell and Lake Havasu, but it is not required to catch fish.
What is the best time of year to fish the Colorado River?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are best overall because water temperatures are moderate and fish are active. Summer works for early mornings and shaded areas; winter is slower but fishable, especially at the reservoirs.
Can I fish the Colorado River in winter?
Yes. Tailwater trout sections fish year-round because the water stays cold. Reservoirs slow in winter but still hold fish. The lower river is fishable but less active. Dress warmly and expect shorter days and fewer fish than in spring and fall.
What species can I catch in each section?
Tailwater below dams: rainbow and brown trout. Reservoirs (Powell and Havasu): largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie. Lower river: channel catfish, flathead catfish, common carp, largemouth bass.
Do I need a tribal permit to fish the Colorado River?
Only if you are fishing on tribal land. Sections near Page (Navajo Nation) and near Lake Havasu (Colorado River Indian Tribes) require tribal permits in addition to your Arizona license. Ask at the nearest marina or visitor center whether you are on tribal water.