What You'll Find on the Colorado River

The Colorado River runs 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California, but the section most accessible to Texas anglers lies in the lower basin—primarily in Arizona and California, with a smaller reach in Nevada. The river holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish, depending on which reservoir or stretch you target. Water temperature, dam releases, and seasonal runoff shape where fish congregate and how they feed, so timing matters more than on many other waters.

The Colorado is not a single fishery—it's a series of reservoirs (Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Powell) connected by flowing sections. Each has distinct access, regulations, and fish populations. If you're driving from Texas, the lower Colorado near Laughlin, Nevada, and Lake Havasu on the Arizona-California border are the closest major destinations. The upper Colorado, near the Utah-Colorado border, requires a longer trip but offers different species and conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The lower Colorado River near Lake Havasu and Laughlin, Nevada, is 12 to 16 hours from central Texas and holds striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish year-round.
  • Striped bass fishing peaks in fall and winter when cooler water pushes fish into shallower feeding zones; spring and summer require deeper presentations and early morning trips.
  • Most public access on the lower Colorado comes through day-use areas managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or state wildlife agencies; fees typically run $5 to $10 per vehicle.
  • Regulations vary by state and reservoir—Arizona, California, and Nevada each set their own seasons, bag limits, and licensing rules, so check the specific state before you fish.
  • Striped bass and catfish respond to live bait (shad, mackerel) and artificial lures (swimbaits, crankbaits); bass fishing often requires a boat to reach deeper structure where fish hold in summer.

Lower Colorado River: Lake Havasu and Laughlin Area

Lake Havasu straddles the Arizona-California border about 150 miles south of Las Vegas. The lake is 45 miles long and holds striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish. Striped bass are the main draw—they school in open water and respond to live shad, swimbaits, and topwater lures. Fall and winter (October through March) are peak months because cooler water keeps striped bass active in shallower zones where shore anglers and small-boat anglers can reach them. Summer fishing requires a boat and early starts before the heat pushes fish deep.

Laughlin, Nevada, sits on the Colorado River about 60 miles south of Lake Havasu. The river here flows between the Davis Dam and the Laughlin area, creating a narrower channel than the reservoirs. Striped bass, largemouth bass, and large catfish live in this section. The river current and structure (submerged trees, rock piles) hold fish year-round. Winter is still productive, but the flowing water keeps fish more active than in the still reservoirs, so you can fish deeper presentations even in summer.

Access to Lake Havasu includes the Lake Havasu State Park day-use area (Arizona side), which charges a day-use fee and offers boat ramps, parking, and facilities. On the California side, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge has limited public access; check current conditions before driving. Laughlin-area access comes through BLM land and day-use areas along the river; the Laughlin Boardwalk area offers parking and river views, though fishing access is limited there. For boat launching near Laughlin, check with local marinas or the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce for current ramp locations and fees.

Upper Colorado River and Lake Powell

Lake Powell, formed by the Glen Canyon Dam, lies on the Utah-Arizona border and is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. It holds striped bass, largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish. The lake is massive—186 miles long with over 1,900 miles of shoreline—so fishing success depends heavily on knowing which arms and bays hold fish in each season. Striped bass school in the main channel and deeper basins; largemouth bass hold in shallower coves and around submerged structure.

Lake Powell is a full-day or multi-day destination from Texas. The nearest town is Page, Arizona, about 280 miles from the Utah border. Wahweap Marina and Bullfrog Marina are the main launch points. Striped bass fishing peaks in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). Summer heat pushes fish deep, and winter can be slow, though some anglers find success in the deeper coves. You will need a boat to fish Lake Powell effectively; shore fishing is limited and often unproductive.

Access to Lake Powell requires a National Recreation Pass ($7 per vehicle for three days, or $30 annual) at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Boat launch fees vary by marina—typically $15 to $20 per day. Wahweap Marina and Bullfrog Marina both offer fuel, supplies, and lodging. Camping is available at Wahweap Campground and other NPS sites around the lake.

Seasons and What to Expect

Fall (September through November) is the most reliable season on the lower Colorado. Water temperatures drop from summer highs (90°F+) to the 70s and 60s, triggering striped bass to feed actively in shallower water. Largemouth bass also become more aggressive. Live shad and swimbaits work well; topwater lures produce at dawn and dusk. Expect crowds on weekends, especially in October and November.

Winter (December through February) remains productive on the lower Colorado, though water temperatures drop into the 50s. Striped bass are still active but move deeper during midday. Early morning and late afternoon fishing is most reliable. Catfish feed throughout winter and respond to live bait and cut shad. The upper Colorado (Lake Powell) slows considerably in winter; ice can form on the lake, and fishing success drops.

Spring (March through May) on the lower Colorado sees water temperatures rising into the 60s and 70s. Striped bass spawn in spring, and fishing can be inconsistent as fish move to shallow spawning areas. By late May, water temperatures approach summer highs. The upper Colorado (Lake Powell) comes alive in spring as water warms and striped bass move into shallower feeding zones.

Summer (June through August) is the slowest season on the lower Colorado. Water temperatures exceed 90°F, and striped bass retreat to deep, cool water. Early morning fishing (before 8 a.m.) is essential. Catfish remain active and feed throughout the day. Largemouth bass fishing slows in the heat. The upper Colorado also slows in summer, though some anglers find success in the deepest basins and at night.

Regulations and Licensing

The Colorado River crosses three states, and each sets its own fishing regulations. You must follow the rules of the state where you fish. Arizona, California, and Nevada each issue separate fishing licenses, and you cannot use one state's license in another.

Arizona requires a fishing license for anyone 10 and older. A one-day license costs around $37 for non-residents; a five-day license is approximately $53. Striped bass bag limit is typically two per day (check current regulations, as they change). Largemouth bass limit is five per day. Catfish have no daily limit. Arizona Game and Fish Department website lists current regulations and license options.

California requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. A one-day license is approximately $17 for non-residents. Striped bass bag limit is typically two per day. Largemouth bass limit is five per day. Catfish have no daily limit. California Department of Fish and Wildlife website provides current regulations.

Nevada requires a fishing license for anyone 12 and older. A one-day license is approximately $20 for non-residents. Striped bass bag limit is typically two per day. Largemouth bass limit is five per day. Catfish have no daily limit. Nevada Department of Wildlife website lists current regulations and license sales.

Always check the specific state's wildlife agency website before your trip, as regulations change annually and can vary by water body. Some areas have special restrictions or closures.

Tackle and Techniques

Striped bass, the primary target on the Colorado, respond to live bait and artificial lures. Live shad (mullet or herring) work year-round, especially in fall and winter. Cast live bait near structure, drop-offs, or in open water where striped bass school. A medium-heavy spinning rod (6.5 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line handles striped bass well.

Swimbaits (4 to 6 inches) mimic natural prey and work in all seasons. Crankbaits in shad patterns produce in fall and winter. Topwater lures (poppers, walkers) work at dawn and dusk, especially in fall. For catfish, use cut shad, chicken liver, or stink bait on a basic catfish rig with a three-way swivel and sinker.

Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics (worms, crawfish), crankbaits, and jigs around shallow structure. In summer, fish deep—20 to 40 feet—near channel ledges and submerged trees. In fall and winter, shallower presentations (5 to 15 feet) work better.

If you're fishing from shore, focus on areas with current breaks, submerged structure, or deeper holes. The Laughlin area and some Lake Havasu access points allow shore fishing. A medium spinning rod and live shad or swimbaits work well. Boat fishing gives you access to deeper structure and open-water striped bass schools, which is why most serious anglers rent or bring a boat.

Getting There and Lodging

From central Texas, Lake Havasu is approximately 12 to 14 hours by car (about 800 miles via I-10 and I-40 west). Laughlin, Nevada, is roughly 14 to 16 hours (about 900 miles). Lake Powell is 18 to 20 hours (about 1,100 miles). Most anglers break the drive into two days.

Lake Havasu has hotels, motels, and RV parks in the town of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Laughlin has casino hotels and RV parks along the river. Lake Powell has limited lodging in Page, Arizona, and RV camping at Wahweap Campground. Book lodging in advance during peak seasons (October through November, March through May).

Boat rentals are available at Lake Havasu (several marinas) and Lake Powell (Wahweap and Bullfrog marinas). Rental costs vary but typically run $200 to $400 per day for a 16- to 20-foot center console or open boat. Fuel is extra. If you don't own a boat, renting is often cheaper than towing your own, especially for a one-trip visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to fish the Colorado River from Texas?

Fall (October through November) is most reliable for striped bass on the lower Colorado. Water temperatures are comfortable, fish are active in shallower water, and you can fish from shore or a small boat. Winter (December through February) is also productive but requires early morning starts. Spring and summer are slower, especially if you're fishing from shore.

Do I need a boat to fish the Colorado River?

No, but a boat greatly improves your chances, especially in summer. The lower Colorado near Laughlin and Lake Havasu has shore access where you can fish for striped bass and catfish with live bait. Lake Powell is too large for effective shore fishing. If you're shore fishing, focus on areas with current, structure, or deeper holes.

Can I use my Texas fishing license on the Colorado River?

No. The Colorado River is in Arizona, California, and Nevada, and each state requires its own license. You must purchase a license from the state where you fish. A one-day non-resident license typically costs $17 to $37, depending on the state.

What's the bag limit for striped bass on the Colorado?

Most sections of the Colorado allow two striped bass per day, but regulations can vary by state and water body. Check the specific state's wildlife agency website (Arizona Game and Fish, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or Nevada Department of Wildlife) before your trip to confirm current limits.

Is the Colorado River safe to fish in summer?

Yes, but summer fishing is challenging. Water temperatures exceed 90°F, and striped bass move deep. Fish early (before 8 a.m.) and focus on deep structure or catfish, which remain active in heat. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. The desert heat is intense, so plan accordingly.