A quick guide on kayak fishing the Colorado River.

Kayak Fishing the Colorado River: Best Lower River Spots, Seasons, and Setups

ByJeffrey

The Lower Colorado River is a desert kayak angler’s playground: clear reservoirs, rocky current seams, cattail backwaters, and deep runs below dams. From Bullhead down to Yuma, you can target striped bass, smallmouth, chunky catfish, and carp year-round if you understand dam releases, current, and heat.

This guide focuses on the main recreational stretch many traveling anglers fish: Bullhead/Laughlin, Lake Havasu, the Parker Strip, and Yuma-area backwaters. We’ll break down where to launch, how seasons affect the bite, which species to expect, and how to stay safe in moving water and desert conditions when kayak fishing the Colorado River.

Best Kayak Fishing Areas on the Colorado River

Bullhead / Laughlin (Below Davis Dam)

This section runs from Davis Dam downstream past Bullhead City and Laughlin into the upper end of Lake Mohave. It’s regulated tailwater with cold, clear releases that can change quickly through the day.

Why it’s good:

  • Strong populations of striped bass, smallmouth/largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and some stocked trout in cooler months.
  • Defined current seams, rock piles, and eddies ideal for kayak positioning.
  • Clear water where you can sight-fish bass and carp when flows allow.

What to target:

  • Stripers in deeper runs and current edges.
  • Smallmouth bass on rocky banks, ledges, and boulder fields.
  • Channel catfish in slower holes and along soft-bottom inside bends.

Lake Havasu & Topock Gorge

Kayak Fishing Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is a wide reservoir with a mix of open basin, coves, and river-like upper reaches, including the scenic Topock Gorge within Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

Why it’s good:

  • Nationally recognized bass fishery with strong populations of stripers, largemouth, smallmouth, catfish, panfish, and carp.
  • A mix of rocky points, flooded structure, and expansive coves.
  • Upper river section (Topock Gorge / Refuge) fishes like a wild canyon river with current seams and backwaters.

What to target:

  • Stripers running edges of channels and points, especially near the dam end and around bait-rich coves.
  • Smallmouth on rock, bluffs, and current edges.
  • Channel and flathead catfish in deeper holes, ledges, and at night around structure.
  • Carp roaming coves and flats—great sight-fishing targets.

Parker Strip

Parker Strip is the river reach between Parker Dam and Headgate Rock Dam—a narrow, canyon-lined stretch with strong current in places and lots of shoreline structure.

Why it’s good:

  • Concentrated, easy-to-read bass water: docks, riprap, rock ledges, and current breaks.
  • Warm water and abundant forage create quality largemouth and smallmouth fishing.
  • Strong general-opportunity fishery with bass, cats, carp, and panfish.

What to target:

  • Smallmouth along rocky shorelines, current seams, and eddies.
  • Largemouth around docks, vegetation, and backwaters.
  • Catfish in deeper slots and bends, especially at night.
  • Stripers where deeper holes, marinas, or current convergences concentrate bait.

Yuma & Lower River Backwaters

Near Yuma, the Colorado spreads into a network of channels, marshes, and backwaters (Martinez Lake, Mittry Lake, Imperial and Laguna areas).

Why it’s good:

  • Extensive, kayak-friendly sloughs and lagoons off the main river.
  • Diverse warm-water fish community: largemouth and smallmouth bass, stripers, multiple catfish species, panfish, carp, and tilapia.
  • Plenty of sheltered water to fish even when the main river is running hard.

What to target:

  • Stripers and bass in and around inlets and current-fed channels connecting backwaters to the main river.
  • Catfish in deeper pockets, old channels, and around structure.
  • Carp cruising flats and weed edges.

Launch Points

Launch options change over time, but the basic categories stay the same.

Bullhead / Laughlin

  • City Parks & Day-Use Areas: Multiple riverside parks in Bullhead City and Laughlin offer hand-launch access for kayaks; some have dedicated kayak put-ins.
  • Upstream / Downstream Strategy: Launch upstream at Davis Camp Park and float/fish downstream to a take-out to work with current rather than against it. Check local shuttle or two-vehicle options.

Lake Havasu

Parker Strip

  • Riverside Campgrounds & Resorts: Many private campgrounds along the Strip have small beaches or ramps that are ideal for kayaks (often with day-use fees).
  • Public Access Sites: Scattered public launches and day-use areas on both AZ and CA sides—check current maps from Arizona Game & Fish and county websites.

Yuma / Lower River

  • Martinez Lake & Mittry Lake Access: Marinas, resorts, and designated launches give direct entry to backwaters and sloughs.
  • Imperial & Laguna Areas: Limited but useful launches near dam access roads, canals, and backwater edges—double-check where launching is permitted and where navigation is restricted.

Wherever you launch:

  • Confirm parking rules, hours, and fees.
  • Identify upstream/downstream bail-out points in case wind or current pick up.
  • Always know how far you are from shade, drinking water, and your vehicle in desert heat.

Seasonal Patterns on the Colorado River

The Lower Colorado fishes well year-round, but patterns shift with water temps and dam releases.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

  • Water: Coldest flows; tailwater sections may stay cold year-round below dams.
  • Stripers: Often deeper and relating to drop-offs, marinas, and channels; night fishing can be good in mild spells.
  • Smallmouth: Less active, holding on deeper rocks and ledges.
  • Catfish: Still catchable in deeper holes with slower metabolism.

Kayak strategy: Pick calm days with light wind, fish slower, and focus on deeper edges and vertical cover.

Spring (Mar–May)

  • Warming water: Bass and stripers become more active; pre-spawn and spawn phases for black bass.
  • Smallmouth & Largemouth: Move shallow on rock and in coves/backwaters; strong bite on Parker, Havasu, and Yuma backwaters.
  • Stripers: Chase bait along points, channel edges, and current seams.
  • Carp: Begin cruising flats, ideal for sight-fishing.

Spring is one of the best kayak windows—comfortable temps, aggressive fish, and manageable flows in many stretches.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Heat: Air temps can exceed 100–110°F regularly; water temps high in reservoirs/backwaters, cooler below dams.
  • Bass: Feed early and late; tuck into shade and deeper water mid-day.
  • Stripers: Key on moving water and bait; night fishing becomes very productive in many areas.
  • Catfish & Carp: Strong, consistent bite at night and in lower light.

Kayak strategy: Dawn and dusk sessions, or true night trips if you are fully prepared with lights and safety gear. Mid-day trips require serious heat management and shade planning.

Fall (Sep–Nov)

  • Cooling: Water temps slide down, fish feed up before winter.
  • Smallmouth & Largemouth: Excellent reaction-bait bite on rock, points, and edges.
  • Stripers: Chase bait aggressively; schooling fish may push shad into coves and points.
  • Catfish & Carp: Remain reliable, especially on stable weather stretches.

Fall offers another “all-species” window with milder air temps and strong feeding behavior.

Species Overview

Striped Bass

  • Where: Deeper channels, dam tailwaters, points dropping into current, marinas, and bait-rich coves.
  • Behavior: Schooling predators; relate to current, bait schools, and structure changes.
  • Kayak edge: You can quietly position near eddies, seams, and marinas where big boats can’t sit as stealthily.

Smallmouth Bass

  • Where: Rocks, ledges, canyon walls, gravel points, and current breaks—especially Bullhead, Parker Strip, and upper/lower river rock banks.
  • Behavior: Hard-fighting “river bronzebacks” that love current and clean rock.
  • Season: Strong from spring through fall; winter bite can be good in stable conditions but slower.

Catfish (Channel & Flathead)

  • Where: Deep holes, outside bends, undercut banks, around structure and marinas, and along soft-bottom edges.
  • Behavior: Most active at night and during low light; channel cats roam flats, flatheads prefer heavy cover and live bait.
  • Kayak angle: Night anchor or slow-drift sessions with bait rigs from a kayak can be extremely effective if done safely.

Carp

  • Where: Flats, coves, backwaters, and weedy shorelines throughout the lower river and lakes.
  • Behavior: Often seen cruising or tailing in shallow water; underrated sport on light tackle or fly.
  • Kayak edge: You can quietly pole or paddle into inches-deep water where carp feed unpressured.
Freshwater lures used for bass and striper fishing.

Striped Bass

Gear:

  • Medium or medium-heavy spinning/baitcasting rod, 20–30 lb braid with 12–20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Lures:

  • 3–5″ paddle-tail swimbaits on 3/8–1 oz jigheads.
  • Medium-profile crankbaits and jerkbaits along points and current edges.
  • Topwaters (spooks, pencil baits) at dawn, dusk, and on overcast days.

Techniques:

  • Drift with current along channel edges while fan-casting swimbaits.
  • Anchor or spot-lock above seams, casting across and retrieving through transitions.
  • At night, slow-roll swimbaits or troll shallow cranks along lighted marinas.

Smallmouth Bass

Gear:

  • Medium spinning rod with 10–20 lb braid and 8–12 lb leader.

Lures:

  • Tubes and football jigs on rock and ledges.
  • Ned rigs and finesse worms in clear, pressured water.
  • Small crankbaits and jerkbaits when fish are chasing.

Techniques:

  • Work parallel to rocky banks and points, hitting multiple depth bands.
  • Use current to your advantage—let it carry your kayak along shore while you cast slightly upstream.
  • In heavy current, target eddies and slack pockets behind rocks and points.

Catfish

Gear:

  • Medium-heavy to heavy rod, 30–50 lb braid and 20–40 lb leader, especially for flatheads.

Rigs:

  • Sliding sinker (Carolina-style) rigs with bait on circle hooks; adjust weight for current.
  • Three-way rigs in faster runs.

Baits:

  • Channel cats: cut bait, shrimp, worms, stink baits.
  • Flatheads: live bluegill, tilapia (where legal), or other live baitfish.

Techniques:

  • Anchor above a hole or along an outside bend and cast baits back into deeper water.
  • At night, target shallow edges adjacent to deep holding water.

Carp

Gear:

  • Medium-light to medium spinning rod, 10–15 lb line; fly tackle works well too.

Baits/Lures:

  • Dough baits, canned corn, bread balls on light hooks.
  • Small nymphs and carp flies for sight-fishing.

Techniques:

  • Anchor or stake out on flats; chum lightly with corn where legal.
  • For sight-fishing, paddle quietly, spot fish, and present baits gently ahead of their path.

Kayak Safety on the Colorado River

The Lower Colorado is manageable in a kayak if you respect three main factors: current/dams, desert heat, and regulations.

Current & Dam Releases

Tailwater sections below Davis and Parker Dams experience daily and seasonal flow changes, commonly from a few thousand to 20,000+ cfs.

  • Water can rise and current can strengthen quickly when power generation ramps up.
  • Flow schedules from the Bureau of Reclamation are estimates, not guarantees—conditions can change without warning.

Safety habits:

  • Check current or projected dam release schedules before you launch, but still assume variability.
  • Avoid anchoring in heavy current; if you do anchor, use a quick-release system.
  • Start upstream and float/fish down to your take-out instead of fighting upstream current all day.

Dams, Diversions & Restricted Areas

  • All dams have restricted zones—never approach intakes, spillways, or restricted buoy lines.
  • Diversion channels, irrigation structures, and canals near Yuma can create dangerous, unseen currents.

Always obey posted signs, buoys, and local enforcement; treat every dam and diversion as a “no-go” zone within the marked boundaries.

Desert Heat & Sun Exposure

The Lower Colorado corridor regularly sees triple-digit temperatures in spring, summer, and early fall.

Heat management:

  • Fish dawn to late morning and evening; avoid long mid-day sessions.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brim hat, and polarized glasses.
  • Carry more water than you think you need and drink constantly.
  • Build shade into your plan—tall banks, bridges, or a simple reflective shade on your kayak.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real threats; if you stop sweating, feel dizzy, or develop a pounding headache, get off the water, cool down, and rehydrate immediately.

Regulations & Licenses

This stretch of river crosses Arizona, California, and Nevada, each with its own fishing regulations and license requirements.

  • Some reciprocal agreements exist on boundary waters, but details change—always confirm current rules with state agencies before your trip.
  • Special bag limits, gear rules, and closed areas may apply (especially in refuges and near endangered native fish).

Carry your license on you, not just in your vehicle, and know which side of the river you’re technically fishing.

FAQs: Kayak Fishing the Colorado River

Do I need multiple fishing licenses for the Colorado River?

Possibly. The Lower Colorado forms state boundaries, and management is shared by Arizona, California, Nevada, and federal refuges. Some sections have reciprocity between states, but others require the license for the state whose bank or water you’re on. Always check the latest rules from Arizona Game & Fish, California DFW, and Nevada Department of Wildlife before your trip.

Is the Colorado River safe for beginner kayak anglers?

Yes, in the right places and conditions:

  • Choose calmer reservoirs and backwaters (Havasu coves, Parker marinas, Yuma backwaters) rather than fast tailwater runs.
  • Avoid peak dam releases and strong mid-channel current.
  • Always wear a PFD and plan short routes close to your launch.

What kayak is best for the Colorado River?

  • Stable 10–13 ft sit-on-top fishing kayak or a similar stable sit-inside.
  • Good tracking for light current and wind.
  • Plenty of deck space for a crate, dry storage, and extra water.

Pedal drives are nice in current, but a paddle kayak is fine if you keep runs reasonable.

Can I fish at night from a kayak?

Night fishing can be excellent for stripers and catfish, especially in summer—but it raises risk:

  • You must have proper navigation lights and a bright headlamp.
  • Stick to familiar, protected stretches (marinas, coves, slow backwaters).
  • Avoid main channels with heavy boat traffic.

If you’re new to the river, get comfortable in daylight first.

What’s the single biggest mistake people make on the Colorado River?

Underestimating current and heat. Anglers often paddle comfortably downstream, then can’t make it back against building current or afternoon wind in 100°F+ heat. Plan conservative distances, work with current (upstream shuttle or float plans), and always leave a safety buffer.

Final Thoughts

The Lower Colorado River is one of the most versatile kayak fisheries in the Southwest—tailwater runs at Bullhead, reservoir structure at Havasu, canyon current on the Parker Strip, and sprawling backwaters near Yuma all fish differently but share the same core species: stripers, bass, catfish, and carp.

If you:

  • Break the river into zones (Bullhead, Havasu, Parker, Yuma) and learn each one gradually
  • Launch from protected access points and plan routes with current and heat in mind
  • Build a simple, confidence-based tackle box of swimbaits, jigs, bait rigs, and a carp setup
  • Treat dam releases, desert heat, and multi-state regulations as core trip-planning variables

…you’ll be set up to fish the Colorado River like a local from a kayak. Keep notes on flows, launch spots, and productive drifts each trip, and the river will feel less like a big unknown and more like a series of dialed-in milk runs you can repeat and refine all year long.

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