Striped Bass

The Colorado River near Parker, Arizona, is a surprisingly productive striped bass fishery. Lake Havasu, in particular, is a renowned striper destination. Unlike largemouth, stripers can be caught year-round, but the cooler months (October-April) are generally considered the best. These fish are migratory, so locate them using electronics and by watching for surface feeding activity. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or casting swimbaits near structure are effective tactics. A helpful tip: the area around the dam is a popular spot, but be mindful of the current and boat traffic. Also, many anglers have success fishing at night using lights to attract baitfish and, consequently, stripers. The stripers in Lake Havasu can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds being relatively common. Hire a local guide to increase your chances of landing a trophy.