What the Lake Havasu Striper Derby is and when it happens
The Lake Havasu Striper Derby is an annual fishing tournament held on Lake Havasu, the reservoir on the Colorado River between Arizona and California. Anglers compete to catch striped bass — fast, hard-fighting fish that grow large in this lake — and prizes go to the heaviest fish in various categories. The derby typically runs for several days in spring, though the exact dates shift year to year, so you'll want to check with the Lake Havasu Convention & Visitors Bureau or local marinas for the current year's schedule before you plan your trip.
The tournament draws both serious competitors and recreational fishers who want to be part of a fishing community event. Entry fees vary depending on the year and the sponsoring organization, and you usually register at a participating marina or tackle shop in Lake Havasu City. The derby is open to the public — you don't need to be a member of a club or have prior tournament experience to enter.
Key Takeaways
- The Lake Havasu Striper Derby runs for several days each spring, with exact dates announced by local marinas and the Lake Havasu Convention & Visitors Bureau.
- Striped bass in Lake Havasu average 3 to 8 pounds, though larger fish are caught regularly, and they bite best in early morning and late afternoon.
- You can fish from a boat, from shore, or from a kayak, and the lake has multiple launch ramps and public access points around Lake Havasu City.
- Registration happens at local marinas and tackle shops, and you'll need a valid Arizona fishing license plus any required Colorado River stamps.
- The derby combines competition with community — many participants fish for the social experience and the chance to learn from other anglers as much as for prizes.
Where striped bass live in Lake Havasu and how to find them
Striped bass in Lake Havasu hold in deeper water during the day and move to shallower areas to feed at dawn and dusk. Early morning is the most productive time — many derby participants are on the water before sunrise. Look for structure: rocky points, submerged trees, channel ledges, and areas where creeks flow into the main lake. The northern end of the lake, around the dam and in the upper arms, often holds good populations.
During spring, when the derby typically runs, water temperatures are warming and stripers are more active than they are in winter. They chase baitfish like shad and threadfin herring, so lures that imitate these forage fish work well. Live bait — shiners, shad, or mullet — is also effective and is available at local tackle shops. If you're new to the lake, ask at the marina where you launch; guides and experienced locals are usually willing to point you toward productive areas.
Tackle and techniques that work for stripers
Striped bass respond to both artificial lures and live bait. For lures, medium-sized swimbaits (2 to 4 inches), crankbaits, and topwater plugs all produce fish. Cast near structure and work the lure with a steady retrieve or with pauses that let it drop slightly — stripers often hit on the pause. A medium-power spinning rod or baitcasting setup works well; you don't need heavy gear, but you do need something with enough backbone to set the hook firmly and handle a 5- to 8-pound fish.
If you're using live bait, a simple rig of a circle hook on a leader, weighted to keep the bait at the depth where stripers are feeding, works effectively. Circle hooks are gentler on the fish and often hook in the corner of the mouth, making catch-and-release easier if that's your plan. Many derby participants keep their catch for the table, and striped bass are excellent eating — firm, mild, and versatile in the kitchen.
How to register and what you need to bring
Registration for the Lake Havasu Striper Derby opens at local marinas and tackle shops in Lake Havasu City several weeks before the event. You'll pay an entry fee at the time of registration and receive information about weigh-in times and locations. Weigh-ins typically happen at a central marina, and you'll need to bring your fish there during the designated window — usually in the afternoon on each day of the tournament.
Before you fish, make sure you have a valid Arizona fishing license. If you're fishing from the Arizona side of the Colorado River, you may also need a Colorado River stamp, depending on current regulations. Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website or ask at the marina when you register — staff there can tell you exactly what documentation you need. Bring your license with you on the water; it's required by law.
Where to launch and how to access the lake
Lake Havasu has multiple public boat launch ramps around Lake Havasu City. The main launches include the Lake Havasu City Marina, Cattail Cove State Park, and several smaller ramps managed by the city and county. Launch fees vary by location — some are free, others charge a small daily fee. If you don't have your own boat, several marinas rent fishing boats, pontoons, and kayaks by the day, and rental staff can point you toward good fishing areas.
Shore fishing is also possible at several public access points, including parks and designated fishing areas around the city. Kayak fishing is popular on Lake Havasu, and many anglers use kayaks to reach quieter coves and shallower structure that larger boats can't access easily. Whatever method you choose, wear a life jacket — it's required by law on the water and keeps you safe.
What to expect during the derby and how to prepare
The derby atmosphere is a mix of serious competition and community fishing. You'll see anglers of all skill levels, from people fishing their first tournament to experienced competitors. Most participants are friendly and willing to talk about what's working, where they've been fishing, and what they've caught. If you're new to tournament fishing, don't hesitate to ask questions — the fishing community at Lake Havasu is generally welcoming.
Prepare for variable spring weather: bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers you can add or remove as the day warms. The sun reflects off the water and intensifies, so eye protection is important too. Bring plenty of water and snacks — you'll be on the water for hours, and staying hydrated and fueled keeps you alert and comfortable. If you plan to keep fish for eating, bring a cooler with ice to keep them fresh.
Cooking striped bass from Lake Havasu
Striped bass is a firm, mild white fish that takes well to simple preparation. The best approach is to let the quality of the fish shine: clean and fillet your catch as soon as you get off the water, keep it on ice, and cook it within a day or two. Pan-searing fillets in butter with lemon and fresh herbs is hard to beat — the flesh stays moist and the delicate flavor comes through. Baking whole fish wrapped in foil with aromatics also works beautifully.
If you're smoking or grilling, a light brine — salt, sugar, and a touch of spice — seasons the flesh without overpowering it. Striped bass also holds up well to poaching in court bouillon or a light broth. The key is not to overcook: the flesh goes from tender to dry quickly, so pull it off heat when it's just opaque and flakes easily with a fork. A fish you caught yourself, handled well, and cooked simply is a meal worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the derby, or can I fish from shore?
You can fish from shore at public access points around Lake Havasu City, and many derby participants do. Shore fishing is often productive at dawn and dusk, especially near structure. However, a boat gives you access to deeper water and more territory, which increases your chances of finding active fish during the tournament.
What size stripers should I expect to catch?
Striped bass in Lake Havasu typically range from 3 to 8 pounds, with occasional larger fish in the 10- to 15-pound range. Derby prizes usually go to the heaviest fish in each day's competition, so even a 6- or 7-pound striper can be competitive depending on how many anglers are fishing.
Can I keep the fish I catch in the derby, or do I have to release them?
Most derbies allow you to keep your catch. You bring the fish to the weigh-in, they're weighed and recorded, and then they're yours to take home and cook. Check the specific rules for the year you're fishing — some tournaments may have different policies.
What's the best time of day to fish for stripers during the derby?
Early morning, from before sunrise until mid-morning, is typically the most productive. Late afternoon and early evening also produce fish. Midday is usually slower, though stripers can bite throughout the day if you find them in deeper structure.
Where can I find out the exact dates for this year's derby?
Contact the Lake Havasu Convention & Visitors Bureau, local marinas like Lake Havasu City Marina, or tackle shops in Lake Havasu City. They'll have current information about dates, registration details, and any rule changes for the current year.