Arizona · Fishing
Fishing in Yuma, Arizona
Yuma sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Gila rivers, and the fishing here revolves around a handful of distinct lake and reservoir destinations that are worth knowing before you show up with a rod.
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View on mapFishing · 17 spots
Yuma sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Gila rivers, and the fishing here revolves around a handful of distinct lake and reservoir destinations that are worth knowing before you show up with a rod. The three main spots covered in Roamze listings are Ferguson Lake, Mittry Lake, and Imperial Reservoir — all of them formed by the Colorado River system and all offering lake fishing in a desert environment that looks nothing like what most anglers picture when they think of Arizona. Temperatures matter a lot here. Summers push well past 110°F, which pushes fish deep and pushes smart anglers toward early mornings or evenings. The shoulder seasons — roughly October through April — are when Yuma fishing is at its most comfortable and most productive. Ferguson Lake and Mittry Lake are both backwater-style lakes with shallow, weedy structure that holds warm-water species well. Imperial Reservoir is larger and sits on the California-Arizona border, giving it a different character and requiring attention to which state's license you need. All three are accessible by vehicle, though road conditions to some launch points can be rough after rain.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch at Ferguson Lake, Mittry Lake, and Imperial Reservoir?
All three waters are warm-water fisheries on the lower Colorado River system, so you're primarily looking at largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and various panfish including bluegill and crappie. Carp are also abundant and often overlooked. None of these waters are listed as gold medal or wild trout waters, so don't plan a trout trip here.
Do I need an Arizona fishing license, a California license, or both?
Imperial Reservoir straddles the Arizona-California state line, so you'll need a valid license from whichever state's waters you're fishing, or a reciprocal license that covers both. Ferguson Lake and Mittry Lake are on the Arizona side, so an Arizona fishing license covers you there. Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department and California Department of Fish and Wildlife websites for current reciprocal agreement details before your trip.
What's the best time of year to fish around Yuma?
October through April is the most productive and comfortable window. Bass fishing picks up in spring as water temperatures rise into the 60s, and catfish are active through the warmer months if you fish early morning or after dark. Summer fishing isn't impossible, but midday heat is genuinely dangerous and fish activity slows significantly once surface temps climb.
What gear setup works well for lake fishing at these spots?
For bass at Ferguson and Mittry, soft plastics, swimbaits, and topwater lures work well around the weedy shallows, especially in low-light hours. For catfish at any of the three lakes, a simple bottom rig with cut bait or chicken liver on a medium-heavy rod gets the job done. If you're targeting stripers at Imperial Reservoir, larger swimbaits and live bait rigs are more effective.
Is there boat access at these lakes, or can I fish from shore?
All three locations have shore fishing options, and Ferguson Lake and Mittry Lake are particularly accessible on foot along their banks. Boat ramps exist at Imperial Reservoir, which is large enough that a kayak or small motorboat opens up significantly more water. Mittry Lake is popular with kayak anglers given its shallow, calm character. Check road conditions before trailering a boat to any of these spots, especially after rain.
