What you'll find at Cattail Cove

Cattail Cove State Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, about 60 miles south of Bullhead City, Arizona. The park occupies a narrow strip of land where the Colorado River widens into the reservoir, and it's one of the few public access points on this stretch of water that doesn't require a resort fee or day-use charge. You get a boat launch, a small sandy beach, picnic tables, and shade ramadas — the kind of bare-bones setup that works well if you're passing through or testing the water before committing to a longer trip.

The cove itself is shallow and weedy, which makes it excellent habitat for largemouth bass and catfish but less appealing for cruising at speed. Most anglers use this park as a staging point rather than a destination. You launch here, run south or north along the main lake body, and fish the deeper structure. The park fills up on weekends, especially in winter when snowbirds arrive, so arrive early if you're coming Saturday or Sunday.

Key Takeaways

  • Cattail Cove has a public boat launch and day-use area with no entrance fee, making it the cheapest way onto Lake Havasu from the Arizona side.
  • The cove itself holds largemouth bass and catfish in shallow, weedy water, but most anglers use it as a launch point to reach deeper structure elsewhere on the lake.
  • Winter (November through March) brings crowds and the best fishing conditions; summer temperatures exceed 110 degrees and fishing slows dramatically.
  • The park has no fuel dock, no restaurant, and no lodging — bring everything you need or plan to run back to Parker or Lake Havasu City for supplies.

Bass and catfish in the shallows

The cove's shallow, weedy margins hold largemouth bass year-round, but they're most active from October through April. Fish the edges where the weeds thin out, using soft plastics in dark colors — black, purple, or dark green. A 3/8-ounce Texas-rigged worm or a 4-inch creature bait works well in 4 to 8 feet of water. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, even in winter.

Channel catfish move into the shallows at night, especially in spring and fall. Cut mullet, chicken liver, or prepared stink bait fished on the bottom will draw them. Set up near the deeper drop-off where the cove meets the main lake body — that transition zone concentrates catfish as they move between shallow feeding grounds and deeper daytime holding areas. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a 12-inch leader works fine.

Crappie fishing can be good in spring (March through May) if you fish the brush and submerged structure. The park doesn't have much visible cover, so you'll need to motor out slightly and work the edges where the cove deepens. Small jigs in white or chartreuse, tipped with live minnows, produce consistent results.

When to fish and what to expect

Winter (November through March) is prime time. Water temperatures drop to the 50s and 60s, bass bite more consistently, and the weather is comfortable for a full day on the water. Expect crowds on weekends — the park's small lot fills by 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Weekday mornings are quieter and often more productive.

Spring (April through May) brings warming water and active feeding, but also afternoon wind that can make the lake choppy. Early mornings are calmer. Summer (June through September) is brutal — water temperatures exceed 85 degrees by June and often reach 95 degrees by August. Bass move deep and bite poorly. Most anglers avoid this season entirely. Fall (September through October) is a transition period with improving conditions as water cools.

Facilities and what to bring

The park has a paved boat launch, picnic tables, shade ramadas, and vault toilets. There is no fuel dock, no bait and tackle shop, no restaurant, and no lodging. The nearest services are in Parker (about 30 miles north) or Lake Havasu City (about 40 miles north). Fill your fuel tank before you arrive, and bring all bait, tackle, and food with you.

The day-use area is open sunrise to sunset. There is no overnight camping at Cattail Cove itself, though Arizona State Parks operates a small campground with RV hookups at nearby Imperial Reservoir, about 20 miles south. If you want to stay overnight near Havasu, Lake Havasu City has hotels, RV parks, and marinas with full services.

Getting there and launch details

From Lake Havasu City, head south on Arizona State Route 95 for about 40 miles. The park entrance is on the right (west) side of the highway. From Parker, head north on AZ 95 for about 30 miles. The road is straight and flat — it's a straightforward drive with no confusing turns.

The boat launch is a single-lane concrete ramp in good condition. It handles the typical Lake Havasu crowd without backups, even on busy weekends. The ramp is steep enough to launch small to mid-size boats easily. There is a parking lot with about 30 spaces, which fills on winter weekends. If the lot is full, you'll need to find parking elsewhere or come back later.

Fishing the main lake from Cattail Cove

Once you launch, most anglers run north or south along the main lake body rather than stay in the cove. The deeper structure — rocky points, submerged ridges, and channel ledges — holds larger bass and more consistent fish. Spend 20 to 30 minutes running to find good structure, then work it thoroughly with crankbaits, swimbaits, or soft plastics.

The northern section of the lake (between Cattail Cove and Lake Havasu City) has more developed shoreline and more boat traffic. The southern section (toward Parker) is quieter and less crowded. Both hold fish, but your choice depends on whether you prefer solitude or don't mind company. Bring a detailed lake map or use your GPS to mark productive spots — the lake is large enough that random exploration wastes time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a day-use fee at Cattail Cove?

No. Cattail Cove State Park has no entrance fee or day-use charge. You pay only for fuel and any supplies you buy elsewhere. This makes it the cheapest public access point on Lake Havasu from the Arizona side.

Can I fish at night?

The day-use area closes at sunset, so night fishing is not permitted. If you want to fish after dark, you'll need to stay at a private marina or resort with overnight docking, or fish from shore at a different location.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

November through March is ideal — water temperatures are comfortable, bass bite consistently, and the weather is pleasant. Summer (June through September) is too hot and fishing is poor. Spring and fall are decent but less reliable than winter.

Do I need a boat to fish Cattail Cove?

You can fish from shore along the beach and picnic areas, but a boat gives you access to deeper structure and more productive water. Shore fishing works best for catfish at night, though the park closes at sunset.

Where do I buy bait and tackle?

There is no bait shop at the park. Parker and Lake Havasu City both have tackle shops and bait suppliers. Plan ahead and bring what you need, or make a supply run before you launch.