What Site Six Offers

Site Six Fishing Pier is a public access point on Lake Havasu's north shore, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It's a concrete pier that extends into the water, giving you a stable platform to fish from without a boat. The pier is open year-round during daylight hours and costs nothing to use.

The pier works best for anglers targeting striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. The structure and depth near the pier attract fish, especially in early morning and late afternoon. You'll find the pier less crowded than some of Havasu's other public access points, which means better casting room and fewer tangles with other lines.

The pier has no amenities — no shade structures, restrooms, or water fountains. Bring what you need: sunscreen, water, a hat, and a cooler if you plan to stay more than an hour. The concrete can get hot in summer, so wear shoes with good grip.

Key Takeaways

  • Site Six is a free, year-round public pier on Lake Havasu's north shore, open during daylight hours only.
  • Striped bass and largemouth bass are the primary targets, with catfish also present, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • The pier has no facilities, so bring water, sun protection, and any gear you might need for a full day.
  • A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 years old and older.

Getting There and When to Go

Site Six sits on the north side of Lake Havasu, roughly 8 miles north of the London Bridge area. From downtown Lake Havasu City, take Highway 95 north toward Needles, California. Turn east on Beachcomber Boulevard and follow signs toward the BLM recreation areas. The pier has a small parking area with room for about a dozen vehicles.

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to fish here. Water temperatures in March through May and September through November keep the fish active without the extreme heat of summer. Summer fishing is possible but requires an early start — the pier is exposed and offers no shade. Winter can be productive for striped bass, though mornings are cold and the water is chilly if you fall in.

Time your visit around low-traffic periods if you prefer solitude. Weekday mornings before 9 a.m. are typically quieter than weekends. The pier can draw crowds on holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day and Labor Day.

What Gear and Tackle to Bring

A medium-power spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range works well for striped bass and largemouth bass from the pier. Pair it with a reel that holds at least 150 yards of 10- to 15-pound monofilament or braided line. If you're targeting catfish, a heavier setup — 7- to 8-foot rod with 20-pound line — will handle larger fish and give you more control.

For striped bass, live baitfish are effective: mullet, herring, or shad if you can find them at local bait shops. Artificial lures also work — try 3- to 4-inch swimbaits or crankbaits that mimic the baitfish in the lake. For largemouth bass, soft plastics like 4- to 6-inch worms or crawfish imitations cast well from the pier. Catfish respond to chicken liver, cut mullet, or prepared stink baits.

Bring a small tackle box with extra hooks, sinkers, and leaders. A net is useful if you land a larger fish and want to land it safely. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish near the pier structure and reduce glare off the water.

Fishing Techniques That Work at Site Six

The pier's concrete structure creates a shadow line in the water — fish often hold in that shade, especially on bright days. Cast your lure or bait along the edge of the shadow and work it slowly. Striped bass will chase a moving baitfish, so use a steady retrieve with occasional pauses. Largemouth bass prefer slower presentations; let your soft plastic sink and twitch it along the bottom.

Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes. During midday, fish move deeper and become less active. If you're fishing at dawn, arrive 30 minutes before sunrise so you're ready when the bite turns on. Evening sessions can be productive until about an hour after sunset.

Catfish are night feeders, so if you want to target them, fish after dark with stationary baits. Use a rod holder to keep your rod secure while you wait for a bite. Check local regulations on night fishing — some areas have restrictions on when you can fish.

Lake Havasu Fishing License and Regulations

Anyone 10 years old or older must have a valid Arizona fishing license to fish at Site Six. You can purchase a license online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, at sporting goods stores, or at some convenience stores near the lake. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting for a short trip.

Lake Havasu has specific size and bag limits for striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. Striped bass must be at least 18 inches long, and you can keep up to five per day. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum with a five-fish daily limit. Catfish have no minimum size but are limited to 10 per day. These rules can change, so check the current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before you fish.

No live baitfish may be transported into or out of Lake Havasu without a permit. If you bring bait from elsewhere, use only dead bait or prepared baits. This rule protects the lake from invasive species.

What to Expect: Fish Species and Seasonal Patterns

Striped bass are the most sought-after fish at Site Six. They're aggressive, fight hard, and can reach 20 pounds or more. Spring and fall are peak seasons for stripers, though they're present year-round. They feed most actively in low-light conditions and often hunt near structure like the pier pilings.

Largemouth bass are abundant and more forgiving for beginners. They're smaller than stripers — typically 1 to 4 pounds — but plentiful. They respond well to artificial lures and are active throughout the day, though early morning and evening are still best.

Catfish are bottom feeders and less predictable than bass. They're most active at night and in murky water. If you're new to fishing and want a relaxed day with steady action, catfish can be rewarding because they bite consistently once you find them.

Safety and Practical Tips

The pier can be slippery when wet, especially in early morning when dew covers the concrete. Wear shoes with good traction and watch your footing, particularly near the edges. If you fall in, Lake Havasu's water is cold enough to cause discomfort even in summer — a life jacket is a smart choice if you're not a strong swimmer.

Sun exposure is intense on the open pier. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and drink water regularly. Dehydration sneaks up on you when you're focused on fishing. Bring more water than you think you'll need.

The pier is open to the public, so you may share it with other anglers. Keep your casting area clear and be aware of people around you. If the pier is crowded, move to a different section rather than casting over someone else's line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish at Site Six?

No. The pier is designed for shore fishing and requires no boat. You can walk out on the concrete pier and fish from there. If you have a boat, you can also fish the area around the pier, but the pier itself is for foot traffic only.

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

Early morning, one hour before sunrise through mid-morning, produces the most strikes. Evening from late afternoon through one hour after sunset is also productive. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer when fish move to deeper, cooler water.

Can I fish at night at Site Six?

Night fishing is allowed at Site Six, but check current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before you go — rules can change. Night fishing is most productive for catfish. Bring a headlamp and let your eyes adjust to the darkness before casting.

What should I do if I hook a large fish?

Keep your rod tip up and reel steadily. Don't jerk the rod or try to horse the fish in quickly — let the rod's flexibility absorb the runs. If you have a net, use it to land the fish safely. If the fish is too large for the net, bring it alongside the pier and carefully lift it out by the line or with your hands if it's calm enough.

Is there anywhere to clean fish at Site Six?

Site Six has no fish-cleaning station. If you plan to keep fish, bring a cooler with ice and clean them at your lodging or at a public cleaning station elsewhere on the lake. Some marinas around Lake Havasu offer cleaning services for a small fee.