What Mittry Lake Offers and Where It Sits

Mittry Lake is a shallow, warm-water reservoir about 15 miles north of Yuma on the Colorado River, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It runs roughly 7 miles long and holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and common carp — the kind of fishing that rewards patience and early mornings more than technical skill. The water is murky and weedy, which bass love and sight-fishing anglers do not. Most of the shoreline is accessible by vehicle or foot, and the lake draws locals year-round because it rarely gets crowded and the fish bite consistently when conditions are right.

The lake sits in low desert with minimal shade, so summer temperatures climb past 110 degrees by mid-morning. Winter and spring are the comfortable seasons here — water temperatures in the 60s and 70s bring the most reliable action. Fall can be good too, though the wind picks up and the water begins to cool. Summer is not impossible, but you will be fishing before dawn and calling it a day by 10 a.m. if you want to stay sane.

Key Takeaways

  • Mittry Lake holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and carp in shallow, weedy water that fishes best in winter and spring.
  • The lake is open year-round and free to fish, with a boat launch and parking areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
  • No Arizona fishing license is required on this stretch of the Colorado River system, but you must follow Colorado River Indian Tribes regulations if you fish tribal waters.
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat — the desert sun reflects off the water and there is almost no shade on the shoreline.
  • Early morning is the only comfortable time to fish in summer; winter and spring offer the most reliable bass and catfish action.

How to Get There and Where to Park

From Yuma, take U.S. 95 north toward Blythe, California. About 15 miles out, you will see signs for Mittry Lake Wildlife Area on the right. Turn east and follow the dirt road for roughly 2 miles to the main parking area. The road is passable in a standard vehicle most of the year, though heavy rain can make it rough. There is no fee to enter or park.

The parking area sits on the south end of the lake and has a concrete boat launch, a few picnic tables, and a vault toilet. If the main lot is full — rare, but it happens on winter weekends — you can park along the access road and walk in. The shoreline is open to foot traffic, and you can walk the banks for miles if you want to explore different spots.

Bass and Catfish in Shallow, Weedy Water

Largemouth bass in Mittry Lake live in the weeds and shallow flats, rarely venturing into deep water. They respond to topwater lures early and late, especially in spring when they are spawning. Soft plastics — 4-inch worms and creature baits — work year-round in the vegetation. Throw them tight to the weeds and let them sink slowly. The bass here are not huge — most run 1 to 3 pounds — but they bite often and fight hard for their size.

Channel catfish are the other reliable target. They bite best at night and around dawn, and they do not care much about lure choice. Cut mullet, chicken liver, or prepared stink baits all work. Fish the deeper holes and channel edges, and give them time to find the bait. A simple rod holder and a patient morning will often produce two or three catfish in the 2- to 5-pound range.

Carp are abundant and often overlooked. They grow large here — 15 to 30 pounds is common — and they pull hard. If you want to sight-fish or use fly gear, carp in the shallows are a legitimate target, though the murky water makes spotting them difficult. Most anglers take them by accident on catfish rigs or bass lures.

Licensing, Regulations, and Tribal Water Boundaries

Arizona does not require a fishing license on the Colorado River main stem, which includes Mittry Lake. However, the lake sits adjacent to Colorado River Indian Tribes territory, and the boundary is not always obvious on the water. If you fish tribal waters, you need a tribal permit. The safest approach is to stay in the main lake body near the boat launch and parking area, where you are clearly on public water.

Bag limits and size restrictions follow Arizona regulations: largemouth bass have a 5-fish daily limit with no size restriction, and catfish have a 25-fish daily limit. Check the current Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations before you go, as rules can change. Carp have no limit.

Seasons, Water Conditions, and What to Bring

Winter (November through February) is the prime season. Water temperatures sit in the 60s, bass are active, and catfish bite throughout the day. Mornings are cool but not cold, and you can fish comfortably for 6 to 8 hours. Spring (March through May) brings warming water and spawning bass, with excellent topwater action in March and April. By June, the heat becomes the main challenge.

Summer fishing is possible but requires discipline. Fish before sunrise and be off the water by 10 a.m. The shallow water warms quickly, and bass move deeper and bite less predictably. Fall (September through October) is a transition — water cools gradually, and fishing improves as the month goes on, but wind can be a problem.

Bring more water than you think you need. A gallon per person is a minimum, and two gallons is better. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses are essential. The water is shallow and reflective, and the sun bounces off it relentlessly. A small cooler with ice keeps drinks cold and is worth the space in your vehicle. If you plan to wade, wear shoes with good grip — the bottom is soft and uneven.

Boat Options and Shore Fishing

The concrete launch accommodates small boats and kayaks. The lake is shallow — most of it is 4 to 8 feet deep — so a flat-bottomed skiff or johnboat works better than a deep-V hull. Kayaks are popular here because they are quiet and let you reach the weedy shallows where bass hide. If you do not have a boat, shore fishing is productive. Walk the south bank near the parking area or explore the east and west shorelines on foot.

The lake has no docks or rental facilities, so bring your own boat or plan to fish from shore. If you launch a boat, stay aware of shallow spots and submerged vegetation. The bottom is soft in places, and you can get stuck if you are not careful.

Nearby Water and Alternative Options

If Mittry Lake does not produce or you want variety, the Colorado River main stem north and south of the lake holds similar species. The Imperial Reservoir, about 30 miles north near Blythe, is larger and deeper, with striped bass and largemouth bass. The Laguna Diversion Dam, just south of Yuma, is smaller and more crowded but holds catfish and carp. Each water has different access and regulations, so check before you go.

For desert reservoir fishing closer to Yuma, the Mittry Lake area is your best bet for consistent action without a long drive. The trade-off is shallow water and weeds — conditions that reward local knowledge and patience over technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Mittry Lake?

No. Shore fishing is productive, especially along the south bank near the parking area and boat launch. The lake is shallow and weedy, so a kayak or small boat helps you reach different spots, but many anglers catch bass and catfish from shore year-round.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Winter and spring are most reliable. Water temperatures in the 60s and 70s bring active bass and catfish, and the weather is comfortable for a full day of fishing. Summer is possible but requires fishing before dawn and leaving by mid-morning to avoid the heat.

Can I fish at night?

Yes. Catfish bite best at night and around dawn. Bass also bite after dark, especially in summer when the water cools. Bring a headlamp and be aware of the shoreline — the terrain is uneven and there is no lighting.

Is the water safe to wade in?

The water is safe to wade, but wear shoes with good grip. The bottom is soft and uneven in places, and you can sink or lose your footing. Stay in shallow water and avoid the deeper channel areas where current can be stronger.

What should I do if I catch a fish in what looks like tribal water?

If you are unsure whether you are in tribal territory, move back toward the main lake body and the boat launch area. The boundary is not always clear from the water. If you fish tribal waters intentionally, you need a Colorado River Indian Tribes permit, available through their wildlife office in Parker, Arizona.