BY KENNE PROBST
LAKE HAVASU CITY – With Mother Nature seemingly skipping spring here in Lake Havasu and jumping straight into summer-like conditions, anglers can expect the striper bite to ramp up quickly—just in time for the WON Lake Havasu Striper Derby set for May 2-3.
Water temperatures have made a significant jump, climbing from the low 60s just a week ago into the mid- to upper-60s. With air temperatures pushing into the triple digits over the next several days, that warming trend should continue. These rising temps are key, as they trigger pre-spawn behavior in striped bass often leading to some of the most aggressive feeding windows of the year.
As stripers begin staging for the spawn, anglers should focus on locating baitfish. Wherever bait is present, stripers won’t be far behind. Crawfish also become a major part of their diet this time of year, so lure selection should reflect that, especially for those trolling or covering water.
Look for fish to move shallow, particularly during low-light periods like early morning and late evening. Target depths in the 2- to 8-foot range, focusing on the mouths of coves and fingers along the lake. Rocky points in these areas will be prime ambush zones as stripers push bait and prepare for spawning activity. Effective lure choices for this pattern include jerkbaits, chatterbaits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Stick with natural or craw-pattern colors, and don’t be afraid to cover water until you locate active fish.
With conditions lining up and fish transitioning into a feeding mode, the bite is shaping up nicely, and it could make for an exciting showing at this year’s derby.
Kenne Probst is a local guide specializing in striped bass fishing at Lake Havasu. He owns and operates LakeHavasuBoatCharters.com