By Justin Butel
Southwest Outfitters
LAKE HAVASU CITY— If you’re a striper fishing enthusiast, January and February on Lake Havasu are prime time. These cooler months push the baitfish — mainly shad — into the deeper waters of the lower basin near the dam, and the stripers follow in droves. This makes it one of the best times to grab a rod (or two, or three) and get after them. Let’s dive into some of the top baits, techniques, and a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years.
Bait and Tackle: keep it simple
First up, you don’t need a tackle box the size of your boat. Lucky Craft Pointers and other jerk baits are always a hit, and smaller spoons can work wonders. Lately, though, the hot ticket has been tail spins. These leadhead baits with a blade on the back are deadly when fished correctly. A quick upgrade tip: swap out the stock treble hook on the belly for a sharper, stronger one. It’ll save you a lot of heartache when that monster striper decides to bite. And don’t forget the blade — trading the stock Colorado blade for a willow blade can make a surprising difference.
Now, if you’re old school (or just want to try a classic), the white Rat-L-Trap still gets the job done. Look for one with a baby rattle-type sound with glass beads, not a single knocker. Trust me on this one, the stripers seem to have a preference, and they’re not shy about it.
Hidden gems and new trends
For trolling, the Mr. Twister Sassy Shad has been a go-to for years. But lately, some anglers have been switching to UV plastic versions. These baits glow when they get deeper, which can make a big difference. Bass Pro Shops has a version that’s been catching a lot of attention (and fish). Keep your trolling speeds between 3 and 5 mph, and remember, locate the bait and you’ll locate the fish.
Finding the Fish
Think of striper fishing as hunting. First, find the shad. A good place to start is watching for diving birds as they’re the ultimate fish finders. If you see birds working the water, there’s a good chance stripers are beneath them taking advantage of the buffet.
Surface boils are another dead giveaway. When stripers start busting the surface, grab a white walking bait like a Zara Spook. Work it with a steady cadence, and you’ll be rewarded. Pro tip: swap the feathered treble hook from the tail to the belly. It shifts the shimmer to the middle of the bait, tricking those fish into striking closer to the hooks. Little tweaks like this can mean the difference between a miss and a catch.
Final thoughts
Striper fishing on Lake Havasu in January and February is as much about the hunt as it is the catch. Whether you’re trolling deep with UV plastics, casting tail spins into the depths, or chasing boils with a walking bait, it’s all about finding what works for you. Keep your hooks sharp, your bait selection tight, and your sense of humor sharper.
If you’ve got questions or just want to swap striper stories, I’m all ears. Until then, tight lines, and I hope to see you out there.
Visit Southwest Outfitters at 159 Paseo del Sol (Near 95/Old London Bridge Rd) in
Lake Havasu City, Arizona and online at SWKoutfitters.com.
