If you’re planning to wet a line in the waters of Lake Havasu, located on the border of Arizona and California, it’s crucial to understand the fishing license requirements for 2024. As an angler, you’ll need to obtain a valid Arizona fishing license, regardless of your residency status or age.
Arizona Fishing License Requirements for Lake Havasu
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a valid fishing or combination license is required for both resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older who wish to fish in any public accessible water in Arizona, including Lake Havasu. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents are exempt from this requirement and do not need to purchase a state fishing license.
Fishing licenses in Arizona are valid for one year from the date of purchase and cannot be transferred or refunded. You can purchase your license online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, at any of their offices, or from one of the 150 licensed dealers statewide, which include many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers, and convenience stores.
Types of Arizona Fishing Licenses Available
The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers several types of fishing licenses to cater to different needs and preferences:
General Fishing License: Allows the take of all fish species statewide, including at Community Fishing waters. Resident: $37, Non-resident: $55.
Combination Hunt and Fish License: Allows take of all fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds. Resident: $57, Non-resident: $160.
Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License (ages 10–17): Allows take of all fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, migratory birds and upland game birds. Resident: $5, Non-resident: $5.
Short-term Combination Hunt and Fish License: Allows take of all fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds. Resident: $15/day, Non-resident: $20/day.
It’s important to note that all licenses that allow fishing are valid for the take of trout and for simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines. These licenses also include privileges that allow fishing from the shore or from a boat on any portion of the Colorado River and impounded waters (e.g., Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu) that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California, or Nevada.
Fishing Regulations and Endangered Species in Lake Havasu
In addition to obtaining a valid fishing license, anglers fishing in Lake Havasu must be aware of the specific regulations and protected species in the area:
There are three endangered species of fish in Lake Havasu: the razorback sucker, flannelmouth sucker, round tail chub, and bonytail chub. If you accidentally catch one of these fish, you must release them back into the lake.
The Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program, which started in 1992, has worked on and sustained the fishing environment in Lake Havasu. Over 42 coves throughout the lake have fish habitats built and maintained to protect the fish and help them flourish for years to come.
Lake Havasu offers fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, blue gill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. The lake can be fished year-round, with the best conditions often found in the early mornings, evenings at sunset, and during the cooler fall and winter months.
In conclusion, if you want to enjoy the excellent fishing opportunities at Lake Havasu in 2024, make sure to obtain a valid Arizona fishing license before casting your line. With the right license and knowledge of the regulations, you’ll be well on your way to reeling in some of the lake’s prized catches.