Imperial Dam

Imperial Dam, situated north of Yuma, AZ, on the Lower Colorado River, is a premier warmwater fishing destination offering year-round action. This extensive network of canals, reservoirs, and backwaters is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, crappie, and tilapia.

Bass fishing is excellent in the region’s calm backwaters, where anglers use crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures. Striped bass frequent deeper, moving channels and respond to jigs, swimbaits, and cut bait.

Catfishing is robust throughout the system, with large flathead catfish caught using live bait at night and channel catfish taken on stink baits and shrimp near deeper holes and current seams. Bluegill and crappie flourish near submerged brush and vegetation and are easily caught using worms or small jigs.

The area’s boating infrastructure is well-developed, with access points near Senator Wash and adjacent reservoirs. Anglers fishing these waters must be familiar with both Arizona and California regulations, as a Colorado River stamp is required for reciprocal access.

Imperial Dam stands out for its species diversity, warm climate, and productive waters. It is particularly suited for experienced anglers and boaters seeking multi-species fishing in a remote desert setting.