Colorado River

The Colorado River offers one of the most consistent and productive year-round fisheries in Southern California. This desert stretch of the river is renowned for its warmwater species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, striped bass, bluegill, and crappie.

Spring through early summer marks the peak bass fishing season. Largemouth bass concentrate in backwaters and vegetated oxbows, while smallmouth bass hold near current breaks and rocky structures. Top-producing lures include soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Summer evenings and early mornings provide excellent topwater action.

Flathead and channel catfish are abundant and grow to trophy size. Night fishing with live bait near drop-offs and submerged logs is highly effective. Stripers are also present, particularly in the main channel, and can be caught using jerkbaits or live shad.

Access is available at numerous public sites, including McIntyre Park, Mayflower Park, and Palo Verde. Shore fishing is possible but best results come from small boats and kayaks due to the river’s complexity and structure.

With healthy fish populations, varied species, and excellent accessibility, the Colorado River near Blythe is a top-tier Southern California fishery offering both quantity and quality.