The Yuma Zone
Fishing in Yuma County
Fishing is a favorite activity for many Yuma Arizona residents and visitors. The Colorado River and the lakes fed by the river are where most of the fish are being caught. There are also several ponds as well as the many irrigation canals where anglers can ply the waters.
Anglers that are 14 years old or older will require a fishing licence. If you plan to fish the Colorado River waters from any sort of boat or float, or you fish from the California banks of the river, you will also need a Colorado River Stamp. Contact Arizona Game and Fish for more information.
Arizona Game and Fish Department
9140 E. 28th St.Yuma, AZ 85365
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Arizona Game and Fish Department: The Arizona Game and Fish Department office is available with information about fishing in the area, fishing/hunting licences & stamps, and boat registration services.
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge
Cibola Lake RoadCibola, AZ 85328
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Cibola National Wildlife Refuge: While access is limited to certain areas, the visitor center, 3-mile auto tour loop, and the 1-mile nature trail are among the areas that can be visited.
Visitors accessing the shores of the refuge via boat will find miles of back channels that are ideal for fishing and birdwatching.
Ferguson Lake: Ferguson Lake is most often visited by boat. The lake's entrance is upstream of Martinez Lake at mile 57.5 of the Colorado River. There is a 12 mile long dirt road that allows vehicle access as well. It should be noted that the upper reaches of the lake are closed to public access.
Fortuna Pond: Arizona Game and Fish advises that Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Mullet and Carp can be caught here. The pond is also seasonally stocked with Rainbow Trout.
1.5 miles north of Highway 95 on Laguna Dam Road (CO 7E) is the canal levee road that leads 3.3 Miles east to Fortuna Pond.
Growler Pond: Located at County 2nd Street and Ave 50 E, Growler Pond contains Largemout Bass, Channel Catfish, Tilapia, Bluegill, and Carp.
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Center LaneMartinez Lake, AZ 85365
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Imperial National Wildlife Refuge: The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge contains 25,768 acres of protected wildlands including more than 15,000 acres that are designated as wilderness area. A visitor center and multiple look out points are found here. The Painted Desert Trail is a 1.3 mile self guided trail that features a panoramic view of the Colorado River valley.
Boaters will find that some of the waters of the I.N.W.R. are restricted against waterskiing. These waters are popular with the fishing crowd as there is less traffic.
Boaters will find that some of the waters of the I.N.W.R. are restricted against waterskiing. These waters are popular with the fishing crowd as there is less traffic.
Lower Colorado River Below Imperial Dam
Lower Colorado River Above Imperial Dam
Anglers will find many opportunities for fishing at Martinez Lake. There are many Bass fishing tournaments held in the area each year. The lakes and backwaters offer the chance to get away from the crowds and drop a line in the water. The many private docks are perfect for kids to fish.
Fishers Landing Resort
Martinez Lake Resort
Located at the south end of Mittry Lake, Betty's Kitchen Interpretive area is named after a 1930s cafe which stood on the shore of the lake. A scenic 1/2 mile trail describes the natural and human history of the Colorado River Corridor.
Directions (1): Take AZ Highway 95 to Avenue 7E, proceed north to end of the pavement. Mittry Lake begins approximately 1/2 mile past end of pavement.
Directions (2): Highway 95 north to East Imperial Dam Road, then turn left (west) toward the lake, following wildlife area signs.
Picacho State Recreation Area
Picacho State Recreation AreaPicacho, CA 92283
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Picacho State Recreation Area: Picacho State Recreation Area's eastern border includes eight miles of the Lower Colorado River. Picacho was a gold mining town with 100 resident souls back 100 years ago. This popular park offers a variety of flora and fuana, including beavertail cactus, wild burros, bighorn sheep and thousands of migratory waterfowl. The main campground, has 54 campsites, a group campground, and two boat-in group sites. The sites have picnic tables and fire rings with drinking water and chemical toilets located nearby as well as a solar shower. Up river there are five smaller campgrounds, but there is no drinking water at these locations.
Redondo Pond: 1.5 Miles east of Laguna Dam Road (CO 7E) on County 6th Street. Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish inhabit the pond. There is a primitive boat launch.
(928) 373-5243 ·
A statue memorializing the 1st Iowa Volunteers also known as the Mormon Battalion is found on the walking trails. The APS Solar Garden is also a feature of the West Wetlands Park.
The West Wetlands Pond and the surrounding lawn area are also available for recreational use. The pond is 15 ft deep at the center and is regularly stocked with a variety of game fish. A fishing license is required and there are special daily limits for the pond.
