'In the Boat'
May 9, 2026

May 9, 2026 - Lake Havasu

Water Temp: 66-79°F

Conditions: Sunny and hot, Highs hitting 108F

Species caught: Largemouth, Smallmouth Bass

No trips lined up for the spawn at Navajo, so I headed down for the WonBass Havasu Open. Fish were mostly postspawn with a few still bedding. Multiple bites were in play including smallmouth on the main lake, fry guarders in pockets and tules, and river fish. Top baits included dropshot, crankbait, and texas rigs. Others caught them on coike balls, minnows and swimbaits.

I enjoyed the heat and had decent draws all three days of competition, but only had 3 fish on day 1 which put me behind the 8 ball. You have to catch them 3 days in a row to cut a check in these western opens. Still thrilled to see Havasu for the first time in all its glory. It is a magical fishery if you can dodge all the jetskis and cigarette boats.

Gin clear water made for excellent sight fishing for bass. I saw several other species under the water including tilapia, giant gizzard shad, striper and giant softshell turtles in addition to the usual bluegill and carp that are just about everywhere. It was cool to see a few 1 lb class shellcrackers on beds.

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