Fishing Martinez Lake

AKA: Lake Martinez

By Rick Seaman

Popular Fish Species Martinez Lake, AZ

---

Largemouth Bass Fishing

If you like to fish in current, or flip reeds and tules, you will love fishing at Martinez Lake, and the stretch of the Colorado River nearby. It is the only serious bass fishing water in the area. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 3 to 5-pound range showing up with some regularity. Anglers can catch smallmouth bass here as well, which reside here in fewer numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. On Martinez Lake, bass mostly remain shallow. Often they become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options.

---

Black Crappie Fishing

Martinez Lake holds a plentiful population of black crappie, which are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus shallow cover.

---

Flathead Catfish Fishing

This year good populations of flathead catfish can be found in Martinez Lake and the Colorado River which flows through it. The state record flathead catfish is over 74 pounds. Fishing for flathead catfish is most often productive in the river areas around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include a healthy population of channel catfish.

---

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, tilapia and striped bass at Martinez Lake in Arizona.

Martinez Lake Fishing Video

Located on the Colorado River along the Arizona-California border, north of Yuma AZ, Martinez Lake is easily accessed via the Imperial Dam Road west off US Highway 95. The lake is a 600-acre impoundment off the Colorado River, which meanders its way south to drain into the ocean.

Martinez Lake, in Arizona, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a variety of fish species and outdoor adventures. Situated on the Colorado River, Martinez Lake offers excellent angling opportunities throughout the year. Anglers can expect to catch a wide range of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and panfish.

Bass fishing is a major attraction at Martinez Lake, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass thriving in its waters. Anglers can target bass using various techniques, such as casting with soft plastics, working topwater lures, or using crankbaits. The river's structure, including submerged vegetation, rock formations, and drop-offs, provides ideal habitats for bass to thrive and offers exciting fishing opportunities.

Primary fish species residing in Martinez Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bass Fishing at Martinez Lake, AZ.

If you like to fish current or venture into backwaters to find bass, Martinez Lake is your kind of place. The lake is a flooded area on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. Some bass are caught in the lake, but the vast majority of bass anglers venture up river from the lake itself to find bass in vegetation along the river banks. Use heavy line and prepare for a battle if you hook one of the bigger fish that live in this fast-moving current. They are strong and want to let you know it, once hooked.

Martinez Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity at Martinez Lake, allowing anglers to access different fishing spots and explore the river's scenic stretches. Whether you bring your own boat or rent one from the marina, the lake provides ample space for cruising, water sports, and fishing expeditions. The calm waters of Martinez Lake, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, create a peaceful and enjoyable boating experience.

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Martinez Lake Boat Launch Ramp at
The Martinez Lake Boat Shop
10402 E Cattail Way
Yuma, AZ 85365
One-lane, paved ramp with docks and limited parking.
928 783-4905

Fishing Guides On Martinez Lake

Yuma Outfitter - bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Martinez Lake, providing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to extend their fishing trip and immerse themselves in nature. Several campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and restrooms. Camping near Martinez Lake allows anglers to enjoy beautiful sunsets, starry skies, and easy access to the water for early morning or late evening fishing excursions.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

MCCS Lake Martinez Recreation Area & RV Park - 928 269-2262

Fisher's Landing Resort Campground - 928 782-7049

Martinez Lake AZ Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Martinez Lake
Fisher's Landing Resort & Campground
10882 Swede Way
Yuma, AZ 85636
928 782-7049

Fishing lakes in each state.

072324