Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. At Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, you will enjoy several wildlife-related activities that the diverse habitats support.
The breathtaking Topock Gorge attracts many wildlife viewers in boats. Boaters may enter from either end of the Topock Gorge on the beautiful, clear blue waters of the Colorado River. The breathtaking views can also be enjoyed by canoe or kayak. Visitors can also spend the day fishing at several places in the refuge. There are abundant populations of catfish, striped bass and largemouth bass on the Colorado River.
Wildlife observation and photography is a top activity at the refuge. You may get to see coyote, jackrabbit, several species of birds and more. If you are looking to hunt, the refuge has opportunities for big game, migratory bird, dove and upland game hunting.
What to Do
Check out the Activities page to see all the activities you can do at the refuge. Click on each activity to see guidelines, tips, and areas of the refuge to check out!
Know Before You Go
The refuge can be accessed from many different places, including from the Lower Colorado River via boat and multiple roads.
Boating on refuge waters is extremely popular but can become dangerous. Boat mooring is not permitted on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Stay alert and out of restricted areas, which are marked by regulatory signs and/or buoys. As more boaters share the river, it is crucial that all watercraft operators follow all boat safety regulations. Make sure your boat conforms to the appropriate federal, state and local safety rules and laws to make boating the lower Colorado River a safe and enjoyable time for everyone. Be sure to check boating regulations for Arizona and California.
The closed portion of Topock Marsh is closed to all access (including fishing) from October 1st until the end of the state waterfowl season, including the youth waterfowl hunt. Closed area signs and buoys mark the area. Hunting and fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Activities
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge offer several wildlife-related activities. From boating to fishing to hunting, there is something for everyone!
Rules and Policies
Refuge Specific Hunting Regulations
- We only allow take of those species specifically listed.
- We allow hunting of mourning and white-winged dove, Eurasian and African-collared dove, duck, coot, moorhen, goose, common snipe, quail, cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, bobcat, coyote, gray and kit fox, feral swine, and desert bighorn sheep on designated areas of the refuge. All other species are prohibited.
- Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law.
- Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a non-lead shot zone, use or possession of lead shot, in the field, is prohibited except for the Desert Bighorn Sheep hunt.
- Use of rifles is prohibited (except for Desert Bighorn Sheep hunts).
- Target shooting or the discharge of a weapon except to hunt is not permitted.
- Motorized vehicles may operate on designated roadways only and must be “street legal” i.e. licensed, insured and equipped to operate on highways according to Arizona state laws.
- Pits, permanent blinds and stands, trail or scouting cameras, and baiting are prohibited.
- The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
- Temporary blinds, boats, hunting equipment, and decoys must be removed following each day’s hunt.
- Guide service providers must obtain a Special Use Permit from the refuge on which they provide services.
- No fires
- No camping.
- No falconry
Locations
The Havasu Refuge is located along the Lower Colorado River between Mohave Valley, Arizona on the North end and Lake Havasu City Arizona on the South end Interstate 40 crosses the refuge at Topock, Arizona. There are multiple visitor use areas on the refuge where visitors can participate in wildlife related recreational activities including wildlife observation, photography, fishing, and hunting.
Havasu refuge does not currently have a visitor contract station but guests can stop by the visitor use areas listed below. Just follow the google maps link to get directions to each location.
Mesquite Bays
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aFtbVSo8TugYVL6v5
Castle Rock
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YWa1hC15CAigVS5w9
Catfish Paradise
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dm3t1HC1DLbUJEBv6
5-mile landing
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B5QAqUtT9bzSKb3m7
Pintail Slough/North Dike