Dad wanted me to look into it. Says there are giant panfish in the lake. My question is, what time of year is best to target giant panfish? Any guide recommendations? 

The pan fish are Red Ear Sunfish (World record) and Crappie.

Lake Havasu is also a world class Smallmouth bass fishery.

Largemouth in the upper end and Smallmouth in the main lake areas.

Lake Havasu City is the place to stay located on the Arizona side mid lake.

Dean Rojas lives at Havasu try contacting Dean for advice.

Pre Spawn is usually March, Spawn around April, after May it’s get hot on the Colorado River desert lakes.

Tom

1 minute ago, WRB said:

The pan fish are Red Ear Sunfish (World record) and Crappie.

Lake Havasu is also a world class Smallmouth bass fishery.

Largemouth in the upper end and Smallmouth in the main lake areas.

Lake Havasu City is the place to stay located on the Arizona side mid lake.

Dean Rojas lives at Havasu try contacting Dean for advice.

Pre Spawn is usually March, Spawn around April, after May it’s get hot on the Colorado River desert lakes.

Tom

Tom, Would you say pre or post "spring break" would be a better time to go for the redear sunfish?

Easter is April 9th 2023, the Red Ears spawn in May.

Spring break is a zoo on the desert lakes do to warm water and air temps. Red Ears eat night crawlers. I think a late April early May would be good time period.

Tom

 

@slonezp I’m not sure if you will be able to find it? But John Gillespie Waters and Woods did a tv show on the lake. I believe it was last year maybe 2 years ago, I know this is a long shot and probably not very helpful ? I just googled it and the episode comes up it’s from May 19th 2016, so I’m not sure how helpful it will be but it’ll definitely get you wanting to catch those beasts.

1 hour ago, Eric 26 said:

@slonezp I’m not sure if you will be able to find it? But John Gillespie Waters and Woods did a tv show on the lake. I believe it was last year maybe 2 years ago, I know this is a long shot and probably not very helpful ? I just googled it and the episode comes up it’s from May 19th 2016, so I’m not sure how helpful it will be but it’ll definitely get you wanting to catch those beasts.

I remember watching that episode 

1 hour ago, slonezp said:

I remember watching that episode 

I remember watching and thinking it was as recently as 2 years ago ?. All kidding aside if you do go I would love to hear how you and your dad did and maybe see some pictures.