A report from Lake Havasu in early January said striper fishing remained good near schools of shad, and large schools of shad had been congregating at the south end of the lake near Havasu Springs and Site 6. The most productive striper lures were Bass Assassin or Keitech swimbaits rigged on a lead jighead, or Alabama Rigs with two hooks (AZGFD regulation). Troll or cast near shad schools during early morning hours. Fishing with live shad as bait was still producing quality-sized stripers from 2.5 to 12 pounds. Use a 4-foot throw net (the largest legal size) or a snag hook to catch shad to use as live bait. Anglers using shad or red-colored swimbaits and crankbaits have been successful with Havasu’s smallmouth bass. Redear sunfish were schooling in deeper water in 25 to 40 feet of water off main lake points. Report courtesy of John Galbraith, Bass Tackle Master, via Arizona State Parks.