Mittry Lake, a Colorado River backwater north of Yuma, Arizona, seen from a small rise above the shoreline
Outdoor Recreation

Mittry Lake Near Yuma: Fishing, Paddling, and Birding

North of town, a quiet backwater of the Colorado River sits between two dams, with cattails, palms, and open desert hills on every side.

Last updated: 2026-10-07

Quick Verdict

Mittry Lake is a good half-day outing if you want water and wildlife without the crowds of the main river corridor. It is a backwater of the Colorado River on the east side of the river between Laguna Dam and Imperial Dam, and it is managed by public agencies for recreation and habitat. Plan it for the cooler months and for early morning, expect unpaved access in places, and confirm current rules and conditions with the managing agencies before you go. For the wider river picture, see our Colorado River guide.

What Mittry Lake Is

Mittry Lake is a backwater of the Colorado River northeast of Yuma. It lies on the Arizona side of the river between Laguna Dam and Imperial Dam, and our Colorado River guide describes it as jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The setting is the draw: a ribbon of open water, reeds, and palms pressed against dry hills, a short drive from the farm fields around town.

Because it is a backwater and not the main channel, the water is generally calmer than the river itself. That calm is what makes it popular with small-boat paddlers, shoreline anglers, and birders.

Fishing

Anglers use Mittry Lake from the shore and from small boats. Warm-water species such as bass and catfish are what people usually mention, but what is actually biting changes with the season and the year, so treat any species list as a starting point and not a promise. An Arizona fishing license is generally required for anglers of license age, and regulations, limits, and any seasonal closures are set by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Check its current rules before you cast.

Paddling and Boating

The sheltered water suits kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards better than the main river does. Even so, this is a dam-regulated system, so water levels and conditions can change, and wind can build quickly in open stretches. Wear a life jacket, bring more water than you think you need, and check posted rules for any limits on motorized boats before you launch.

Birding

Wetland edges in a desert corner attract birds, and Mittry Lake is one of the places local birders mention for waterfowl and marsh species, especially in the cooler months. Early morning is usually the most productive window, consistent with birding generally. We cover the wider picture in our Yuma birding guide, and the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge just upriver is a natural pairing for a longer day. What you see will vary by day and season.

Getting There and What to Bring

Access to the lake is by road from the east side of the river, and some approaches are unpaved. Road conditions can change after rain, so check current conditions with the Bureau of Land Management before you leave. Services near the lake are limited, so bring:

  • Plenty of drinking water and sun protection
  • A full tank of fuel and a charged phone, with offline directions saved in case coverage is spotty
  • Binoculars, and a hat and long sleeves for sun and insects
  • Trash bags, since you should pack out everything you bring in

Season and Heat

Winter and early spring are the comfortable window. Summer heat in Yuma is severe, and a backwater with little shade is no place to be at midday. If you go in the warmer months, stay to the early morning and leave before the heat builds. Our best time to visit guide explains the seasons in more detail.

Pairing It With Other Stops

Mittry Lake fits well with the dam stories in our Laguna and Imperial Dams guide, and with the farm and river context in our winter lettuce guide. The Yuma blog and the Yuma hub list more half-day ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mittry Lake? +
It is a Colorado River backwater northeast of Yuma, on the east side of the river between Laguna Dam and Imperial Dam. Check a current map and road conditions before you drive out.
Do I need a fishing license at Mittry Lake? +
An Arizona fishing license is generally required for anglers of license age. The Arizona Game and Fish Department sets the rules and limits, so confirm current regulations before you fish.
Is Mittry Lake good for kayaking? +
Many people paddle small boats on the sheltered water. Conditions, water levels, and any boating limits can change, so wear a life jacket and check posted rules before launching.
When is the best time to visit Mittry Lake? +
The cooler months, roughly late fall through early spring, are the most comfortable. Early morning is best for birding and for avoiding heat.
Are there services at Mittry Lake? +
Services are limited, so bring water, fuel, food, and sun protection, and confirm what is available with the Bureau of Land Management.

Planning Your Trip

Compare winter-rate lodging in Yuma or browse tours and activities in the area through our partners below.

Check Yuma Hotel & RV Park Deals Browse Yuma Tours & Activities

Keep Reading

Colorado River Things to Do Near Yuma →

The river corridor, from riverfront parks to backwaters.

Yuma Birding Guide →

Where and when to look for birds around Yuma.

Laguna and Imperial Dams →

The dams that frame Mittry Lake and shape the river.

The Lowdown Guide earns a commission on qualifying bookings at no additional cost to you. Details such as prices, hours, distances, and access rules change — always verify with official sources before you go.