Lake Havasu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Havasu
View of the lake from Parker Dam
Lake Havasu Location in California Show map of California Lake Havasu Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Arizona, California
Coordinates	34°29′N 114°23′W / 34.483°N 114.383°W / 34.483; -114.383
Type	Reservoir
Primary inflows	Colorado River
Primary outflows	Colorado River
Basin countries	United States
Max. length	26.3 miles (42.3 km)
Max. width	2.85 miles (4.59 km)
Surface area	19,300 acres (7,800 ha)
Average depth	35 ft (11 m)
Max. depth	90 ft (27 m)
Surface elevation	448 ft (137 m)
Islands	1
Settlements	Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Lake Havasu (/ˈhɑːvəsuː/) is a big lake created by people. It is a reservoir formed by the Parker Dam on the Colorado River. This lake sits on the border between California and Arizona. The city of Lake Havasu City is on the Arizona side. Its California neighbor, Havasu Lake, is right across the water.

The lake can hold a lot of water. The huge concrete dam was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation between 1934 and 1938. The main reason for the lake is to store water. This water is then pumped into large channels called aqueducts. Long ago, the Mojave people lived in this area. The lake was named in 1939, using the Mojave language word for 'blue'. In the early 1800s, people who trapped beavers often visited the area. Spanish explorers also started mining for minerals along the river.

Moving Water to People

Lake Havasu is very important for storing water. This water is then sent to many homes and farms. Giant pumps lift the water from the lake. It travels through long channels called aqueducts.

One aqueduct is the Central Arizona Project Aqueduct. Another is the Colorado River Aqueduct. This system moves water over long distances. It helps bring water to cities and farms in dry areas.

Nature Around the Lake

Lake Havasu with Lake Havasu City, Arizona on the east shore (right) and Havasu Lake, California on the western shore (left).

The land around Lake Havasu is a mix of two deserts. It's where the higher Mojave Desert meets the lower Sonoran Desert. This area is special because it has plants and animals from both deserts.

There are also important wildlife areas nearby. The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is at the northern end of the lake. Lake Havasu State Park is along the eastern shore in Arizona. The Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is to the southeast. These places protect many different kinds of animals and plants.

Fish and Fishing Fun

Lake Havasu is famous for its fun fishing and boating. About a million visitors come here every year! Fishing contests are often held on the lake. Bass are the most common fish caught during these events.

You can find many types of fish in Lake Havasu, including:

• Largemouth bass
• Smallmouth bass
• Striped bass
• Carp
• Catfish (Channel)
• Catfish (Flathead)
• Crappie
• Razorback sucker
• Redear Sunfish
• Sunfish

Very large fish called White sturgeon were put into Lake Havasu in the 1960s. These amazing fish can grow very big, sometimes over 20 feet (6.1 meters) long! They can also live for more than 100 years. People still hope to see these majestic animals in the lake.

Images for kids

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  Early-morning fishing on Lake Havasu

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  London Bridge at Lake Havasu.

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  View from London Bridge