Some of the best fishing spots in Arizona come with a price tag, a gate, and a long line. This one has none of that.
On the shore of Lake Havasu, a pier built by Navy Seabees keeps giving up big redear sunfish, and nobody has to pay a cent to cast a line. Read on to find out where it is, why locals love it, and how to plan a smart trip there.
A Free Launch on Beachcomber Boulevard
Free is a rare word at a busy desert lake, yet it fits Site Six Launch Ramp perfectly.
The spot sits on Beachcomber Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, right on the shores of Lake Havasu in western Arizona. It is run as a city park, and it stays open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
Site Six packs a lot into one place. There is a boat ramp, a fishing pier with a fish-cleaning station, a small beach, and a picnic area with barbecue grills.
Many boaters believe it may be the only free boat ramp in Havasu. That claim gets repeated often, and it helps explain why the parking lot fills up on warm weekends.
The place holds a 4.5-star average across more than 1,200 opinions on Google. For a simple slab of concrete and a dock, that is a strong showing, and the pier is a big reason why.
The Seabees Behind the Pier
Plenty of piers are built by contractors. This one carries a more interesting signature.
The fishing pier at Site Six was built by the Seabees, the construction crews of the U.S. Navy.
Their name comes from the letters C and B, for Construction Battalion, and they are known for building sturdy structures in tough places.
Desert water and summer heat are not easy on a pier. Still, the structure has held up for years, made largely of metal and cement.
More recently, the pier was revamped and brought back into full use. Anglers who knew it from earlier days were glad to see it ready again for soaking bait and tossing lures.
It is not a secret spot, and nobody pretends it is. Even so, regulars treat it a bit like a shared treasure, a place built by service members that now serves the whole fishing community.
Redear Worth the Long Drive
Some anglers drive across state lines for a single day on this pier. That says a lot.
Fishers from as far as the San Francisco Bay Area have made the trip more than once. Their reason is simple: the redear sunfish and the panfish here are huge.
Lake Havasu has a reputation for big redear, and Site Six gives shore anglers a solid shot at them without needing a boat. Folks dipping a line from the dock often seem to have good luck.
Even on short visits cut down by heat or a tight schedule, people manage to catch a few fish. That kind of steady action keeps the pier crowded with rods.
Nobody can promise a trophy every cast, of course. Fish do what fish want.
Yet the stories of hefty catches keep spreading, and the pier keeps drawing a crowd hoping to write the next one.
Pole Holders, Lights, and Other Handy Touches
Small details can make a pier great, and Site Six has a few clever ones.
The docks include pole holders along the rails. Anglers running two rods at once can set one down and keep their hands free for baiting, netting, or simply resting.
Lighting is another plus. The pier is lightly lit at night, which helps evening anglers move around safely and keep an eye on their lines.
That fits well with the open 24 hours schedule. Night owls can fish long after the day crowd has gone home.
The docks are often described as clean and well kept. Regulars who have come for 15 years or more note that it has stayed tidy over time.
None of these features are flashy. Together, though, they show a pier designed with real anglers in mind, and that thoughtful setup keeps people coming back season after season.
A Cleaning Station That Saves the Kitchen
Catching fish is the fun part. Cleaning them at home is another story.
Site Six solves that problem with an on-site fish-cleaning station. Anglers can take care of the messy work right by the water instead of hauling it back to the kitchen sink.
Families who have used the station for years say the setup works better than doing it at home. It keeps scales and scraps out of the house and makes the trip feel complete.
The station also pairs nicely with the redear action on the pier. A good haul can be cleaned, bagged, and ready before the drive back.
Courtesy matters here too. Leaving the station tidy helps the next angler and keeps the park pleasant for everyone.
It may not get the same attention as the pier, but plenty of regulars count it among their favorite perks of the whole site.
Launching Boats and Personal Watercraft
Not everyone comes for the pier. A big share of traffic is boats and personal watercraft heading out onto the lake.
The ramp is free, easy to find, and works well for loading or offloading boats and Sea-Doos. Some boaters call it the calmest launch in the area.
One family launched a 23-foot pontoon boat here with no trouble on a quiet weekday. A wide driveway helped them line up the trailer before backing down.
Opinions on size do vary. Some say there is room to launch more than two boats at once, while others find it small, steep, and a little narrow.
The ramp sits at a slight angle as drivers come around to it. Black and white striped buoys mark the side of the launch area.
Owners of very large boats may want to scout it first before committing.
Docks, Fenders, and the New Floating Addition
Tying up a boat here takes a bit of planning, and a few fenders.
The older docks are mostly metal and cement. Some boaters warn that the hard surfaces can scuff or damage a hull, so fenders are a smart idea before pulling alongside.
The good news is that a new floating dock has been added. It is seen as a welcome upgrade that makes the site easier to use.
Docks come up again and again when people talk about Site Six. Many mention them as a strong point, both for boating and for simply strolling out to look at the water.
Some guests even use the dock as a viewing spot rather than a fishing platform. It works well for sightseeing and a few photos.
Pack those fenders, check the lines, and the dock becomes a handy stop rather than a hull hazard.
Bats at Dusk, Birds by Day
Fish are not the only wildlife hanging around this pier.
During the day, lots of birds are seen around the water. They seem to know that a busy fishing spot can mean easy meals.
As evening arrives, bats appear over the area. Anglers staying into the night often notice them making their rounds near the lightly lit pier.
The water itself is described as clean, which adds to the appeal for anglers and wildlife alike.
For kids, the animals can be a bonus attraction. A slow stretch of fishing feels shorter when there are birds to spot.
Nobody needs binoculars or a field guide to enjoy it. Simply paying attention between bites is enough.
It is a reminder that this spot is more than concrete and a parking lot, and that the lake supports a busy little world of its own.
Sunsets Over a Man-Made Island
Locals have a nickname for the beach area here. They call it That Beach.
Site Six sits on an island that is entirely man-made, a fact that surprises many first-timers. The scenery still earns plenty of praise for its beauty.
Sunsets are a highlight. Many people say they are hard to beat from this shoreline, and they are a common reason to linger after a day of fishing or boating.
The spot also works for a short walk and a few photos. RV travelers find it easy to stop, since access is described as good.
A small beach and picnic area with barbecue grills round out the setting. Families can set up for an afternoon between fishing sessions.
Not every part is perfect, though, and the next section covers a few realities worth knowing before spreading out a towel.
A Friendly Crowd of Local Regulars
Ask around about Site Six, and the people come up nearly as often as the fish.
The pier leans toward a local crowd. Those regulars are often described as very nice and genuinely helpful to newcomers.
One family brought their 6-year-old for a first fishing trip. Fellow anglers shared tips and bait, and when they hooked a fish, they let the child reel it in.
Moments like that turn a simple outing into a lasting memory. It also shows how welcoming the pier can be for beginners.
On the other hand, the beach area can be rocky. Some have found old fishing line and fish remains left behind, so watching kids closely is wise.
Packing out trash and line helps keep the place pleasant. Good manners are part of what makes this pier community work so well.
Timing, Parking, and Ramp Etiquette
Good timing can turn a hectic launch into a smooth one.
Weekdays and the off season tend to be quiet. Boaters who came during slower periods found it easy to get in and out with almost no one around.
Busy days are another matter. Some find the ramp too crowded, and a single boater taking up all the space can slow everyone down.
Parking gets mixed comments. Many say there is plenty of room, including for big trailers, while others feel spaces run short at peak times.
Restrooms are on site and have been described as clean. That is a welcome detail for long fishing days.
Spectators sometimes stand near the launch to watch boats come and go, which can feel awkward. A little courtesy, from both boaters and onlookers, keeps the ramp moving.
Summer heat can also cut trips short, so early hours help.
Why This Pier Earns a Spot on the Plan
Big redear, a free ramp, and a pier with a Navy story make a pretty convincing pitch.
Site Six will not suit everyone. Owners of very large boats may find the ramp tight, and beachgoers looking for soft sand might be disappointed by the rocks.
For anglers, though, the case is strong. The Seabee-built pier offers pole holders, night lighting, a cleaning station, and a real chance at hefty panfish.
Boaters and personal watercraft riders get a free launch that many call the calmest around. Families get a picnic area, grills, and a friendly local crowd.
The gates never close, so planning is flexible. More details are available through the city parks website.
Bring fenders, bring patience on busy weekends, and bring a cooler with some room. The fish here have a habit of being bigger than expected.
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