As of January 16, 2025, Lake Powell is offering some great fishing opportunities despite the cooler winter months. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Time
Today's weather is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. Sunrise is at around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:15 PM. Given the time of year, the water temperature is quite cool, ranging from the mid-40s to low 50s, which affects fish activity.
### Fish Activity
In the winter, fish tend to be less active and congregate in deeper waters. However, species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and striped bass can still be caught. Smallmouth bass are active year-round, but they are more sluggish in colder water, often found in depths of 20-50 feet. Largemouth bass are typically in deeper waters during this time. Striped bass, while more active in summer, can still be caught in the deeper areas of the lake, especially around structures like rock formations and drop-offs.
### Catches
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and striped bass. The smallmouth bass catches were around 10-15 fish per boat, with most in the 1-3 pound range. Largemouth bass were fewer, with about 2-5 catches per boat, mostly in the 2-4 pound range. Striped bass were also caught, with an average of 5-10 fish per boat, ranging from 3-5 pounds.
### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, use jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics like curly tail grubs. Largemouth bass can be caught using deeper diving crankbaits, jigging spoons, and plastic worms. For striped bass, cut dead anchovies or shad imitations are effective, especially when they are feeding at night or in deeper waters.
### Hot Spots
- **Wahweap Marina**: Located near Page, Arizona, this area is known for its striped bass and offers good access to deeper waters.
- **Bullfrog Marina**: On the Utah side, this marina provides excellent access to various fishing spots, including areas with good smallmouth and largemouth bass populations.
### Additional Tips
Given the cooler water, fish are likely to be in deeper, more stable temperature zones. Use your depth finder to locate schools of baitfish, as these areas often attract larger predators. Be patient, as the colder water means slower fish activity.
Enjoy your day on Lake Powell