Good morning, anglers! Today’s fishing report for Saturday, April 12, 2025, highlights the latest updates for Lake Powell, Utah—one of the finest angling destinations in the West. With great spring weather and active fish, now’s the time to get out on the water.
The sunrise today was at 6:17 AM, and sunset will be at 7:34 PM, giving you ample daylight to reel in your catches. The weather forecast shows clear skies with a high of 68°F and mild southwest winds at 5–10 mph, creating ideal fishing conditions. The lake's water temperature is warming, hovering around 60°F, which is sparking active feeding among many fish species.
Fish activity is high this time of year, particularly for striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. Anglers recently reported a solid striped bass bite near Wahweap Bay and the dam. Use cut anchovies or shad-imitating crankbaits for best results. Smallmouth bass are schooling near rocky shorelines in 20–30 feet of water; single-tail grubs in smoke or watermelon colors are highly effective. Meanwhile, largemouth bass are migrating to shallow, sunlit coves to spawn and are hitting on jerk baits and tube jigs. Walleye catches are picking up as well, especially in shaded areas near cliff walls—try bottom-bouncing rigs with nightcrawlers.
Reports from the past week show successful outings with solid catches of striped bass averaging 3–5 pounds, smallmouth bass in the 1–2-pound range, and the occasional trophy-sized walleye. Crappie have also been active in the backs of brushy canyons; small jigs or nightcrawlers suspended beneath a bobber are working great for these panfish.
For bait and lures, anchovies remain a go-to for striped bass, while crankbaits and rattling lures like the Rapala Shad Rap are versatile choices for multiple species. For panfish and bluegill, small spinners, crickets, and red worms are effective. When fishing deeper water for walleye or smallmouth bass, opt for heavy jigs or tube baits in natural colors.
Two hot spots to check out today include Wahweap Bay for striped bass and Padre Bay for a mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Additionally, the San Juan Arm is excellent for fishing, particularly for crappie and walleye. If you're targeting catfish, head to sandy-bottomed areas near shallow coves in the evening, using table scraps or anchovies for bait.
With no catch limits on striped bass and walleye, you can load up your cooler. Just make sure you have your Utah or Arizona fishing license, depending on where you plan to fish on the lake.
Tight lines, and enjoy a fantastic day fishing on Lake Powell!