If you're planning to hit Lake Powell today, December 6, 2024, here's what you need to know:
First off, the weather is looking decent, with an overcast sky and a temperature of about 54°F, feeling like 51°F due to the wind. Expect a high of 58°F and a low of 40°F, with a gentle 10 mph wind coming from the west[3].
Sunrise was at 7:52 AM, and sunset will be at 3:53 PM, giving you a good 8 hours of daylight[4].
Lake Powell's water levels have been rising thanks to a strong snowpack, which is great news for boaters and anglers alike. The lake is still below full capacity but is expected to rise another 28 feet by the end of July[2].
As for fish activity, Lake Powell is home to a variety of species including Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and more. Recently, there have been good catches of smallmouth and striped bass, particularly when trolling points to the main channel and in the 40-70 ft range in canyons where bait is holding[5].
For striped bass, trolling with lures that mimic micro shad schools has been effective, especially in the early morning. Smallmouth bass have been active as well, and using tubes or casting with poppers and flys can yield good results. The best time to hit the water is usually at sunrise when the fish are most active on the surface[5].
Some hot spots include the areas around Wahweap Marina and the canyons where the colder runoff is coming in. Keep an eye out for bird activity and shaded areas, as these often indicate where the fish are feeding.
In terms of specific lures, zaraspooks and flys in white and black or large clauser minnows in blue and white, chartreuse and white have been working well for top water and fly fishing. For trolling, using lures that mimic baitfish can be very effective[5].
Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake Powell, with improving water levels and active fish populations. Just make sure to check the latest reports and adjust your tactics according to the day's conditions. Happy fishing
