As of January 5, 2025, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing scene at Lake Powell, Utah.
First off, Lake Powell is a massive man-made reservoir with over 1900 miles of shoreline, so there's always something biting somewhere. Given the time of year, the water temperature is likely in the mid to low 50s, which is typical for winter.
### Weather and Time
Today, the sunrise is around 7:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:00 PM. The weather is expected to be clear with mild winter temperatures, making it a great day to be out on the water.
### Fish Activity
In the winter, fish activity can be a bit slower, but certain species are still active. Smallmouth bass, in particular, can be quite active during this time. According to recent reports, smallmouth bass have been doing well, especially in areas with rocky habitats[1][3].
### Catch Reports
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a decent number of smallmouth bass, particularly in the Cha Bay area and around the Rincon. These bass were mostly in the 2- to 2.5-pound range, which is a good size for this time of year. The best method was trolling along the shoreline with crankbaits, such as Norman Double Deep crankbaits, about 5 to 10 feet off the bottom to avoid snags[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For smallmouth bass, crankbaits like the Norman Double Deep are highly effective. Trolling at a speed of about 4 mph seems to be the ticket. If you're after striped bass, which are also common in Lake Powell, using cut dead anchovies or shad when available can be very effective. Striped bass tend to go deeper in the fall and winter, so targeting depths of 60-90 feet can be fruitful[3].
### Hot Spots
- **Cha Bay**: This area has been producing some great smallmouth bass catches recently. The rocky shoreline here is ideal for trolling with crankbaits.
- **Rincon**: This spot has seen an increase in smallmouth bass activity, possibly due to the lower lake levels facilitating better nutrient distribution and higher primary productivity[1].
### Additional Tips
- **Bullfrog Marina**: This is a popular spot for Utah anglers and offers good access to the lake. It's a good starting point to explore the various fishing spots around Lake Powell[2].
- **Escalante Arm**: Known for its great fishing, especially for chumming, this area can be a hidden gem for catching catfish and other species[4].
Overall, Lake Powell offers fantastic winter fishing opportunities, especially for smallmouth bass and striped bass. Just remember to adjust your tactics according to the season and the specific species you're targeting. Happy fishing
