At Lake Powell, there are several popular fish you’re likely to catch while out on a Lake Powell fishing trip. Many anglers like to not only catch their fish but eat them too. If you like to eat the fish you catch, you’re probably wondering if any of these Lake Powell fish are safe to eat. We’ve put together a list of common Lake Powell fish, what they taste like, and if they’re safe to eat.
Is It Legal to Eat Fish from Lake Powell?
According to the National Park Service, you may legally filet the fish you catch at Lake Powell at any time. Fishers are also allowed to have fish filets with them at Lake Powell. You just need to follow possession limits and avoid fishing in prohibited areas.
Are Lake Powell Fish Safe to Eat?
Fish are generally a healthy part of a diet, but some factors can make it dangerous for people to consume them. If a type of fish is unsafe to eat, local or Environmental Protection Agency officials create a fish consumption advisory.
The good news is that many of the fish that call Lake Powell home are completely safe to eat! The striped bass in the southern part of the lake is the only fish in Lake Powell with a consumption advisory for high levels of mercury.
Delicious Lake Powell Catches
Now that you know it’s safe to eat fish from Lake Powell, you probably want an insider’s guide at which ones taste the best. Fortunately, our team at Lake Powell Guide Services has the experience to provide you with a guide to the tastiest catches.
Walleye
Walleyes taste similar to chicken and are most commonly caught early in the year. Most visitors of Lake Powell say that the walleye is the best-tasting fish they catch while on a Lake Powell fishing trip.
Crappie
Many visitors of Lake Powell consider the crappie the second best-tasting fish after the walleye. This fish has a mild flavor that isn’t too fishy. Try sauteing or frying these fish for a tasty meal.
Smallmouth Bass
If you’re going to be fishing in April, September, or October, and are looking for something that doesn’t have much of a fishy taste, you can’t go wrong with the smallmouth bass. This delicious fish is especially excellent when fried in a batter.
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass is more fishy tasting than the smallmouth bass, but they can be found year-round and are delicious when smoked.
Striped Bass
The striped bass has a very strong fishy taste. While they’re usually safe to eat, don’t eat striped bass from the southern part of Lake Powell. If you catch striped bass in other areas of the lake, they are safe to eat but remember to remove any red meat before cooking.
Bluegill
Bluegills are extremely delicious fish, but the only downside is that they are relatively small. If you’re able to catch several to cook, you’ll love a bluegill dinner.
Channel Catfish
The channel catfish doesn’t have a strong fishy taste to it and is often a white fish. The classic way to cook a channel catfish is to fry it, but you can cook it on the grill or bake it. Serve with french fries, mac and cheese, or rice for a delicious meal.
If you have a trip to Lake Powell coming up, most of the fish you catch while on the lake are legally edible and safe to eat as well. If you’re still unsure of which fish are safe to eat, schedule a fishing charter with us on Lake Powell. Our guides are extremely experienced and can let you know which fish are safe to eat and even filet them right there on the boat during your fishing charter. Contact us today for more information on Lake Powell’s edible fish or use our website to schedule a guided fishing trip for your visit!