fishing in lake powell Archives - Lake Powell Guide Services

Lake Powell is one of the premier fishing destinations in the Southwest, offering more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and a variety of species for anglers of all skill levels. From striped bass to largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, and crappie, the lake supports strong fishing year-round if you know where to look and what techniques to use.

This Lake Powell fishing guide will walk you through the best fishing spots, recommended bait and lures, and how each season affects your chances for success. Whether you’re a local looking for a refresher or a first-time visitor, these Lake Powell fishing tips will help you get the most out of your trip.

Popular Fish Species in Lake Powell

Before we talk about spots and seasons, it’s important to know what you’re targeting. Lake Powell is home to several game fish, each with its own habits and preferred conditions.

Striped Bass (Stripers): Often schooled in large numbers, excellent for anglers looking for consistent action.
Largemouth Bass: Found in warmer, shallow waters near vegetation or structure.
Smallmouth Bass: Common around rocky shorelines, points, and submerged structure.
Walleye: Active in cooler water, often near sandy points or drop-offs.
Crappie: Usually found in submerged brush or near structure in spring.

Best Fishing Spots on Lake Powell

While fish can be found across the entire lake, certain areas consistently produce better results. Based on years of guiding experience, here are five of the best fishing spots Lake Powell has to offer.

Wahweap Bay is one of the most convenient and productive spots on the lake, located right near Wahweap Marina. This area offers a mix of rocky points, sandy beaches, and open water, making it a prime location for multiple species. Striped bass schools often move through the bay, especially in summer, and smallmouth bass can be found working along the rocky shorelines. Walleye are also present here, particularly near points and drop-offs.

During the summer months, anglers should keep an eye out for early morning and evening boils — surface-feeding frenzies where stripers are actively chasing baitfish.

Navajo Canyon is another popular fishing location, especially for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and crappie. The canyon’s rocky ledges, submerged structure, and calm coves provide excellent habitat for bass year-round. In the spring, crappie fishing is particularly productive around submerged brush. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and jigs are all effective in this area, especially when worked along the rocky banks.

Its proximity to Page, Arizona, makes Navajo Canyon an ideal choice for anglers looking for a quick day trip without spending hours traveling by boat.

Padre Bay stands out for its expansive open water surrounded by dramatic rock formations. It’s a consistent spot for both striped bass and smallmouth bass. Stripers here often suspend in deeper water, making trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or fishing with anchovy rigs an effective approach. Smallmouth bass can be targeted near the rocky points and along the shoreline.

Because of its size, Padre Bay offers plenty of space for anglers to spread out, but keep in mind that afternoon winds can make fishing more challenging in the open water.

The San Juan Arm is a more remote fishing destination but well worth the trip for anglers looking for less-pressured waters. Located far from the main marinas, this area is known for abundant structure, vegetation, and diverse habitat. Largemouth bass thrive in the vegetated coves, and walleye hold near sandy points and drop-offs.

Spinnerbaits and soft plastics work well for largemouth here, while jigging with worms or minnows can produce good walleye catches. The San Juan Arm is best suited for anglers on multi-day trips due to its distance from services.

The Bullfrog and Halls Crossing area is an excellent northern fishing location that offers cooler water temperatures in the summer, which can help keep fish active during the hottest months. The region is known for strong walleye and striped bass action, along with smallmouth bass along the rocky points.

Points and drop-offs hold walleye early in the day, and trolling or vertical jigging with nightcrawlers is often productive. Because of its location, this area also experiences less fishing pressure than the southern end of the lake, making it a great choice for anglers willing to make the trip.

Best Bait and Lures for Lake Powell

Choosing the right bait is just as important as picking the right location. Here are proven options for each main species.

Striped Bass:

Anchovies (cut bait)
Spoons (1–2 oz)
Deep-diving crankbaits
Swimbaits in shad patterns

Smallmouth Bass:

Soft plastic grubs or tube
Crankbaits mimicking crawfish
Drop shot rigs with worms

Largemouth Bass:

Spinnerbaits
Topwater lures in summer mornings
Jigs with trailers

Walleye:

Bottom-bouncer rigs with nightcrawlers
Jigs with minnows or soft plastics
Small crankbaits along drop-offs

Crappie:

Small jigs (1/16 oz) with chartreuse or white bodies
Minnows under slip bobbers

Seasonal Fishing Patterns on Lake Powell

Lake Powell’s seasons have a major influence on fish behavior. Here’s how to approach each time of year.

Spring (March–May)

Water Temp: Rising into the 50s and 60s.
Best Species: Largemouth and smallmouth bass move into shallows to spawn. Crappie fishing peaks. Walleye active near points.

Tips: Use slower presentations; mornings can still be cool. Look for bass in 5–15 feet of water near structure.

Summer (June–August)

Water Temp: Often mid-70s to low-80s.
Best Species: Striped bass schools active in open water; early morning and late evening boils common.
Tips: Topwater lures for bass in early morning; switch to deeper presentations mid-day. Stripers respond to trolling and bait fishing.

Fall (September–November)

Water Temp: Cooling into the 60s.
Best Species: Bass and walleye feed heavily before winter; stripers school deeper but still bite.

Tips: Crankbaits and spinnerbaits along rocky banks produce well. Look for stripers on sonar in 30–60 feet of water.

Winter (December–February)

Water Temp: 40s to low-50s.
Best Species: Striped bass remain catchable deep; walleye fishing possible on warmer days.

Tips: Fish slow and deep. Jigs and spoons work well when fish are sluggish.

Additional Lake Powell Fishing Tips

Watch the Wind: Afternoon winds are common, especially in open bays. Plan travel and fishing around calmer morning conditions.
Use Electronics: A good fishfinder helps locate deeper schools of stripers and walleye.
Vary Depths: If you’re not getting bites, adjust your depth before moving spots.
Regulations: Always check Utah and Arizona fishing regulations. Lake Powell spans both states, and licenses from either are valid for the entire lake.
Safety: Wear a life jacket, especially when moving between locations.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re visiting for a day or two, focus on accessible locations near your marina — Wahweap Bay, Navajo Canyon, and Padre Bay are excellent starting points. For longer trips, consider exploring farther destinations like the San Juan Arm or Bullfrog area for less pressure and unique fishing opportunities.

When possible, time your trip around the species you want to target. For example:

For stripers, summer mornings and fall deep-water fishing are most productive.
For bass, spring and early summer offer consistent shallow-water action.
For walleye, late spring and early fall are peak times.

Summary

This Lake Powell fishing guide covers the essential information you need to locate and catch fish on one of the Southwest’s top fishing lakes. From identifying the best fishing spots Lake Powell offers to knowing which bait and techniques work in each season, preparation is the key to a successful trip.

With these Lake Powell fishing tips in mind — and a little time on the water — you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the variety and excitement that Lake Powell fishing provides year-round.

If you’ve ever fished Lake Powell or dreamed of casting a line there, one thing has probably crossed your mind: what’s the biggest fish ever caught in Lake Powell? Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend participant, it’s natural to get curious—and maybe a little competitive—when it comes to record-breaking catches.

Lake Powell is well-known not just for its incredible red rock scenery and boating opportunities, but for its healthy fish populations and the potential to catch some seriously big fish. In this post, we’re diving into the record fish stories from Lake Powell, the species that grow to jaw-dropping sizes, and tips for how you can increase your chances of catching the next big one.

The Biggest Fish Ever Caught in Lake Powell

Let’s start with the star of the show: the biggest fish ever caught in Lake Powell was a striped bass weighing an incredible 48 pounds, 11 ounces. It was caught in April 1991. This monster striper set the bar high for every angler fishing these waters ever since.

Striped bass, or “stripers,” are among the most popular sport fish in Lake Powell. They can grow big and travel in massive schools, often found boiling on the surface as they chase shad. That world-record catch came from near the dam at Wahweap, which is one of the best-known hotspots for striper fishing.

Other notable catches include catfish weighing over 30 pounds and largemouth bass reaching well over 10 pounds. While not officially record-breaking, many anglers have their own Lake Powell fishing stories about hooking into huge fish in narrow canyons, deep holes, and secluded coves.

What Fish Get the Biggest in Lake Powell?

When we talk about big fish in Lake Powell, three main species usually come up: striped bass, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.

Striped Bass: These are the biggest and most famous of Lake Powell’s sport fish. While most anglers are thrilled to land a 5- to 10-pound striper, fish over 20 pounds are caught every year, especially during spring and fall. They grow large because Lake Powell offers deep, cool water and a massive food supply (especially gizzard shad).

Channel Catfish: Catfish don’t get as much glory, but they sure grow big. Some of the biggest catfish caught in Lake Powell weigh upwards of 30 pounds. They live in deeper, slower-moving waters, and summer nights are the best time to target them.

Largemouth Bass: While not as big as stripers or catfish, largemouth bass can still grow into the double-digit range in Lake Powell. These fish like shallow cover and can be found in the backs of coves, especially during spring spawning season.

Lake Powell Fishing Seasons: When Big Fish Bite

One of the most important parts of catching a big fish in Lake Powell is timing your trip with the right season.

Spring: This is prime time for largemouth and smallmouth bass as they move into the shallows to spawn. It’s also a great time for catching walleye and stripers that are becoming more active as the water warms.

Summer: Early mornings and evenings are best, especially for catfish and topwater bass. Big stripers start to move deeper, but you can still find them if you follow the baitfish.

Fall: Fall is famous for the striper boils—massive feeding frenzies on the surface that can lead to incredible catches. It’s one of the best times of year to hook into a trophy-sized striped bass.

Winter: Fishing slows down in the winter, but dedicated anglers still catch big fish by deep jigging for stripers or slow-rolling baits near structure.

Where to Fish for the Big Ones

There are countless good fishing spots around Lake Powell, but some areas consistently produce bigger fish year after year.

Wahweap Marina & Dam Area: This is where the biggest striper on record was caught. It’s deep, well-oxygenated, and full of baitfish. Anchovy chunking, trolling, and vertical jigging all work well here.

Warm Creek Bay & Padre Bay: These spots are known for holding both large stripers and big bass. During spring and fall, you’ll often see birds working the surface—a sure sign that a striper boil is happening.

Bullfrog Area: If you’re launching from the north end of the lake, the Bullfrog area offers great fishing for catfish, stripers, and bass. Look for deep structure or shallows with vegetation.

Back of Canyons: Narrow side canyons like Navajo Canyon or Last Chance Canyon often hold big largemouth bass and even some surprise catches like walleye or big crappie. These areas are great for flipping, pitching, and working the shoreline.

How to Catch a Trophy Fish in Lake Powell

Catching a record fish takes skill, patience, and a little bit of luck. But there are a few strategies that can give you an edge.

Go Early or Late: Big fish are often most active during low-light hours. Plan to be on the water just before sunrise or stay out until dusk for your best shot.

Use Bigger Baits: If you want to land a giant, you need to tempt them with something worth their effort. Upsize your swimbaits, jerkbaits, or cut bait. Big stripers, for example, won’t waste time on tiny snacks when they could go after a hefty meal.

Follow the Shad: Lake Powell’s food chain depends heavily on shad. Find the bait, and you’ll find the predators. Use electronics to spot schools of baitfish and check areas where birds are diving.

Fish Deep: In the hotter months, big fish go deep. Learn to use your fishfinder, and try vertical jigging in 40-60 feet of water for stripers or walleye.

Use Fresh Bait: For catfish or stripers, fresh cut anchovy or shad is hard to beat. The fresher the bait, the better your odds.

Hire a Local Guide: If you’re serious about catching something big, consider booking a trip with a Lake Powell fishing guide. Local guides know where the big ones hide and can dramatically increase your chances of success.

Lake Powell Fishing Stories

Ask any local or repeat visitor, and you’ll hear all kinds of stories about big fish at Lake Powell. Some are verified, some maybe a little exaggerated, but that’s half the fun. Whether it’s someone who landed a 30-pound catfish on a nightcrawler or a kid who hooked a monster striper on their very first cast, these stories are part of what makes fishing Lake Powell so special.

We’ve heard tales of bass bigger than the scale could read and stripers that snapped lines like thread. One angler told us he fought a fish for nearly an hour, only to have it break off right at the boat. Another swears he saw a striper as long as his kayak cruise under him in Padre Bay.

The best part? You could be the next story. The next record fish Lake Powell gives up might have your name on it.

Local Fishing Regulations and Best Practices

Before you go out hunting for a record fish, make sure you’re up to date with local fishing regulations. Lake Powell stretches across Utah and Arizona, and fishing licenses from either state are valid throughout the lake. Always check for updates on bag limits, bait rules, and seasonal closures.

And of course, respect the lake. Pack out your trash, handle fish carefully, and practice catch and release for any species you don’t plan to keep. Lake Powell is a beautiful and delicate ecosystem that deserves our care.

So, what is the biggest fish in Lake Powell? Right now, it’s that massive 48-pound striper caught back in the ’90s—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beaten. The lake is full of opportunity, whether you’re chasing stripers, bass, or catfish. With the right knowledge, the right bait, and a little bit of persistence, your next trip could go from average to unforgettable.

If you’re serious about catching a trophy, or just want to explore Lake Powell fishing with expert help, consider booking a guided fishing trip with Lake Powell Guide Services. We fish these waters year-round and know where the big ones like to hide.

Book your Lake Powell fishing adventure today, and maybe your story will be the next legend on the lake.