Fishing Lake Powell's Transitional Waters: Opportunities and Insights for a Successful Outing

As of October 17, 2024, Lake Powell is in a state of transition but still offers some great fishing opportunities. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Water Conditions
The weather is mild, with clear skies and temperatures expected to be in the mid-70s to low 80s. The water temperature is climbing, which can make fish more active. Lake Powell has risen significantly due to the spring runoff, but it has started to decline slightly after the temporary early water release.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise today is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish.

### Fish Activity
Fish activity has been good, especially with the rising water levels. The warmer water temperatures are making species like striped bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass more active. Trout, particularly rainbow trout, are also active in the cooler depths.

### Catch Reports
Yesterday saw a decent catch of striped bass, with several anglers reporting catches in the 5-10 pound range. Largemouth and smallmouth bass were also common, with some anglers catching them in the 2-4 pound range. Rainbow trout catches were reported in the deeper areas, especially around structure like rocks and drop-offs.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, using shad-imitating lures or live bait like shad or anchovies has been effective. For largemouth and smallmouth bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and crankbaits are working well. For trout, powerbait and small spinners are good choices.

### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots right now is the area around the main ramp at Wahweap, which is now open for launching all boats. Another good spot is the vicinity of the Antelope Point area, where the structure and drop-offs attract a variety of fish species.

Overall, Lake Powell is offering a mix of warm and cool water fishing opportunities, making it a great time to be out on the water. Just remember to follow the local regulations and respect the environment to ensure continued good fishing.