Fishing Report: Ideal Conditions at Lake Powell for Bass and Stripers

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the current fishing scene at Lake Powell, straddling the Utah and Arizona border.

First off, let's talk about the conditions. As of January 31, 2025, Lake Powell is offering some ideal fishing conditions despite the low water levels. The weather is clear with mild winter temperatures, ranging from the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. Winds are moderate, averaging around 6-7 mph, which is just right for a comfortable day on the water. Sunrise is at 7:43 AM, and sunset will be at 5:04 PM, giving you ample time for both morning and evening fishing.

Since Lake Powell is a freshwater lake, there's no tidal report to worry about, making it easier to plan your day. The water temperature is around the mid-50s to low 60s, typical for this time of year, and this has not deterred the fish activity one bit.

Smallmouth bass are particularly active right now, especially around submerged rock piles and main channel rocky points in 25-30 feet of water. Largemouth bass can be found in the warmer coves that receive direct sunlight throughout the day. Striped bass are also present, often deeper in the water column.

Recently, anglers have reported catching a mix of smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with some striped bass. The smallmouth bass have been mostly in the 1-3 pound range, while largemouth bass were slightly larger. Striped bass catches included fish weighing in the 3-5 pound range.

For lures, topwater action with small and large Zara Spooks is effective early in the day. As the sun rises, switch to drop-shot jigs, Texas-rigged worms, or single tail grubs on 1/8 and 3/16 oz. jig heads. Colors such as smoke, watermelon, white, and chartreuse are working well. For striped bass, trolling with shad color rattle traps or crankbaits near submerged rocks in the main channel has been productive.

If you're looking for hot spots, Bullfrog Basin near Bullfrog Marina is a hotspot for bass and crappie. Padre Bay is ideal for catching large striped bass, especially when trolling near the submerged canyon walls. Wahweap Bay, near the Wahweap Marina, is another good spot for smallmouth bass and offers easy access to other fruitful areas.

Remember to adjust your tactics according to the season and the specific species you're targeting. For striped bass, using cut dead anchovies or sardines can be very effective, especially when chumming to attract and hold striper schools.

So, grab your gear and head out to Lake Powell – the fish are waiting, and the conditions are just right for a memorable fishing trip. Happy fishing