Lake Powell Fishing Report: Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Stripers Biting in Winter Conditions

As of January 18, 2025, here’s your local fishing report for Lake Powell, straddling the Utah and Arizona border.

First, let's talk about the conditions. Since Lake Powell is a freshwater lake, there's no tidal report to worry about. The weather today is expected to be clear with mild winter temperatures, ranging from the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit. Winds are moderate, averaging around 6-7 mph. Sunrise is at 7:43 AM, and sunset will be at 5:04 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

The water level at Lake Powell is currently low, but this hasn't deterred the fish activity. The water temperature is around the mid-50s to low 60s, typical for this time of year. Smallmouth bass are particularly active, 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.

Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with some striped bass. The smallmouth bass were 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. Happy fishing