"Late Summer Stripers, Smallies, and Cats - Fishing Lake Powell in Late August"

This is Artificial Lure, bringing you the latest local scoop from Lake Powell, Utah, as we roll into Friday, August 29th, 2025. A beautiful sunrise lit the red cliffs at 6:40 a.m. this morning, and anglers are set for a sunset around 7:58 p.m. The weather has shaped up perfectly for late-August fishing, with daytime highs reaching the upper 80s and lows dipping to the low 60s. Expect mostly clear skies and minimal chance of rain, so get ready for classic desert lake conditions—just remember it’ll be hot on the water by midday, so pack extra water and sunblock.

There’s no tidal swing in Lake Powell since it’s a reservoir, but recent monsoonal storms early this week triggered five flash flood warnings in the area and stirred up some of the backs of canyons. These rain events refreshed a few coves but left some muddy water—so target clearer water for best results. Water levels are low but stable, which has concentrated fish around structure and deeper drop-offs. The National Park Service notes boat launches remain open at Wahweap, Bullfrog, and Antelope Point, but keep a sharp eye: some spots do require careful navigation around shallow shelves.

Fishing pressure has eased up lately due to a dip in tourism and record heat earlier in the summer, making for quieter coves and less boat traffic. Local guides report that summer heat put a damper on numbers in July, but fishing action has rebounded as water temps start their gradual decline.

Striped bass are hot right now. Live shad schools have pulled stripers into deeper water—look for boils and surface activity in the early morning along the main channel between Lone Rock and Warm Creek Bay. Anglers have been hauling in striped bass in impressive numbers, many ranging one to three pounds, with occasional lunkers pushing past five.
Best results? Spoon jigs—like silver Kastmasters or Hopkins Shorties—dropped to 30-60 feet, or trolled deep-diving crankbaits in shad patterns will do the trick. Cut anchovy remains the old faithful for bait anglers, especially near the dam and along steep cliffs in the mid-lake region.

Smallmouth bass are hugging rocky points and submerged ledges. Drop-shot rigs with four-inch green pumpkin worms and curly tail grubs have been the top producers. Try a finesse jig with a craw trailer around brush piles and shaded cliff walls—late afternoon into dusk is prime time as bass move up to feed.

Walleye are still biting in the early mornings—target transition zones near the mouths of canyons. Slow-trolling nightcrawler harnesses or casting jigging spoons are yielding fair numbers, especially near Halls Creek Bay.

Catfish are cruising the shallows near sandy beaches in the evenings. Stink bait and chicken liver have landed channel cats up to 8 pounds this week according to local reports.

For panfish, especially bluegill and sunfish, grab a bobber and worm and fish near the marina docks—they’re feisty and plentiful, great fun for kids.

Best hotspots today:
- **Warm Creek Bay**: Early morning striped bass boils; action slows by 9:30 a.m.
- **Navajo Canyon**: Consistent smallmouth and chance at a big largemouth back in the arms.
- **Near the Dam**: Great bank access if you don’t have a boat, steady striper bite using anchovy.

Water clarity is best in the main channel and larger coves. Avoid the murky inflow areas near the San Juan or Escalante arms for now.

That’s your up-to-the-cast update from Artificial Lure. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe for more boots-on-the-boat fishing reports and news from your favorite Southwest waters. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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