Lake Powell

Stretching nearly 200 miles along the Colorado River and surrounded by red-rock cliffs, Lake Powell is a fishing destination like no other. Bordering southern Utah and northern Arizona, this massive reservoir offers more than 1,900 miles of shoreline — more coastline than the entire West Coast of the U.S.

From chasing schooling stripers in open water to pitching soft plastics into shaded canyon walls, Lake Powell delivers both stunning scenery and serious fishing opportunities. It’s an angler’s dream where every cast comes with a view.

What You’ll Catch

Lake Powell’s clear waters hold a rich mix of sportfish species that keep rods bending year-round:

Striped Bass

The main event. Stripers are abundant and aggressive, often schooling near points, humps, and canyon mouths.

• Best Baits: Spoons, swimbaits, and anchovies

• Season: Spring and fall for topwater and trolling; summer for deeper jigging

• Hot Spots: Warm Creek, Padre Bay, and Navajo Canyon

Smallmouth Bass

Found along rocky shorelines and submerged ledges throughout the lake.

• Best Baits: Tubes, Ned rigs, and crankbaits

• Best Season: April–October

• Pro Tip: Target smallmouth early morning when the water’s calm and clear

Largemouth Bass

Less common than smallmouth but larger on average.

• Habitat: Brushy coves, back bays, and flooded timber

• Best Baits: Spinnerbaits, frogs, and Texas-rigged plastics

Walleye & Crappie

Walleye thrive in Powell’s cooler depths, while crappie cluster near submerged trees and rock piles.

• Walleye: Drift nightcrawlers on jigs around 20–40 ft

• Crappie: Small jigs or minnows in coves and brush pockets

Catfish & Bluegill

Perfect for families and night fishing.

• Best Baits: Cut bait, chicken liver, or worms

• When: Warm summer nights along beaches and marinas

Best Places to Fish on Lake Powell

With more than 90 major canyons, there’s no shortage of productive water. Some local favorites include:

• Wahweap Bay: Near Page, AZ — excellent access and marina facilities

• Antelope Canyon: Known for stripers and spectacular views

• Bullfrog & Halls Crossing: Central hotspots for bass and walleye

• Navajo Canyon: Consistent year-round action and easy access by boat

• Good Hope Bay: Northern lake section with fewer crowds and steady bites

Best Seasons to Fish

• Spring (March–May): Pre-spawn activity for bass and shallow-water stripers

• Summer (June–August): Deep-water jigging for stripers and walleye; topwater at dawn

• Fall (September–November): Active feeding before winter — perfect for schooling fish

• Winter: Slower bite, but great for solitude and vertical jigging success

Access & Permits

• Launch Ramps: Wahweap, Antelope Point, Bullfrog, and Hite

• Permits: A valid Utah or Arizona fishing license is required — either works throughout the lake under reciprocal agreements

• Boating: Nearly all serious fishing at Lake Powell is done by boat — consider renting a houseboat or fishing boat for multi-day trips

Why Anglers Love Lake Powell

Because every cast feels like fishing inside a painting. The red-rock cliffs, turquoise water, and echoing canyons create a setting unlike anywhere else. Add in consistent action, variety, and solitude, and you’ve got a fishery that combines excitement with serenity — a rare find in today’s world.