Fishing Tips from
Captain Jim
Like any lake across the country,
Lake Powell's fishing patterns change throughout the
seasons. Unlike some lakes in colder regions of the
country, Lake Powell is a year-round fishery. Some of
the most productive fishing days have been in the so-called
off season--when the lake resembles a mirror--and is as
smooth as silk. Some things are constant. Find
the bait fish-like shad and craw fish--which follow fairly
constant seasonal patterns, and you will find the game fish
such as large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye,
crappie, catfish and carp. Lake Powell has moderate
water temperatures ranging from 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
and never freezes over.
Spring is the most active
time of year and the fish have been swimming around the
backs of canyons all winter long wondering where the
artificial baits have gone! Except for a few
knowledgeable and avid fisherman, the lake has been clear of
boat traffic for some time. The warming water brings
on the phenomenon known as the spawn. Knowledge of
fish activity during a pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn is
imperative. This may appear to be difficult, but it is
actually relatively simple. Pre-spawn fish move from
the backs of the canyons to points covered with sand and
gravel to begin their annual ritual. Popular baits for
this time of year on Lake Powell include hula-grubs and
spinner baits. During the actual spawn itself--when the fish
are on the beds--fishing is even more simple. A
brightly colored plastic worm or hula- rub pitched into a
well-defined bed will produce a strike almost every
time. Post-spawn fish move out to deeper areas and can
be taken on soft plastics and spinner baits. This
period of time also signals the beginning of a good top
water bite during the early or late hours of the day.
Summer season brings large
numbers of houseboats, jet skiers and water skiers.
The best time of the day is early and late, fishing top
water with a split-shot rig. Midday the fish move toward the
main channel and bays. Fishing deep during bright sun-lit
periods is the most productive.
Fall is considered by most
anglers to be the most pleasant time on Lake Powell.
The fish are in the shallow water, moving toward the backs
of the canyons and frequently go into a feeding
frenzy. Top water baits, spinner baits and soft
plastic jerk baits are dynamite ! During the warmer
and cooler periods of the fall, fishing slower and deeper
can be extremely productive. All game fish follow
similar patterns.
Winter is the time to store
away your equipment, sit by a fire and develop a serious
case of cabin fever. WRONG ! Some of my most
productive guide trips and personal fishing days have been
in the winter. On December 7, Mr. Phil Dion of
the Del Webb Corporation and I enjoyed the most successful
guided fishing trip for largemouth bass ever, and on
Christmas Eve I caught six largemouth bass over five pounds
each.
Be sure to check current fishing information in local
papers when planning your trip. Remember, a successful
trip is always measured by a safe and enjoyable day.
Good attitudes are contagious. Good fishing from
Captain Jim ! |
