Fishing

Lake Powell has created a new realm for fishermen. Before Glen Canyon Dam was built, the Colorado River was so full of silt that only suckers, bonytails, and chubs could survive in its murky waters.

The need to protect these native endangered fish is the highest priority of the National Park Service. That does not change the fact that abundant gamefish now thrive in the clear waters of Lake Powell. Introduced species such as bass and crappie as well as walleye, bluegill, and catfish challenge the avid fisherman.

Lake Powell straddles the border of Utah and Arizona, so make sure you have a valid Utah and/or Arizona fishing license. Visit Wayneswords.com for fishing regulations and updated information about fishing conditions on Lake Powell.

Different regulations are required for fishing on the Colorado River below the Dam:
The area is completely in Arizona and the license requires a trout stamp. Only barbless artificial lures and flies may be used in this area. NO live bait is allowed. NO trout over 12 inches in length may be in possesion. Daily bag limit is four trout per angler. Possession limit is eight trout. Possession of live fish is prohibited.

 

Lake Powell Fish Species (Fish pictures not to scale)

 

Striped Bass (Roccus saxatilis)
The striped bass was introduced into Lake Powell in 1974. This fish can live in both fresh and salt water, and can be recognized by the series of dark stripes running the length of the back and sides. No possesion limit.

 

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
The largemouth bass has adapted to a wide variety of habitats. The body of this fish is elongated with dark green sides and a silvery belly. A broad, dark horizontal band with irregular patches extends midway on the sides. Possesion limit: 5.

 

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieui)
This fish is similar to the largemouth bass, but it has a smaller jaw and is bronze rather than greenish in color. Possesion limit: 20.

 

Black Crappie (Promoxis nigromaculatus)
The black crappie is silver to olive in color with numerous black or dark green splotches on the sides. Vertical bars are prominent on the young only. Possesion limit: 10.

 

Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum)
Young walleye have six or seven dark saddle marks on their backs. Adults may be dark silver to dark olive brown with brassy spots. The underside may be yellow or white. There is a black blotch on the dorsal fin and a white tip on the lower lobe of the tail. Possesion limit: 10.

 

Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
This spotted catfish is prized both as a sport and food fish. The body is pale bluish-olive above and bluish-white below. Spots vary from a few to many. Possesion limit: 25.