February 22, 2006
By Wayne Gustaveson
Lake Elevation: 3591
Water Temp: 47-50 F

Lake Powell is fishing like two separate lakes.  The extreme northern lake is typical for February with challenging fishing for most species.  Forage was abundant last fall.  Fish are fat and have gone dormant for the winter.  Walleye, stripers and bass are caught sporadically on deep diving lures trolled near brushy cover where bottom depth is 25 feet.  

The southern lake, (defined as Bullfrog south) features more consistent catching.  Forage was scarce last fall.  Stripers are hungry making them vulnerable to anglers.  Bass and walleye have started an early feeding spree.  Two patterns are working well.

First, stripers are cruising main channel canyon walls from the dam to Navajo Canyon.  Best catches have come from the barricade line in front of Glen Canyon Dam.  Tie the boat or drift near the west side of the barricade line and cast anchovy pieces on a small jig head toward the wall.  Chum often.  Stripers usually hit as the bait is sinking.  If no fish are caught within an hour try a different location.  The power plant intake, Antelope Canyon, and Navajo Canyon are likely locations to find cruising stripers.

Second, many species of game fish are feeding in the backs of the canyons from Warm Creek to Halls Creek.  Schools hold at 25 feet and make periodic sojourns into the very shallowest water.  Canyons with sandy beaches where aquatic weeds and sunken tumbleweeds have emerged with are the best spots.  Small sunfish hiding in the weeds are vulnerable to predators as the weeds dry up. Troll or cast suspending crank baits (bevy shad, deep husky jerks) fished with a stop and go retrieve for best results.  In very shallow water a rattletrap yo-yoed along the bottom is effective. 

The weather is warming.  The coming weekend is expected to be excellent fishing for prespawn walleye, bass and stripers.