Lake Powell Fishing
A Utah natural lake in Kane County.
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Lake Powell: the Utah short version
DWR gives no acreage for Lake Powell, a natural lake in Kane County; the UGRC lakes layer traces about 112,709 acres of mapped outline in Utah. By straight line, Blanding lies about 85 miles from the water.
It is on DWR’s Blue Ribbon fisheries list. Boaters get 8 launches here in the launch data. Bank anglers have 2 shore and pier points from DWR. The Utah guidebook and Fish Utah print 1 rule line for it.
Outline area from the UGRC Utah Lakes NHD layer (ArcGIS service; mapped polygon area, not a DWR surface-acre figure), read November 11, 2026. The layer stops at the state line, so this is the Utah part only.
Utah DWR Fish Utah page for Lake Powell (DWR last updated the page Sep 20, 2023), read November 11, 2026.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census counts (TIGERweb) and the 2023 Gazetteer, read November 11, 2026.
The Fish Utah notes for Lake Powell
The Fish Utah entry for Lake Powell opens:
Lake Powell is the second largest reservoir in the United States, but first in beauty. This "Crown Jewel of the Colorado" is 160,000 acres at full pool (3,700 ft elevation) and boasts over 1,900 miles of shoreline. Utah's premier warm water reservoir was impounded behind Glen Canyon Dam in 1963 and completed its initial filling in 1980.
Getting to Lake Powell, per DWR: Access from various locations in Utah and Arizona
Amenities DWR lists at Lake Powell access points: boat Ramp, cycling, drinking water, fishing piers – accessible, fuel, hiking, invasive species and mountain biking.
Utah DWR Fish Utah page for Lake Powell (DWR last updated the page Sep 20, 2023), read November 11, 2026.
How DWR rates the fish in Lake Powell
For Lake Powell, DWR files each species under likely, possible or unlikely.
| Species | DWR rating |
|---|---|
| Bullhead | likely |
| Black crappie | likely |
| Channel catfish | likely |
| Common carp | likely |
| Largemouth bass | likely |
| Smallmouth bass | likely |
| Striped bass | likely |
| Walleye | likely |
| Bluegill | possible |
| Brown trout | possible |
| Flannelmouth sucker | possible |
| Green sunfish | possible |
| Lake trout | possible |
| Northern pike | possible |
| Rainbow trout | possible |
| Tiger muskellunge | possible |
Utah DWR Fish Utah page for Lake Powell (DWR last updated the page Sep 20, 2023), read November 11, 2026.
For the black crappie herePiscifun Carbon XT ultralight spinning reel25% OFFSale $59.99 The Lake Powell stocking log from Utah DWR
These Lake Powell stocking rows are copied from Fish Utah; DWR names no length unit.
| Date | Species | Number | Average length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2023 | Chub | 30,100 | 3.58 |
| Oct 27, 2022 | Chub | 34,800 | 2.68 |
| Apr 5, 2022 | Chub | 15,950 | 3.16 |
| Nov 3, 2021 | Chub | 10,691 | 4.14 |
| Apr 7, 2020 | Chub | 2,249 | 10.08 |
| Apr 7, 2020 | Chub | 2,248 | 10.08 |
| Apr 3, 2019 | Chub | 3,679 | 10.95 |
| Oct 18, 2018 | Chub | 4,617 | 4.98 |
| Oct 15, 2018 | Chub | 16,282 | 4.98 |
| Apr 19, 2017 | Sucker | 93 | 19.83 |
| Apr 19, 2017 | Sucker | 93 | 19.83 |
| Oct 25, 2016 | Chub | 16,495 | 3.15 |
Utah DWR Fish Utah page for Lake Powell (DWR last updated the page Sep 20, 2023), read November 11, 2026.
The latest DWR report for Lake Powell
September 2026, Lake Powell Fall is one of the best times of year to fish Lake Powell. Shorter days and cooler nights gradually lower water temperatures, boat traffic decreases, and fish become increasingly active as they feed heavily before winter. September often starts with fish still behaving much like they did during summer, but fishing should steadily improve as the lake cools through September and October.
Read the Lake Powell report with its date in mind: Aug 26, 2026.
Utah DWR Fish Utah page for Lake Powell (DWR last updated the page Sep 20, 2023), read November 11, 2026.
Putting a boat in at Lake Powell, Utah
- Antelope Point Boat Ramp at Lake Powellboat ramp, cycling, drinking water, fishing piers – accessible
- Bullfrog Marina at Lake Powellboat ramp, for any vessel class, administered by the National Park Service in the UGRC layer, backpacking, camp host, cycling
- Halls Crossing Marina at Lake Powellboat ramp, for any vessel class, administered by the National Park Service in the UGRC layer, cycling, drinking water, electrical hook-us
- Hite Marina at Lake Powellboat ramp, for any vessel class, administered by the National Park Service in the UGRC layer, backpacking, cycling, hand launch
- Hite South Boat Ramp at Lake Powellboat ramp, backpacking, cycling, hand launch
- Hite Take-out at Lake Powellboat ramp, backpacking, cycling, hand launch
- Stateline Ramp at Lake Powellboat ramp, backpacking, camp host, covered Picnic ares
- Wahweap Boat Ramp at Lake Powellboat ramp, camp host, covered Picnic ares, cycling
Utah shore and pier access at Lake Powell
- Dangling Rope Shore Access at Lake Powellshore access, docks – accessible, drinking water, fuel
- Stanton Creek Shore Access at Lake Powellshore access, backpacking, cycling, hiking
Check with the land manager at Lake Powell for fees; the layers record none.
UGRC Boat Ramps layer (ArcGIS service) and the DWR Fish Utah access list, read November 11, 2026.
Reservoir and gauge figures for Lake Powell
Reclamation daily values for Lake Powell, November 10, 2026. Values are for the whole reservoir, including the part outside Utah.
Bureau of Reclamation Upper Colorado Region reservoir data (hydrodata), latest daily values, read November 11, 2026. Provisional.
For Lake Powell, only the USGS line updates on page view.
Size and limit rules for Lake Powell
The limits here are from the 2027 Utah Fishing Guidebook, which takes effect January 1, 2027; the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook stays in force through December 31, 2026 and differs only where a row says so.
DWR's map page for Lake Powell carries the rule text below, word for word.
- Limit 20 smallmouth bass. Limit 5 largemouth bass. Limit 10 crappie. Limit 25 channel catfish. No limit on striped bass. No limit on walleye. Fish may be filleted at any time. Anglers may possess filleted fish. Anglers may use corn as bait. For more information, see page 13 of guidebook. Anglers may use dead striped bass as bait. Chumming is allowed, but you may chum only with legal baits or dead striped bass, as specified in Utah Admin Rule R657-13-12. Gaffs may be used to land striped bass only. Closed to the use of underwater spearfishing to take largemouth and smallmouth bass from April 1 through the fourth Saturday of June. Archery and underwater spearfishing are prohibited within all of the following areas: One-quarter mile of all existing developed areas, including shoreline campgrounds, docks, launch ramps, breakwaters and trailheads – One-quarter mile of any structure, including any building, shed, pump-out, boat dock, breakwater, permanent harbor fixture, camper, motor home, trailer, tent or vehicle – Rainbow Bridge National Monument – One-quarter mile of Dangling Rope Marina, including any land- or harbor-based structures – One hundred yards (300 feet) of any boats (unless the person owns, rents, leases or lawfully occupies the boat), or another boat moves into the 100-yard perimeter after the bow or spearfishing activity has commenced.
Utah DWR Fish Utah page for Lake Powell (DWR last updated the page Sep 20, 2023), read November 11, 2026.
The DWR statewide table as it applies to Lake Powell
| Species group | 2027 daily limit | 2026 daily limit | Note as printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black crappie and white crappie (a combined total) | 50 | same | – |
| Bluegill and green sunfish (a combined total) | 50 | same | – |
| Bullhead | 24 | same | – |
| Channel catfish | 8 | same | – |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass (a combined total) | 6 | same | – |
| Northern pike | 20, only 1 over 36 inches | same | – |
| Striped bass | No limit | same | – |
| Tiger muskellunge | 1 over 40 inches | same | – |
| Trout, kokanee salmon and Arctic grayling (a combined total) | 4 | same | Anglers may not possess kokanee salmon at any waterbody statewide from Sept. 10 through Nov. 30. |
| Walleye | 10, only 1 over 24 inches | same | – |
2027 Utah Fishing Guidebook, p. 9 (effective January 1, 2027; DWR PDF), read November 11, 2026.
For a cooler leaving Lake Powell, Utah law says: "Possession limit means, for purposes of this rule only, two daily limits, including fish in a cooler, camper, tent, freezer, livewell or any other place of storage, excluding fish stored in an individual’s permanent residence."
Utah Admin. Code R657-13 (R657-13-2), last changed June 23, 2026 as printed on the DWR rules page, read November 11, 2026.
Anglers 12 and older need a Utah fishing license; both the 2026 and 2027 guidebooks print $40 for a resident 365-day adult license and $120 for a nonresident.
License prices as printed in the 2027 Utah Fishing Guidebook, p. 8 (the 2026 guidebook prints the same prices; checked against the DWR fees page), read November 11, 2026.
Crossing state lines on Lake Powell
If you have a valid Utah or Arizona fishing or combination license—whether you are a resident or nonresident—you may fish both the Utah and Arizona portions of the lake, as long as you follow the angling regulations that apply to the state where you are fishing. It is your responsibility to know and follow each state’s laws and rules for Lake Powell. REMINDER: Even if you are licensed in both states, you may only take one daily limit each day.
2027 Utah Fishing Guidebook, p. 23 (effective January 1, 2027; DWR PDF), read November 11, 2026.
Blue Ribbon water at Lake Powell
Fish Utah files Lake Powell under the Blue Ribbon program.
Utah DWR Fish Utah page for Lake Powell (DWR last updated the page Sep 20, 2023), read November 11, 2026.
Record catches DWR logs from Lake Powell
| Species | Weight or length | Year | Place as DWR prints it | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | 10 lbs. 2 oz. | 1974 | Lake Powell | catch and keep |
| Striped bass | 48 lbs. 11 oz. | 1991 | Lake Powell | catch and keep |
| Carp | 32 lbs. 0 oz. | 1993 | Lake Powell | catch and keep |
| Black crappie | 3 lbs. 5 oz. | 2009 | Lake Powell | catch and keep |
| Striped bass | 44 ½" | 2019 | Lake Powell | catch and release (length) |
| Northern pike | 49 ¾" | 1998 | Lake Powell | catch and release (length) |
| Striped bass | 24 lbs. 6 oz. | 2023 | Lake Powell | spearfishing |
| Channel catfish | 8 lbs. 8 oz. | 2018 | Lake Powell | spearfishing |
| Green sunfish | 5 oz. | 2024 | Lake Powell | spearfishing |
Utah state record fish as DWR lists them (records page), read November 11, 2026.
Who runs Utah events on Lake Powell
The Lake Powell tournament page lists upcoming dates and posted results with sources.
Sizing Lake Powell against nearby Utah water
| Water | Distance | Size | County | Launches | Species on DWR list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Powell | about 112,709 acres of mapped outline in Utah | Kane County | 8 | 18 | |
| Wide Hollow Reservoir | 51 miles northwest | about 147 acres of mapped outline | Garfield County | 2 | 8 |
| May Day Pond | 58 miles north | – | Garfield County | 0 | 2 |
| Lower Bowns Reservoir | 61 miles north | about 108 acres of mapped outline | Garfield County | 1 | 3 |
| Pine Lake | 63 miles northwest | about 80 acres of mapped outline | Garfield County | 2 | 4 |
| Tropic Reservoir | 73 miles west | about 178 acres of mapped outline | Garfield County | 1 | 5 |
DWR Fish Utah pages, UGRC Boat Ramps and Lakes NHD layers; outline sizes are GIS figures. Read November 11, 2026.
Mapped beside Lake Powell
Impoundments a short drive from Lake Powell
- Wide Hollow Reservoir51 miles northwest
- May Day Pond58 miles north
- Lower Bowns Reservoir61 miles north
- Pine Lake63 miles northwest
- Tropic Reservoir73 miles west
Stocking up on line for Lake Powell
- Bullfrog Marinamarina, Bullfrog
Outfitters who run trips to Lake Powell
- Ambassador Guides & Outfitters Lake Powell Striper Fishingfishing guide, 928-606-5829
- Lake Powell Guide Services, LLCfishing guide, 406-880-2301
- Papa Woody's Chartersfishing guide, 435-820-0976
- Up Lake Adventures, Inc.fishing guide
Which Utah county Lake Powell sits in
- Kane Countyseat: Kanab
A Piscifun bundle sized for a trip to Lake Powell
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Sorting out the Utah fish of Lake Powell by sight
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain
Photo: robposse, CC BY 2.0
Photo: robposse, CC BY 2.0
Lake Powell: what Beehive State anglers ask
Which Utah county holds Lake Powell?
It lies in Kane County; the nearest Census town, Blanding, is about 85 miles away.
How much water is Lake Powell?
Only the UGRC outline sizes it: about 112,709 acres of mapped outline in Utah.
Can a trailered boat get onto Lake Powell?
The UGRC and DWR data list 8 launches; Antelope Point Boat Ramp at Lake Powell is one.
Does DWR rate trout at Lake Powell?
Look for bullhead, black crappie, channel catfish, common carp and largemouth bass, per DWR's list.
Has DWR written special rules for Lake Powell?
Its 1 rule line are quoted in full above, with the guidebook year.
What does a Utah license cost for Lake Powell?
Anglers 12 and older need a Utah fishing license; both the 2026 and 2027 guidebooks print $40 for a resident 365-day adult license and $120 for a nonresident. Utah asks no license of anglers under 12.
Can a Utah angler fish Lake Powell from shore?
Try Dangling Rope Shore Access at Lake Powell, one of 2 shore and pier points.
Which store is handiest for Lake Powell?
Our Utah list points to Bullfrog Marina in the same county.
Is Lake Powell high or low?
The level band shows the newest value with its agency and date.
When did DWR last stock Lake Powell?
The newest of 13 stocking rows is Mar 31, 2023: chub.
Which Utah record came from Lake Powell?
Lake Powell carries the largemouth bass entry at 10 lbs. 2 oz., year 1974.
Does Lake Powell host Utah tournaments?
Organizer events and winners fill its event page.
Where does Lake Powell stand in the Blue Ribbon program?
Fish Utah carries the Blue Ribbon label for it.
Put Lake Powell on the Utah calendar
Read the dated limits, then pick a launch.