Lake Powell Elevation: 3519

Water Temp: 83 degrees

Fall is approaching on Lake Powell, and I’m optimistic about what the 2026 fall fishing season could bring.

Right now, we are seeing lots of shad under the night lights, which is a very encouraging sign. We have also experienced a significant striper die-off. My expectation is that this could help produce a healthier population of 2–5 pound-plus stripers this fall, along with some larger “cruiser-class” fish that may hold over and feed on multiple forage species.

The current smallmouth fishing has been very good, particularly for the smaller fish. One of the easiest patterns right now is drop-shotting small crawfish imitations around points, shaded cracks and pockets along the steep main-channel walls, as well as in the deeper canyons. As the water cools, I expect the smallmouth pattern to change and hopefully produce some larger fish moving into more aggressive fall feeding patterns.

We will be doing additional fisheries sampling with USGS Fisheries on August 19, which should give us some valuable information about the current fish populations and forage base. I’ll have a further report after that sampling and will share what we learn.

One thing I’m really looking forward to is the fall transition. The cooler nights are already beginning to help, and if we get a normal fall cool-down, I’m hopeful we will see those exciting early-morning and evening striper boils return. When the lake sets up right, there is nothing quite like watching those fish push bait to the surface.

Fall 2026 Guide Trips

For the fall season, my maximum fishing party will be three people, although four may be possible depending on the circumstances. If you’re interested in four, please give me a call and we can discuss whether it will work for your particular trip.

I am now taking reservations for September and October, and hopefully we’ll have some opportunities in November, depending on weather and lake conditions.

I also want to thank everyone who has checked in on me this summer. I had a bit of a hiatus after undergoing double hernia surgery, but I’m healing well and looking forward to getting back out on Lake Powell and putting some fish in the boat with you.

I’m excited about this fall and what the lake may have in store. The combination of shad, the changing striper population, cooling water and hopefully some good fall weather could make for a very interesting season.

I look forward to seeing you on Lake Powell!

As always, if you have questions, give me a call:

Captain Bill: 928-606-0933

To book a trip, call Judy: 928-606-5829

Tight Lines,

Capt. Bill