Lake Powell Fishing Report January 20, 2019 from Capt. Bill


Happy New Years,

I ventured out on the Pond yesterday to check out some motor work and scope some fish.  Water temps are at 44 degrees and most stripers were 50-75 ft. down and tight lipped with trolling.  I didn’t try any jigging,  but plan to after the next cold front.  Castle Rock Cut channel which saves boaters 24 miles to head up lake is now dry and will not have water till June when the run off from Colorado start to break loose.  So far, it looks very promising for a good snow melt if it doesn’t warm up too much before Spring.  There is a good base in the Rockies all the way down to the San Juan headwater but the “frosting on the cake” is for the expected March Snowstorms.  That will replenish Lake Powell and Lake Meade considerably.  Thank goodness for the diversification of the Lake as it’s the upper end that’s the incubator for bait fish to re-establish what is needed again and again.

We guides are prepping and repairing for the Spring and that magic 60 degrees water temperature to put the bite into full speed with all bass species, walleye and crappie.  We do not start until April 1 as I scout hundreds of lake miles in March to locate and mark school and baite for the season for my anglers.  I love the hunt and the guests love the results for another  great adventure on Lake Powell

If you are looking at coming to Lake Powell,  the “the office manager my wife” says lots of call and bookings coming in, so don’t wait if you have a specific date you are looking at.  Also a few changes this year for 2019.  Due to the increase for the Glen Canyon National Park Service they have imposed a Market Fee to all guides.  Our new rates are listed on the website at www.ambassadorguides.com.  We also added a New Adventure called “Lake Powell Experience” designed for the angler and the non-angler where we can provide a fantastic sight seeing trip and fishing seeing the deep interior over 7,000 ft. and swimming too.  You design it, and we will do it.  Call for your quote today.

Also new for 2019 from AZG&F (Arizona Game & Fish)

Lake Powell Reservoir.
(a) A person possessing a valid Utah or Arizona fishing or combination license, whether resident or nonresident, may fish both the Utah and Arizona portions of the Reservoir in accordance with the angling regulations applicable to the state where they are fishing. 
(b) Only one daily limit may be taken in a single day, even if licensed in both states.

As always if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out and we look forward to seeing you at Lake Powell

Tight Lines & Happy 2019

Capt. Bill McBurney and 1st Mate Judy

 

About Bill McBurney

Captain Bill is an award-winning fishing guide in Arizona. He has been providing quality experiences for both novice and proficient anglers for more than 25 years. He is US Coast Guard and AZ Game & Fish licensed, and holds a CUA Permit with Glen Canyon National Park Service. Bill is a former host of a TV series featuring world renowned anglers and fishing techniques.