One Last Summer Fling - At Lake Powell
Fall is now settling over Utah. Nighttime temperatures are becoming crisp and leaves have started to turn red. That means it is prime time to boat and ski and fish on Lake Powell, in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Fall is my favorite time to play at Powell. Most people view the big lake as a summer playground, and it is attractive at that time of year, but fall is better for a number of reasons.
On average, I take 2-3 trips a year to Powell - it is one of my favorite places on earth. I've been going there for 20 years, and in that time I've learn a secret or two. First off, summer lingers at Powell, which is located at a low elevation in extreme southern Utah. Daytime temperatures often climb above 100 degrees during early September, and will still hit the high 80s on many October days. By early October the air temperature has cooled a bit - but it is still plenty warm - and the water is still delightfully warm (the air cools faster than the water in the deep lake).
Secondly, most kids are gone and crowds are down. Summer weekends are crazy at Lake Powell. Boats everywhere. They rocket up the canyons, churning the water, making it more difficult to ski and fish. There are not nearly so many people at the lake in October - not nearly as many boats. You can often find a canyon of your very own, nobody else around, where the water is like glass even during mid-afternoon.
Finally, fishing is definitely better during fall. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, bluegill, channel catfish - they are all hungry. They sense winter is approaching and they bite aggressively trying to feast while food is plentiful. I'm a fishing enthusiast and Powell offers some of the best action I've ever found.
At Powell it is impossible to guarantee the weather, even during the summer. Storms can arise and whip the water into a dangerous torrent. But that can happen any time of year. On average, the fall season at Lake Powell is long, warm and pleasant.
I'm writing this with mixed emotions. My job is to promote Utah tourism. And I enjoy helping others share the beauties and adventures found here. But you know, I also enjoy camping in my own private, secluded canyon on Lake Powll, where there are no other humans within sight. My very own sandy beach and moonlit sky. No sound except the waves gently lapping at the shore.
No, I've reconsidered. Don't come to Powell during the fall. It's a summer destination. I'll be much happier if you all stay away right now. But feel free to visit during the summer months.
- Dave Webb
This monthly email newsletter is designed to provide timely information about travel and vacation opportunities in the national park country of southern Utah, northern Arizona and western Colorado. Please forward it to friends you think may be interested.
We encourage you to support our sponsors.
UNSUBSCRIBE / UPDATE EMAIL
Also read our free monthly Utah Travel Tips newsletter.
