I believe that we have been at Powell almost every week (at one time or an other) from Late April thru mid Oct. Granted our favored time was the last of Sept.
We have been there during Labor Day a number of times. We found a place way up canyons, where the sunlight was only direct for a minimal amount of time--and we had shade for even that time. (Tarp with poles) Problem is that often up the slot canyons, where it is more isolated, and less sun--also less wind. Nights are OK, and we have never had difficult sleeping because of the heat--but we do use a fan over the forward hatch, as well as a couple of fans near our heads to keep air circulating. The hulls store up some warmth (and we have insulation on the inside (back packing pads) to minimize that.
The further from launch ramps, and houseboat rentals--the better.
My recollection is that the best place we found that time of year was one of the upper South arms of Iceberg Canyon. I am quite sure that the Andersons and Parsons were with us. We pretty much had the place to ourselves, except for an occasional wake board boat or PWC. We had to go by some snags, and found a nice sandbar.
We have also gotten way up in little Oak Canyon (often mislabeled on the charts); how far up you can go, depends of the lake level. There is one place up there where it looks like the end, but if you squeeze around to the left (north East)) there is room for one more boat--and it is rare that any other boat comes up there.
Always be aware of rocks over head which might fall--there was a land slide across from where we were tied stern to the beach. If there is a heavy rain get out of slot canyons, and into more open anchorage, behind an island or peninsula, to shield from waves. The desert storms can be violent and flash flooding can occur even if rain is miles away. The storms are also some of the most awesome times on the lake--if you are secure.
Often you can arrive fairly early in the AM--and find a place where a houseboat has just left. The further up, the less likely that boats will come by going fast.
Also on occasion we. have found some isolated anchorages up in the middle of San Juan Arm. (Cha--nice hike to petroglyphs) Desha, Piute, and Deep Canyons are possible choices.). Saw coyote up there. Also the South Bank is Navaho Nation, not National Recreational area.. We have never had an issue, but they do run some livestock--both horses and cattle.
I have put some markers on Active Captain about a few of the anchorages.
Never had a real problem with Rodents--we usually used the Frisbee: drill a hole the size of the rope tying the boat to shore (either anchor, sand stakes, or buried dead man). (We always take a folding shovel, and a hatchet) Then cut a slit to the outside perimeter, put a couple of short nylon zip ties, or string to hold that slit closed when you are secure.
Be sure that the bow anchor will hold well. Sometimes, if there is a lot of traffic and wakes--you need to pull off the shore a few feet during the daytime.
Having said all of this, I agree with one of my friends (retired Captain) of Florida Marine Patrol: We need to have Rifle, pistol, bow and arrow, sling shot, crossbow, etc seasons on PWC and Wake Board boats which break the law! (Idle or wakeless speed within 150 feet of any boat, person in the water or person fishing.).:amgry These seem to be never enforced. Also no PWC after sunset or before sunrise in Utah, but OK (with running lights, in Arizona). People who launch in Arizona, seem to feel that can violate Utah's laws....
Did you ever take a trip at the end of May first of June time frame?
As Bill, we found the lake pretty free in May, more in June, But for us the water was too cold. We like to spend a lot of time in the water. There is some reduction if the week slot time is not contigious with the holiday. We were at Powell one Memorial Day, when I heard more MayDay's than I have ever heard in my life. Violent storm--and many small and house boats in serious trouble. Also have alternate anchorages picked out--one night we had to move after dark, because of the waves. It was only a few hundred feet---and we just swung on one hook for the rest of the night. We have had the dinghy blown over the top of the boat--so if you are using any dinghy, kayak, etc--secure it very well, or take it aboard during storms.
