I have been going to Powell since '74 and to me it is the most awesome Lake! We had a Houseboat there for 20 years and got rid of it last year,,,,,bummer! The advice that has been said is right on, hopefully you are staying a few days after the Poker Run, that way you can explore the Lake much more. At times it is nice to have a smaller boat and or some PWC's to explore canyons further back that your boats wouldn't be able to go. But the fall time is the best time of year, Sept. and Oct., less of a chance for those afternoon storms, water temp still warm and a little cooler nights. Going north past Dangling Rope marina is my favorite area pretty much around the San Juan area. But really the whole Lake is awesome from one end to the other. Have a Great time,,, I will have some friends there also for the Poker Run and there will be party's at the Marina at some of the Houseboats that some of the entrants are staying.