I do night runs at powell from time to time.
Running inland water at night requires preparation, awareness and common sense.
A recent GPS track is an absolute must. When laying the track swing wide near buoys as to not be in-line for an impact on a night run - i clear buoys on the channel side by about 100 feet on every pass. With the recent low water I laid a permanent track during the week of April 12, 2023 on the buoy line from south lake to as close to hite as I could get. I also laid side canyon tracks in escalante and my other favorite areas.
I have a full glass helm with one 12” center PFD and two 9” side screens.
I have 2 remote long range spots that are aimed at 11 & 1, and I have 75k lumen light bars aimed at 12 low and 12 high. I am able to light up the canyon edge to edge, but for a safe passage you need more than a bright light.
On calm nights, especially on full moons, I set the center screen on dim with range set at 100 meters and stay right on top of the line. The other screen range is set at 1 km and the third is split screen set to instruments and FLIR inspired camera.
My massive lighting is more for spotting ducks and debris in the water and not for navigation - the GPS track represents 100% navigation with virtual zero deviation unless for debris in water - if I go off track I basically show speed to wakeless. The IR camera is short range and is not used a lot but fun to play with, it clearly shows rock temps and water temps but shows nothing subsurface. You need to calibrate the temps with 10 degree deltas or the screen is just a yellow and orange and black blur. It also gets tricky when water and rock temps are within set error ranges.
The top suggestions for night running inland waters is to have a recent GPS track. Next is to NOT get tricked into following the illuminated blinking buoys, do NOT visually go from blinking buoy to blinking buoy (not all buoys are illuminated), use the GPS track as primary like a IFR route. The reason for not driving direct to the next blinky buoy is it may not be the real next buoy and there may be land between your current position and it. NEVER lock onto a blinking buoy on inland waters unless you are 100% absolutely positive you know exactly where you are and you know exactly where the buoy is. There may be several non illuminated buoys between you and the blinking one… It is difficult to determine range to blinking buoys and elevated blinking buoys are very deceiving. Stay on track - always!
Night running powell is very peaceful, a new experience on another level, not a higher level, just another level. The only spook I have every encountered at night are the floating ducks that take flight right in front of you. Every time it happens it is a full adrenaline dump with dozens of ducks in the air illuminated by the LEDS. It is like a flash bang.
Know your limits and be prepared. I always wear a life vest at night.
If you think you are going to make it with just a spot light, you are over confident and very foolish.