Shad- and bluegill-colored lures work well for trolling. He also recommends trying more white- and gray-colored lures if the fish aren't biting.

Crappie are holding in the backs of canyons in the murky waters that are holding brush. The smaller crappie jigs in light colors are working well.

Smallmouth are holding along shorelines in broken rock, while largemouth are holding in the same habitat as crappie.

As the water level rises, anglers are going to have to change their fishing patterns.

"As the water goes up, look at main structures in the water, such as reefs and underwater islands. Cast on top of the structure with something like a tube jig and bounce it down," he said.

Water temperatures are reaching the point where the large- and smallmouth bass and crappie will begin to make and settle in on nests. During the spawn, the male fish become very aggressive to anything that comes close to the nest, which makes for excellent fishing.

And fishing is expected to remain good through the spring and into June, at which time the fish will start moving deeper to find the cooler water.

Gustaveson does a weekly report on his Web site — wayneswords.com — reporting on fishing conditions, where fish are holding and what baits and lures to use.

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