The smallmouth, which are found in broken rock, will move off the nest and be far more accessible. Fishing this summer is expected to be excellent.

The peak of the walleye fishing is expected to be within the week. Best fishing will be towards the northern end of the lake.

As noted, the lake level is rising. At last report, it is filling at 60,000 acre feet per day. Last year, it peaked at 3,633 feet above sea level. This year, it is expected to hit 3,637. It will not rise above 3,640. Under Bureau of Land Management rules, once the level rises above 3,640, the outflow will be increased.

What the rising water means for those fishing soon is that bass nests that were in shallow water are now deeper. In some cases, said Gustaveson, "nests may be as much as 100 yards from the new shoreline. So instead of fishing shallow areas close to shore, look for ravines with steep sides and brush where fish can move vertically."

He has also found that some of the best fishing has been after the water warms in the afternoon.

As for striped bass, the fish go looking for a quick meal at dusk and dawn, "but then spend the day wondering if this day's warming will trigger spawning that night. This subtle attitude change has provided the opportunity for bait anglers to be more successful than trollers," he noted.

"It is worth the effort to fish bait while actively chumming for half an hour in selected locations."

And, as they noted, expect better fishing as the summer progresses, and very possibly even better fishing next spring.

For the latest reports on fishing at Lake Powell, visit Gustaveson's Web site at www.wayneswords.com.