It's a great question and one the Utah Conservation Officers Association is asking young anglers to consider when writing entries for the 2008 Fishing Essay Contest.

The association - in partnership with Sportsman's Warehouse, the Utah Bass Federation and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources - will pick six entrants to win a fishing trip to Flaming Gorge in June. Six winners will also receive a tackle package through the sponsors. The contest is limited to students in seventh through 12th grades and requires that they use "What would I do to ensure the future of fishing in Utah?" as the first sentence in a 300- to 500-word essay.

This contest not only provides an opportunity for youngsters to get a taste of fishing at the Gorge, something many Utah anglers have yet to experience, but it is also a good way for the public to realize that the men and women behind the badges enforcing wildlife laws are as likely to give you tips on how to catch fish as they are to write you up for keeping too many. The essays must be submitted by April 30. Entries can be submitted electronically at wildlife.utah.gov/essaycontest/ or sent to: 2008 Fishing Essay Contest, c/o Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 1115 N. Main Street, Springville, UT 84663. Winners will be notified starting May 15.

The essay theme is an important one. I challenge adult anglers out there to write an essay and send it to me. If I get any from all you slackers, I'll pick the best one and send you a copy of the soon-to-be-released second edition of Fishing Utah. I may even share it with Tribune readers.

Transition season

As ice augers are being wrapped up and tucked away in the garage, it is time to start thinking about spring and summer fishing.

Rivers and streams will be high this spring with all the snow, so expect big crowds at the tailwater fisheries.

Wayne Gustaveson, angling guru of Lake Powell, is reporting the spike flow from Glen Canyon Dam this weekend to intentionally flood the Grand Canyon will drop the reservoir 3 to 4 feet and fishing will suffer.

He also says fishing should quickly pick up for largemouth bass as the water warms and day length increases. Smallmouth bass will be next to respond to the change in seasons, about 10 days after the largemouth.

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* BRETT PRETTYMAN can be contacted at brettp@ sltrib. com or 801-257-8902.