"I should retire right now while the fisheries are as close to perfect as they can ever be in a reservoir," Gustaveson posted on his acclaimed Lake Powell fishing Web site (http://www.wayneswords.com/) earlier this month.

Gustaveson followed that statement with the reassuring words that he is having too much fun to think about leaving the fishery he has worked with since 1975.

Shad populations are booming, the stripers are fat and smallmouth bass are growing at a rapid rate.

Gustaveson got more evidence of the robustness of the Powell fishery after recently viewing large stripers feeding on young striped bass. Anglers have reported striper boils near Wahweap Bay.

"It is late in the year for surface activity, but young stripers are still shallow. A young striper school fills the schooling baitfish search image that promotes a striper attack," Gustaveson said. "Striper surface activity is still a possibility and shad are being protected at the same time."

Big fish eating small fish of the same species is a strong indicator of the health of a fishery and is the natural way to keep populations in check. That is exactly what was missing during those years of lean and puny stripers.

The only thing that can make Powell any better, fishing-wise, is more water to create spawning habitat for struggling populations of largemouth bass and bluegill.

2005 fishing proclamations out

The 2005 Utah fishing proclamation is now available at DWR offices and sporting good stores across the state. It is also available for downloading at the DWR Web site at http:// www.wildlife.utah.gov/ proclamations/.

I always pick up several copies and keep one in my car so I am prepared for that last second decision to fish a new water.

Strawberry update

Virginia Sweat from Strawberry Bay Marina and Lodge reports that smaller bays around the reservoir are ice covered and some anglers are fishing through 6 to 8 inches of ice. As of Wednesday morning, there was ice around the marina and launching boats was not possible. Large sheets of ice are seen across the reservoir, but the main body of the fishery is not safe for ice fishing yet. Sweat said a thin coat of ice covers the lake most mornings, but the wind typically blows it off before nightfall.

Spawn done on the Provo

Anglers report that the brown trout spawn appears to be over on the Provo River and fish are off the redds. The fish are now into traditional winter feeding patterns. Look for deep holes and fish sow bugs, San Juan worms or WD40s.