I’m aware of the old saying that one swallow does not make a spring, however I must admit to feeling a certain level of optimism about the rainfall patterns over the last couple of months.

Dare I say that the weather pendulum looks to have swung back? If this is the case it will certainly put the cat amongst climate change pigeons. Maybe we’ve just had a bit of a drought after all?

Whatever the case the countryside all over the state looks a lot different than it did 12 months ago. Most of our rivers and waterways, particularly those in the north and east, look better than they have for more than a decade. I’ve got a few really good reports from a range of anglers that have chased trout and natives in our rivers and estuaries over the last few months.

If things are on the up and up VRFishs recent March workshop in Lakes Entrance focusing on the third part of our Inland Fishing Policy, Habitat, is timely indeed. There is no doubt that without proper and scientifically considered sound habitat management we cannot properly judge that we have good fisheries management.

The VRFish Inland Fishing Policy review has been undertaken over the last three years. We have completed a policy on trout in 2008, native fish in 2009 and now the most important part is habitat. Agencies can throw fish at a river or a lake until the cows come home, if the habitat’s no good the fishing will be no good. Sound habitat management is the foundation that underpins everything else.

Once the VRFish has compiled all of the inputs from the workshop we’ll be putting the policy out in a ‘draft’ version for comments. It will be available on our website www.vrfish.com.au and I really urge you all to have a look at it and provide any comments.

If you can’t access a computer and would like a written copy please phone the office during business hours on 03 9686 7077 and Samantha will be happy to put one in the mail to you.