Now that we are well into spring the water levels from the wettest winter in many years have left our lakes and rivers in a good situation for a bumper trout season.

Trout have been taken around the Woori Yallock area on medium-sized scrub worms, most of the success was later in the afternoon. Also try a copper-bladed Celta just as the sun is setting, this time of evening can be very productive.

The Millgrove to Warburton area is fishing well for the fly angler. Drifting bead head nymphs under a buoyant fly such as Royal Wulff or Stimulator is accounting for good numbers of trout up to 450g.

Early in the season is a good time to put a canoe in the area and drift down the river while casting number 1 Celtas and Ecogear SX40 lures. Cast them into the undercut banks and close to snags to draw to fish into a strike. Try casting slightly upstream and let the lure drift close to the area where you want to target then start the retrieve.

Reserve Road at Wonga Park is still having some success: the fishing can be patchy but perseverance will pay off. If lure casting, fish parallel to the banks and work the lures as you retrieve them.

Sugar Loaf Dam is very popular with the angler who is looking for good catches of redfin perch. Small yabbies are good bait for this area, the best method is to rig them on a Gamakatsu CU10 hook. This allows the yabby to stay alive for a longer period, which will entice the fish.

Lilydale Lake is producing wonderful rainbow trout to 1.5kg. Fishing with pink Powerbait along with a split shot about 10cm from the hook is the most successful rig at the moment. Our preferred hook to use is a size 14 treble; make sure the complete hook is covered.

It is crucial to berley in these areas, which not only attracts the fish to your area but keeps them there. Try the ground berley from Stimulate.

For the lure anger there are a few new trout and redfin lures that have been introduced onto the market, which the early reports are telling us will be very popular, not only with the anglers but also the fish. Among the new favourites are Strike Pro vibes 25, Cyber Vibes, Jazz Zappa and the Stiffy Limited edition.

Had some success? Send me the details via email at --e-mail address hidden-- or --e-mail address hidden-- And include the angler, species, where caught (you don’t need to give me all your secrets) and what bait, lure or flies you used.