What an amazing difference compared to last year.

Victoria in general had a deluge of winter rain which now as the weather has settled will hopefully see us into a brighter summer. I am predicting an excellent trout season due to an abundance of new food source that would have been washed into the system over recent months.

The Yarra has suffered with a slime problem in its system over the past 3-4 years which has reduced the amount of oxygen in the system so with the floods we had in September this should flush a large amount of this out of the Yarra River.

More positives are that the aquatic life will have new ground, also a lot of smaller tree branches will have been pushed into larger clumps making good cover and protection for the fish and the water flow will be better now that the ground already holding moisture.

If fishing in rivers that have a steady/fast flow, remember to toss your lure upstream into the current and let it drift towards the slower moving water near the edges. Using a slow steady retrieve action with the occasional flick, bring the lure into the bank and then repeat the cast into the faster water again. The fish will be waiting on the edge of the current for insects and food coming down stream and they will watch for action in the fast water.

I also like to cast small bladed lures such as Celtas under overhanging bushes; insects are constantly falling into the water so by landing your lure into this area you will increase your chances of landing more fish. Mid-afternoon through to sunset will provide most of the action.

The Yarra is in good condition with steady water flows and ideal temperature conditions for this time of year. Insect activity is also higher than normal, with the warm sunny conditions providing the right environment for hatches.

The Yarra is fishing well at the end of Reserve Road in Wonga Park, some nice trout to 35cm have been taken on smaller scrubworms.

The Warrandyte area is starting to fire up and will only get better with the run up to Christmas. There have been a few good reports of quality brown trout being taken so far which is a great indication for the months ahead

For the fly angler, the area around Woori Yallock is showing promising signs of a good season ahead with trout taken on Bead Head Nymphs in Olive and also the Stimulator fly. Best times have been last three hours of light.

This time of year also offers good fishing at Warburton. If bait fishing try drifting mudeyes along the bottom, using only a split shot. Cast across the current and keep a sharp eye on your line where it goes into the water, trout have a subtle take so you need to be alert.

The local lakes are looking healthy with Rowville producing Trout using powerbait in the rainbow colour. One of the better techniques is to use a small sinker to a stopper with a fluorocarbon leader approximately 60cm long. Then tie on a light gauge hook. By keeping the rig, you will allow the Powerbait to suspend off the bottom thus giving the trout a better chance of seeing it.

Lilydale Lake has seen a lot of action over the past month with many anglers taking the family for a days fishing. This time of year is probably the best time for fishing this location as the hotter temperatures in January through to March can slow the fishing down. This lake is stocked before holiday periods so there is constant fun to be had.

The warmer water temperatures should also result in a good eel catches. Eels are fun to catch and are easily taken on a size 2 or 4 bait holder hook and a large scrubworm. Best times are later in the day through to dusk with a rising barometer mixed with a bit of humidity. The most critical being a rising or steady barometer.

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.