The Alpine Region’s rivers and streams have dropped considerably in recent weeks as the frequency of rain and thunderstorms declines, although the long range weather forecast is for more rain until Christmas and right through summer.

The rivers are maintaining their pre-drought heights, which is somewhat of a novelty for younger anglers. Trout are relishing the conditions though, as many captures by local and holidaying anglers indicate, with some larger specimens taken on drifted worms from several easily-accessed parts of the Kiewa River around Mt Beauty.

Rocky Valley Lake on the Bogong High Plains is 100% full and fishing conditions are excellent this month; it only needs a few anglers up there to complete the picture.

Rocky Valley is very deep and large in area but not listed on any Victorian register of impoundments. It holds nothing but wild-bred rainbow trout and brown trout that can exceed 4kg in weight, according to the official records of state and national fly fishing championship events that are held every two years.

Pretty Valley Lake, which is close by, is smaller: it holds trout to 1.5kg in weight on average and is very easy to access. Both lakes are at least 1800m above sea level, so when fishing these waters anglers are advised to carry warm clothing, even in summer, as conditions can deteriorate at any time without warning.

The Mt Beauty pondage is currently100% full and numbers of trout have been caught on bladed lures and live bait presented under a bubble float in recent weeks. However, the outflow and just blow it is where the real action is.

The Kiewa River from Mt Beauty to Mongans Bridge is in excellent condition this month and fishing is also excellent, with many good-sized trout, both rainbows and browns, falling for a variety of lures and drifted live baits.

The stretch below the outflow from the Mt Beauty pondage is proving especially productive at the moment, as large earthmoving machines that re-sculptured the riverbanks to something like their former configurations have completed their work, leaving some exciting new pools above and runs opposite the caravan park that are perfect for holding feeding trout.

The rest of the river is fishing extremely well at the moment as it settles back into an ideal flow speed and stream level for fishing, providing good access and great opportunities for all anglers.

The Ovens River around Bright and Porepunkah is currently producing brown trout on lures. The river is running well and should continue to fish well as summer advances. Redfin to 300g have also been reported feeding in several places and some have been caught on worms and bladed lures in recent days

The lower Mitta Mitta River at Mitta Mitta is currently flowing at 200Ml a day, making it ideal for all types of fishing. Although anglers have been scarce in recent weeks because of all the rain, the river is well stocked with wild-bred brown trout that fight like crazy when hooked. Best spots in recent times have been just behind the caravan park and at the end of Bowlers Lane.

Snowy Creek at Granite Flat is in excellent condition and fishing moderately well, with mostly brown trout, a few rainbows, being caught lately.

The stretch upstream from the bridge in Walsh’s Road has been proving to be one of the best locations, with trout averaging 550g falling for small bladed lures.