Since my last report the fishing in our region has been very poor.

This maybe from so much feed around early in the season or it may be the rapidly changing fishing conditions.

The weather has really played a huge part in the poor (and good) quality fishing conditions over the summer months.

Hopefully now with autumn here and winter approaching we will see the river clean up.

April usually sees the last run of shrimp and yabbies, with colder water temperatures sending them into hibernation. With less bait around it’s a great chance to get the lures out for a flick or troll.

You will see larger cod being caught in the colder months and I suggest thinking big when setting up your tackle.

Cod will now be less active and you would be surprised how many bigger fish are caught by just striking in anger – or what’s known as a reaction bite.

A tip is to possibly set two rods up if you can and persistently cast into good areas.

I usually set up one rod with a Big Spinnerbaits and one with either a large deep diving lure or a TN70 Jackall or a Dozer. Two rods means you can switch between the two lures without having to re-rig.

Put as many cast as you possibly can and hopefully you will annoy a monster cod enough to smash your chosen lure.

Kialla has fished very averagely in March with only a hand full of reports trickling in.

It’s very surprising, as you usually can land a decent fish most times at the lakes.

One of the better reports from local fisho Daryl Lines was of three yellowbelly, with two over 40cm.

April also see the first “Show us your Boat" fishing and watersport expo. It’s held on the 10th of April and is shaping up to be a great day out for all.

It’s held at the Merrigum Football Ground from 9-5pm, with entry only $8 with free entry for under 16s

For more information contact Phil Savage 0438 552 594

Micka Robb of Benalla with a nice cod caught in the Broken River.