Constant height changes in the Murrumbidgee River have made it a little difficult to fish around Wagga Wagga over the past few months.

But if you keep an eye on the river height you will still find some very good days.

The key for the lure fishers is to get a few days of constant or dropping river, which will generally give you clear enough water to fish successfully.

Let’s hope we see some consistency as we head towards the new Murray cod season on December 1.

Golden perch have been starting to turn up more often in the ’Bidgee, which is a great sign because they haven’t been very common over the past few years.

The goldens just love 50mm AC Invaders either cast or trolled, but the key is getting in really close to the structure.

Old Man Creek has continued its good run. I have had some great success casting the new low-profile Mudguts spinnerbaits. Purple/brown or purple/pink are my favourite skirt colours.

It has been obvious that most of the Murray cod don’t quite understand that it’s closed season so if you do happen to catch one, do the right thing and put it straight back.

Things are looking very good for the Snowy Mountains Trout Festival, from October 29 to November 4. This is a very well-run festival with some great prizes, so if you’re up that way it would be well worth trying your luck.

Plenty of trout have been coming from all the streams in the Eucumbene area. Casting hair jigs and soft plastics on a slow-rolling or a jerky retrieve with the current will get you onto a fish or three.

Hair jigs are something that I only really use quite early in the season in streams, and they always seem to work very well. They are also quite easy to make yourself if you have a fly vice. YouTube is a great resource for learning how to tie them.

Those who have been fly-fishing the streams found that nymphs were the standout performers. There is always the chance of getting some dry-fly action during November, so be prepared and carry a few with you.

A lot of my friends from up that way believe that November is the best month to fish the lake. The rainbows and the browns have finished spawning and all are hungry.

It is common to catch 20 or more fish in one session if you get a good day.

Trolling and bait fishing would be the methods to use if you just want to catch some easy fish. PowerBait, scrub worms, grubs and mudeyes (if you can get them) will all work, but keep in mind that the browns aren’t too keen on PowerBait.

The odd one does fall victim to this stuff, but your chances of getting a brown would be greatly increased by using a natural bait.

Almost any of the staple lures can work at this time of year. I’d start with small minnows or Tassie Devils.

Lately the trout have seemed to like particular lures each day so it pays to make a few changes if you’re not getting any hits. Eventually you will find a pattern and colour that works.

It always pays to carry a few different lures in your tackle box. When things are really slow, try a lure with a very different action.

A beadhead nymph, Midge Pupa, Stick Caddis or Woolly Bugger will be your best fly options.