Well it’s finally here, the week we have all been waiting for and with the local creeks and rivers flowing like they are, I think we are in for a treat.

For most of us, it is probably quite annoying walking into our soggy backyards and nearly sinking up to our knees, but at least we have an excuse not to mow our lawns.

But in fishing terms, this is great news as the consistent rain we have had in the valley over winter has meant that our rivers are extremely healthy.

This year was more similar to what some would call the good old days, the fish spawned well and they spawned very early, so this has meant a lot of the trout have already moved back downstream into their usual positions.

This should mean we won’t have a trout opening lull like we did a few years ago, I think every angler should have good success in our smaller streams such as Traralgon Creek and Morwell River.

Spring is time where the trout are hungry, so they get quite aggressive, so for the lure fishing should have a ball with Celtas, small Tassie Devils and bibbed minnows in your typical trout colours. For the fly fisherman, bead head nymphs will be a must due to the good flow of the rivers, but small streamer patterns will work exceptionally well too.

The Macalister River has improved immensely after all the rain, and there are lots of new holes and runs to fish, as the river has slightly changed again in places. Get the bigger lures out such as larger hardbodied lures and bigger Tassie’s as the larger runs can handle lures a lot larger than the small creeks.

A few bass have been caught over winter which is surprising as the bass tend to shut down in the colder months. Most have been caught below Glenmaggie weir.

I’ll be interested to see if we hear of more bass caught upstream of the weir this season as the new stocking program of bass in Gippsland will see us with 5 years in total of stocking of which the 3rd year class will be stocked shortly.

Most of the bass are ranging between 15-22cm but these are only 1 and 2 year old fish. There have been a few bigger ones caught in the dams but I haven’t seen in photos recently.

Again, the warmer weather and warmer water temperature should bring them on the bite. Good luck and keep sending in the photos.

For more information on fishing central Gippsland, contact Will at Allways Angling in Traralgon on 51748544. You get expert advice and some great deals on fishing bait and tackle.