Welcome to the new report that will cover the Melbourne Metro freshwater scene. Each month I’ll give you the latest reports and what to expect from lakes such as Rowville, Karkarook, Emerald, Casey Fields and many more, as well as the Yarra and Patterson rivers (freshwater side).

The beauty of these local lakes, also known as family lakes due to their location and accessibility for anglers of all ages, is that that are stocked several times a year with rainbow trout. This is done just prior to the school holidays to give the kids and their families a great activity during this time and, hopefully, inspire some new budding anglers.

This month should be very promising with a number of the popular lakes being stocked.

As the weather is starting to warm up the fish will begin to feed more regularly. The most suitable baits to use are live baits, such as maggots and worms. If you prefer artificials, try pellets or attractant baits such as Powerbait, Trout Dough and even small lures.

This lake will fish well after the recent stocking program for trout and redfin. Try the area between the jetty and the walk bridge. There are some decent drop-offs and it’s not uncommon to see numbers of fish taken.

Another productive area is to the right of the walk bridge.

Both of this areas have easy access and little weed. The best way to increase your chances of catching fish is to use a trout food pellet that has a plastic holder designed for this type of fishing.

Karkarook Lake has plenty to explore for the angler and their family.

There are three lakes all joined by a drain system, with the middle lake the largest. All have easy access and even if there are a lot of other anglers, I’m sure you will find a spot. There are numerous fish species in the lakes, including rainbow trout, redfin, carp and roach.

The water will start to warm up a little this month so the fish will be on the chew. When targeting trout and reddies, try using Trout Dough or the pellet system. If you fancy a slightly bigger fish you can’t go past fresh maggots and scrub worms for the carp.

This is a great place for the family angler to visit. There is plenty to keep the family entertained if they don’t wish to fish; like the great play area just near the lake. For the angler, you can expect to see more trout this month with areas opposite the jetty among the reeds a good place to set yourself up.

Other lakes that will be stocked this month are Emerald, Hanging Rock, Jack Roper Reserve, Navan Park and Seagull Lake in Geelong. Many of the methods can be repeated in a lot of these lakes but finding where they are feeding can be the tricky part.

With the warmer water the trout will be pushing back into the pools. The water is still a little dirty so try to use bait with scent to attract them.

Expect the redfin to be more active this month as well. Target the pools upstream from Warburton for the best results.

If you have had some success in these areas lately send me a photo and go into the draw for your chance to win you a $100 Tackle Voucher. Email to --e-mail address hidden-- include: angler’s name, species, and the area you were fishing.

For up to date fishing information, contact the boys at Compleat Angler in Dandenong on 9794 9397 or drop in and see us at 241-243 Princes Hwy, Dandenong, we are open 7 days a week.

For our other latest fishing reports and to download information sheets, go to www fishingcamping.com.au