There is always a good vibe from anglers when they know local lakes are being stocked.

With school holidays in full flight, this can be a great time to hit the water with the expectation of catching some beautiful rainbow trout, redfin and maybe even a few nice brown trout.

Karkarook Lake has been at its best again lately with some really nice rainbow trout being caught on artificial bait such as Powerbait nuggets, Dynamite baits, trout dough and also small plastics and hardbodied lures.

If you’re going to give lures a shot at Karkarook, just remember to keep them small; try not to go bigger than about 3”.

There are lots of small food items such as aquatic insects and shrimp in the lake and these are what the local fish normally feed on.

Lilydale Lake has been fishing well for rainbow trout and the ever-present carp (some of which are huge) by using baits of maggots in conjunction with a feeder cage set on the bottom. Make sure you put a sprinkling of maggots in amongst the berley so that the fish are ‘in tune’ with the bait you’re using.

If you choose to fish this method in Lilydale Lake you have the exciting possibility of catching every fish species that calls this lake home.

Devil Bend Reservoir has recently been opened for fishing and there are some thumping fish to be caught.

Located about 40 minutes south of our Dandenong shop down the Mornington Peninsula, this lake is well within reach of a fish at short notice.

We have travelled down there a few times to see what all the fuss is about and there are some very fishy looking areas to access quite easily and it’s a nice place to take the family for a spot of relaxed fishing.

Don’t forget to pack the polarised sunglasses too, as they will help you sight fish moving about along the edge of the weed beds.

For up to date fishing information, contact the guys 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 and log onto www fishingcamping.com.au .