Local anglers can almost smell trout opening as it is only a month away, but in the meantime take advantage of some of the family-style lakes which are still offering some great fishing.

At this time of year, the waters are cooler and the fish are cruising in the shallows looking for an easy feed. Walking the banks and casting either hardbodied lures or soft plastics is a great way to search out the fish and a good way to keep active and warm.

This is also a nice way to introduce the kids casting and working soft plastics as it keeps them amused by actively casting and retrieving lures.

Lakeside Pakenham has a good redfin population and anglers can often be seen targeting them with artificial lures. Work the area from the platform on the south east corner, this will allow you to get out past the weed. It’s not uncommon to catch a redfin of 500-700g in this area.

Lilydale Park Lake is still fishing well despite some of the poor weather we have had. Artificial baits such as Powerbait and Dynamite bait have enormous success here, remember to use a light gauge treble and fish it off the bottom. Do this by putting a split shot about 500mm from the treble and using enough paste to cover the entire treble, because the paste floats it will lift it enough off the bottom to stay out of the silty bottom. Live bait such as worms, yabbies and maggots can also bring you good results.

Rowville Lakes has so many options that you can move around to find where the fish are feeding. As this is a shallow lake anglers can use soft plastics with a light jig head and allow it to fall slowly through the water column. With good numbers of redfin here try and use a 3’’ plastic to entice them, natural colours seem to work best in this area.

Sugarloaf Reservoir has good populations of yellowbelly and of late some are still being caught. One angler reported catching two yellas of approximately 35cm on a small single tail plastic grub. For those who brave the cold at this time of year, there are still some great rewards on the end of the line.

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

This trout fell for a smelt style soft plastic.