While it rained a little bit last month, I must point out that the rain was light and steady; not bucketing down, but we will take anything at this stage.

The weather has certainly changed from summer to autumn and this can only benefit many of our crater lakes. Speaking of which, Lake Bullen Merri’s annual blue-green algae problem is fast dissipating. The waters are clearing up, which is slowly improving the catch rate, and the lake itself.

The fishing has been quiet, probably due to a distinct lack of anglers going out to try their luck, but the ones who are currently doing so have produced the goods on the given day, with rainbow trout in excess of 1kg taking local bait such as minnow and gudgeon fished unweighted or under a float. First and last light as well as after dark have been the prime times.

Fishing lures at depths approaching 10m, again at first and last light, has attracted more than a few hits. When the sun hits the water, the fish go deep, but as we approach the cooler months this will change.

Chinook salmon have been quiet, probably due to the majority of fish hanging deep just above the thermocline layer that forms here every summer.

This winter should see more browns taken, but presently they are almost non-existent again due to them holding deep along with the salmon. Boaters who specialise in downrigging lures should start to see some significant results any day now. By mid to late June, all three species should be widely available in the shallows for much of the day. We’re just waiting for the surface temperature to consistently sit below 12°C.

Lake Purrumbete remains relatively quiet, with not many reports coming from the lake. That’s not to say that decent fish haven’t been caught; it’s simply a case of not much in the way of fish being caught out there presently.

In saying that, some rainbows to over 1kg have been taken around the lake’s weed beds that largely surround the edges, with mudeye fished shallow under a bubble float being the best method. Lure anglers are having a tougher time, with mainly small redfin taking their offerings.

Others have started downrigging to depths of 10-20m in search of the elusive brown trout and Chinook salmon.

Currently there’s not much else to report, and won’t be until the temperature drops further and the rains come in full force.