Conditions were good for the opening of the trout season, with warm days proceeding opening weekend and good water levels being maintained. We had reports of fish being taken from Yarra Glen right down to Warrandyte. Many customers took the opportunity to dust off the gear and hit the water.

Local anglers targeted the area around Woori Yallock, with most trout taken on fly. Fish were taken on beaded nymphs, Mrs Simpsons and Red Tags. The water was clear in most parts and the greatest success came from fishing later into the afternoon.

I tried my luck at Pound Road in Warrandyte, fishing west from the Tunnel. Although I could sight fish actively, I only managed to hook one fish using a SX40 in a perch colour lure. I did notice a large number of insects around the edges in the weed. As the daily temperatures increase, this activity will only get livelier and fishing this area should provide a lot of success over the coming couple of months. Target stretches along the Warburton Trail, as fishing conditions look ideal for the coming season.

Other areas targeted around Warrandyte are the bridge in the township and off Jumping Creek Road at the Reserve. Although both areas reported slow fishing, it will improve in the next two months and will certainly give us lots of good opportunities close to Melbourne.

Reserve Road at Wonga Park had some success with reports of trout around 1kg caught on scrubworms. Once again, there was a lot of insect activity with steady water flows.

As reported last month the early parts of the season are the most successful for bait drifting, so now is the ideal time to try this method. You will need split shot placed approx 10cm up the line to allow the scrubworm to ‘drift’ up the line close to the surface. This method is successful because the fish will be closer to the surface chasing the insects and flow offs from the banks.

A must for all types of fishing is a pair of good quality polarised sunglasses. These will improve your chances of sighting fish and therefore target the correct area. Rose or bronze colour lens are better for freshwater fishing and black or grey lenses are better suited for saltwater. The grade and clarity of the lens will be greatly determined by cost and quality of manufacture, but a reasonable pair can be picked up for around $100.

Lilydale Lake continues to fish well for rout, redfin and carp. Water levels are remaining consistent and we could be in luck with re-stocking for the coming school holidays – but nothing is confirmed.

Best area reports are around the reeds near the bridge and the wall over the overside. Celtas in red and green colours have been successful along with scrubworms and maggots.

Had some success? Send me the details via email at --e-mail address hidden-- . and include the angler, species, where you caught it (you don’t need to give me all your secrets) and what bait, lure or flies you used. It would be great if you could send a photo too.