With the trout season closed for the last couple of months, there’s little to report from this part of the world in terms of salmonoid action.

There are only a few publicly accessible impoundments in West and South Gippsland so local anglers must make do fishing for the humble blackfish, crayfish or even eels. As entertaining as these species can be, for purist trout anglers they are merely stop-gap measures. There are exceptions such as private dams or the Korumburra and Leongatha Reservoirs (members only), but the recent cold weather has scared all but the keenest anglers away from even these waters.

Thankfully, the new trout season is just around the corner. Anglers can start legally fishing for trout again at midnight on September 1st. For most fishers, this means that fishing can commence at daybreak on Saturday, September 2nd.

In this region, the openings of the last two trout seasons have been marred – if not completely ruined – by heavy rainfall in the week leading up to opening. When this happens, trout streams around here rise and become very dirty, making fishing almost impossible except with bait. This year all eyes will be on the sky, hoping it doesn’t happen again. A good place to keep a weather eye out is at the Bureau of Meteorology’s website (www.bom.gov.au). This site has weather forecasts as well as regular details of rainfall events for Gippsland (and all other parts of Australia). It’s well worth checking before investing an early morning’s start on September 2nd.

Where to go for trout opening is the big question. For Melbourne-based anglers looking for a day trip, the streams of West and South Gippsland are ideal, since they are mostly within two hours drive. The other big option is the Tarwin River, or any of its myriad tributaries in the south. Some nice trout are taken from this extensive system right throughout the season.

In the meantime, service that gear, tie some flies, patch those waders and get ready for the starter’s orders. Before too long it will be trout time again – and not a moment too soon.

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For Melbourne-based anglers looking for a trout fishing day trip, the streams of west and south Gippsland are ideal because they are mostly within two hours’ drive.

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Another place to try is the Toorongo River, which contains plenty of brown trout.