This month’s fishing should start like it usually does during winter on the border – cold and hard done-by. But with some time and patience, things can soon change.

For an area so badly affected by drought, the rain last month was a Godsend, although the fishing during the downpours was difficult. But every break we’ve had between the storms, I’ve made my way out to Lake Hume to find the trout going nuts.

This is the first year that I have chased Hume trout from a boat and so far it has been fantastic, with nearly every trip successful. Mostly the trout are averaging between 500g and 900g but there have been reports of trout up to 2.5kg coming out.

Again it seems that flatline trolling Tassie Devils is the best method, with the 13.5g size or the Dual-Depth working best.

Colours can vary depending on the day because the trout can be very picky, but trying a bit of everything doesn’t hurt. Browns, greens and fluoro pinks seem to be the best so trying a combination of these really improves your chances of catching a Hume brown.

The area in front of the weir wall still seems to be the main spot where anglers are having success. Because of the depths around this area, down riggers really give you an edge.

My fish finder indicates that most fish seem to be sitting between 7m and 9m, so being able to guide your lures in and around these depths should prove unbeatable.

With the trout firing in the weir, anglers are overlooking other hotspots that fire up at this time of the year.

Below the weir in the Murray there are reports of trout averaging around 600g being caught on fly and lure. Even though they’re small, they are still great fun on fly.

Fishing with wet flies like nymphs and Muddlers seems to be best but trying flies that imitate juvenile fish in the backwaters is a good way to catch out a cruising trout.

Small lures like Rapalas or spinners worked through the rapids have also taken their fair share of fish.

Since the rain has started the daily temps are struggling to rise above 10°, making other areas along the Murray River very quiet, with full days of baitfishing producing only the odd redfin or carp.

With trout season now closed, things are really becoming tough but my advice is to not give up and throw your gear to the back of the shed – get out there and try new techniques. They may not always work at first but fishing is a patience game and that’s how it should be played.

If you’d like to share your fishing news locally or just want to have a chat, call me on 0409 820 998.