Cold winter mornings are something we are all getting used to now down this neck of the woods. It may be a bit harder to get out of your nice warm bed but for those making the effort the rewards have been well worthwhile.

Still mornings at Purrumbete have seen plenty of anglers, mostly flyfishers, prowling the eastern shore. Although not in big numbers, browns to 2kg are working within 10m of the bank. If spotted, these fish should be covered quickly as they are not hanging around for too long. Even if there seems to be no action, some blind flogging in rocky areas has been turning up some fish as well. Flies that have been and will continue to do the trick are small BMSs, Tom Jones and green Woolly Buggers.

Mid to late August can be very productive for the mudeye fishermen at Purrumbete as well so Hose’s Rocks, Shag Rock and Rainbow Point are all worth a try for the bank anglers. Remember that Purrumbete is well known for its rough weather fishing.

Bullen Merri has not fired up for the troll fishermen as early as usual this year but don’t despair as the rough, cold weather will bring the fish closer to the top and make them susceptible to anglers trolling Lofty’s and Tassie Devils. The best colours are usually the pinks, whites and purples, or any combination of these. Remember that these fish are pretty keen on the big models in the Lofty’s as well.

Bullen Merri bank anglers can expect some trophy fish at this time of year. Local bullheads fished at night have seen some big catches at this time of year in the past. For those willing to do the hours, the same should happen again this year.

Don’t be surprised to see plenty of fly fishermen about late in August at these two lakes as they begin to get a bit of practice for the Victorian Flyfishing Championships on 23-25 September.

The West Barwon Dam at Forrest was lowered to replenish Wurdibuloc Reservoir but with some good winter rains this impoundment should be back to a reasonable level. The trout here are always worth a try with either a mudeye under a float or a Tassie Devil cast from the wall.

Wurdibuloc Reservoir, with the water entering via the channel, has been turning up a few fish close to the moving water. Remember that there are fishing restrictions in this area. These fish have been predominately browns and mostly bucks. The newly covered ground along the south end will be definitely worth a look as will the wall along the eastern side for the bait fishermen.

Local rivers are closed to trout fishing with the exception on the Aire and the Gellibrand, which are open below the Great Ocean Road to accommodate those fishing for the sea run browns.

Local angler and split cane rod builder Ken Carson selecting a fly at Purrumbete in the early morning.

This lovely 57cm Purrumbete brown was taken on a smelt pattern in early July.