Many anglers flocked to local rivers to pursue trout fishing over the opening weekend. The weather was great although the fishing could have been better.

Russell from Lilydale Lakes Fishing Tackle reports that the rivers and creeks were still a little high and dirty from recent rains for trout opening. Once the waters clear though, the trout fishing will improve.

Most success on the trout came from baitfishing with worms or maggots in the stretch of river from Launching Place up to Warburton.

Local angler Craig Broadie reports that some thumper Macquarie perch have been taken from the Yarra River in the Wonga Park area. He says that they’ve been taking scrubworms around dusk and recommends using a longer fishing rod in order to drop baits right in amongst snags. Alternatively, cast along the bank in the hope of landing close to an undercut.

Dirk Wendt from Kilsyth also had some luck on Father’s Day with his little bloke, Cameron, in the Yarra. They landed several perch on scrubworms.

Fishing in the local lakes has slowed down a little in the last month although the fish are still there if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

There have been a few reports of trout and redfin coming from Sugarloaf Reservoir. These fish have been taken on soft plastics flicked around drop-offs close to the edge. Deeper edges of the lake can be found by using your polarised sunglasses. Sugarloaf is nice and clear at the moment so polarising is quite easy. Fish 2” minnow-style soft plastics with a paddle tail action for best results. Bladed spinners are also working well, as is PowerBait. Baits worth trying include worms and maggots. Email your reports to me – --e-mail address hidden--