Now that all the kids are back at school after Easter it’s time to have a crack at bream fishing on the mighty Glenelg River. Even though the weather conditions are only okay, you will still be able to find a part of the day that will produce great fishing.

There is nothing better than an autumn session up along the cliffs flicking in your favourite lure or bait in the beautiful surrounds of the Lower Glenelg National Park. The river mouth is still closed over but, with the little rain and the freshwater springs that spill into the Glenelg, the river is slowly being topped up. The level is rising by about half a centimetre a day, it rises fairly quickly at first because it is contained within vertical banks but as it fills the waters then spill out over some flats, thus slowing down the rise.

In other years the authorities have let the mouth go manually for the Easter tourist influx, but this year the level wasn’t high enough to do so. There are arguments for and against the reasoning behind this and I don’t want to get political but in the end the longer they leave the mouth blocked, the better chance of a good flush when it is eventually released.

Traditionally during May the bream are fairly well spread throughout the system. So it’s the same old yarn; move around heaps and try different techniques, if we have substantial rain and the water is dirty where you are fishing try fishing out from the bank, even the middle will work in dirty water.

The number one bait will still be old mate crab, closely followed by whitebait and rabbit. There is also a fair amount of guys using chicken thigh meat with great results. Pete Smith swears by chicken thighs coated in curry powder.

The Ecogear SX4O lures have almost re-invented fishing, and by-jingoes they catch some fish. Even though they are slightly expensive they work very well, so bite the bullet and put several in the tackle box.

I suggest you start your search at the estuary as it is still very consistent, move your way up stream and you’ll be surprised how much river you will cover on a days outing. One day of fishing should see you cover around 20km. If that region is not fruitful try launching further upstream for your attack the next day.

Mulloway catches have been disappointing this year, but there are still plenty of reports filtering in from trollers. Mullet is by far the most consistent bait, and the estuary through to the Victorian/SA border is the area to target.

I have spoken to some guys who fish Green Point exclusively and, weather permitting, May, June and July will produce some ripper big mulloway. These fish also turn up in the river, not in huge numbers but in decent sizes, around 40lb.

Green Point has also fired up with good snapper, shark and several good-sized mulloway, and Danger Point has been producing similar. The breakwater at Point MacDonnell is fishing well for whiting and the odd good salmon trolling 15g slices.

Livingstons Bay is a fantastic spot to fish, even on the roughest days you will be sheltered as the outer reef gives protection from big seas. Whiting, garfish, salmon and the odd small shark are on the menu.

Surf fishing along the beach at Piccaninnies Ponds is the way to go. Drive your 4WD on the beach, find your spot and on bad weather days take shelter in your vehicle.

A leg of the Vic Bream Classic will be here in May, so good luck to all those competing. Anyone wanting to find out about the comps or enter, call Bill Hartshorne on 0409 823 070. Remember to call into the pub and say hello, we have stocked up on redgum firewood so there will be warm shelter at the Nelson Hotel.