Although the rivers have closed for trout, our local area has not been slow for other forms of fishing. Fishing has still been very good for this time of year for redfin perch and in the local lakes for European carp and trout.

Anticipation has begun with the count down to trout opening in just a couple of weeks. The rivers are looking very good at this point with periods of steady rain over the area. It is also good to start to see re-growth occurring along the areas hit by the bushfires last summer. The rain has allowed the waterways to clear out debris with new holes being carved out and new structures being uncovered.

The July school holidays saw many anglers, including Steve from the Ringwood store, braving the cold and casting out into the Lake at Lilydale. Many of those anglers have been rewarded for their effort including Amy and Peter who both landed redfin to 35cm. Amy was using a small yabbies under a float and Peter maggots and a berley feeder.

Steve took three redfin to 34cm on Squidgy Critters in colour grenade. The day Steve was fishing was very windy, so in these conditions it is best to have the wind at your back, cast out and then slow retrieve in.

During the winter months, the trout in particular will not be as tempted to take Powerbait as they are during the lighter brighter days of spring and summer. Preference is for ‘smell’, so using insects such as mudeyes and live baits such as maggots will reward you with more fish. Another option is small red worms with a long shank size 6 hook. In calm weather conditions fish closer to the bottom and in windy conditions out further away from the bank and closer to the surface. Best area is around the main rock wall, casting along the outer edge of the weed beds.

Don’t forward Emerald and Rowville Lakes, which also fish well over the winter months. Because of the structure of Rowville, Powerbait, particular in orange and lime green will work very well, as will the ‘scented’ baits of mudeyes and maggots. If using mudeyes, always use them under a float and look for weedy areas and cast along side the edge. Rowville has reported good numbers of roach being taken on bread as well.

Berley is very important during the winter months, as the small will get the fish more excited about feeding. My suggestion would be using small golf ball sized handfuls of the Stimulate ground berley mix tossed directly over your float. Little and often is the rule.

Other fish taken from Lilydale Lake include redfin and carp. For the trout, small yabbies and redfin attractors are both working well. Carp are taking preference to small scrubworms on a running sinker rig. Berkley is a must. Best times seem to be late afternoon through to dusk, with the peak being 40 minutes before sunset.

Sugarloaf Dam has also had reports of redfin being taken on Squidgy Worm in red rum colours. Best times again, being late afternoon into dusk. When using the squidgy worm, remember to re-apply the scent supplied in the packet.

August is a great month to check your gear for the coming new season as well as getting some eel baits for the gummies. Eel are being taken around Warrandyte on large scrubworm on a Baitholder size 6 hook or for something a bit different, try whitebait on a longshank 2 or 4 hook. Best times are around dusk.

If unsure about your reel, drop in and see the guys and we can arrange a service and check over by the supplier.

Had some success? Send me the details via email at --e-mail address hidden-- . And include the angler, species, where caught (you don’t need to give me all your secrets) and what bait, lure or flies you used.