Trout fishing in alpine rivers has been exceptionally good in recent weeks and looks like continuing well into 2010.

All rivers are in prime condition and flowing well, although water temperatures tend to be rising a little sooner than usual for this time of year. Some mountain creeks have been recording temperatures in the mid-twenties for a few weeks now, making them almost too warm for many trout.

The two lakes on the Bogong High Plains are holding at 100% full and both are fishing exceptionally well although the larger, Rocky Valley, is by far the most popular with anglers.

Many trout caught are rainbows averaging 900g falling predominately for lures at the moment, with bait coming a close second. Most are being caught from around the shoreline by holidaying anglers with some better specimens to 1.5kg and larger being taken by anglers trolling deep-diving lures from boats.

Lake Guy is currently around 80% full but that could change without notice at any time. The two inflow streams, Rocky Valley Creek and the East Kiewa River, are both fishing exceptionally well with mostly brown trout to 500g and a few rainbows falling for a variety of lures and dry flies in recent weeks.

The Ovens River at Porepunkah is flowing well and producing rainbow trout to 650g in the runs during the day. The upper Ovens River around Smoko is also fishing well, with many mostly rainbow trout falling for a variety of #16 dry flies.

Lake Catani is 100% full and fishing is excellent, with many rainbow trout to 450-500g falling for medium sized lures and #14–16 dry flies, particularly when presented about 30cm above an unweighted #14 emerging caddis or nymph.

The Mt Beauty pondage is currently full with some impressive rises to caddis moths occurring around the reeds in the late afternoon and towards dusk. Anglers are getting some nice takes by large rainbow trout that frequent this water although many are escaping without actually being hooked. Lures are also accounting for numbers of rainbows in the deeper section on the northern shore, according to reports.

The lower Mitta Mitta River at Glen Wills is fishing well although water temperatures are already rising steadily on a weekly basis, causing some concern among local anglers. Rainbow trout taken in recent weeks have been plentiful although many are less than 600g in weight, with only a few reaching 1kg. Trout are rising throughout the day and will take almost any well-presented high riding #14-16 dry flies.

The Snowy Creek at Granite Flat is running crystal clear if a bit warm and producing many pan-sized rainbow trout at the moment, with most falling for medium sized lures and a variety of small dry flies. There have been many snakes seen in this area in recent days so please be careful where you step.

Alpine fishing conditions can change very quickly whatever the season, so for the latest update phone Geoff Lacey at Angling Expeditions Victoria on (03) 5754 1466 or check out website www.anglingvic.com.au