In the high country we are quietly slipping into late autumn with winter and the end of another trout season just around the corner.

We are currently experiencing some lovely autumn weather with still, sunny days, cool nights and little wind. It is a delight to get out on the rivers. I am pleased to report that we have continued to receive regular rainfall throughout late summer and into autumn and most of our rivers are in good condition.

The Mitta River above Dartmouth Dam is fishing adequately. There are reasonable numbers of small browns present with the odd bigger fish appearing every now and then.

Grasshopper numbers have declined substantially in the past few weeks but there are still a few about and the trout will still rise to take either a natural or an artificial. The evening hatches have all but finished so the best fishing is to be had between 10am and about 4pm: gentleman's hours!

Spawning fish will start moving up the Mitta River from Dartmouth Dam at any time now. All they really need is a good rain event. These fish can be targeted in the lower section of the river by taking the Tablelands Road. A 4WD is required for the last section of the trip, which can become quite greasy following rain.

The upper Mitta River is flowing quite well and there are fish there to be caught although the action is not fast.

This section of the river is quite accessible from the Omeo Highway and it contains some lovely runs and pools in a typically Australian bush setting.

The Gibbo River is still producing good numbers of small rainbows that will take just about anything that is thrown at them. The Gibbo River runs into the lower Mitta River and the aforementioned spawners can be expected to enter this river also when the conditions are right.

The Cobungra and Bundarra rivers have both been disappointing this season. They are low and clear and the fishing is poor. What fish left in them are spooky and hard to catch.

Livingston Creek continues to produce fair numbers of smallish browns in the Cassilis area. Again a few hoppers are still present and are the preferred bait. Nearby the Victoria River is also low and clear with only the odd small brown showing up.

The Timbarra River is low and clear and the fishing is slow. This river normally contains good numbers of small browns and a few rainbows. The fishing will improve when it receives some rain