At the midpoint of the summer, we thought was a good time to review the fishing action we have seen through the warmer months to date.

Fishing reports from Yingina / Great Lake have been consistent. Trolling and casting lures from the shore have produced good results, particularly around the weed beds. Fly anglers have reported excellent rises in low wind conditions at dawn and dusk. Fish have also been up in the wind lanes through the day. Bait fishing from the shore has been tougher, but good fish have still been caught.

Mixed reports have also been coming from Woods Lake. Some fly anglers have been successful in the marsh areas fishing both wet and dry flies, whilst trollers have also had good catches on some days. The IFS Compliance Team conducted two patrols of Woods Lake over the Christmas / New Year period, checking 34 anglers who had caught 48 fish between them.

Penstock Lagoon has been very popular. There is good reason for this as there have been reasonable insect hatches and rising fish noted by fly fishers. Traditionally the fishing at Penstock gets tougher into February and March owing to the increasing water temperature. Some anglers have also reported catching good fish in Little Pine Lagoon at dawn and dusk, whilst fishing through the day has been more challenging.

Out in the Western Lakes, fly anglers are reporting polaroiding reasonable numbers of fish in sunny conditions. Lure anglers have had success casting from the shore and trolling in the larger lakes throughout overcast and windier conditions. Lure fishing has been challenging on sunny days.

Anglers trolling in Lake Echo have reported catching reasonable numbers of smaller, well-conditioned trout from the northern parts of the lake. Both flat lines and lead-lines have been successful, with cobras and flatfish the lures of choice. Reports from Bronte Lagoon have also been encouraging, with fish reportedly in outstanding condition.

Over on the west coast, Lakes Mackintosh and Burbury have been rewarding. Midge feeders of a morning have been a highlight for fly anglers. Lure anglers have also had success trolling both surface and deeper lures. Anglers at Talbots Lagoon have been rewarded with good fish. All methods have been successful. Spinner / Dun imitations have been the flies of choice, whilst mudeyes have been the best bait.

Reports indicate that the fishing in Lakes Crescent and Sorell has been quiet, as have Tooms Lake and Lake Leake on the east coast. As usual, these waters are at their best throughout the spring and then become tougher in the warmer months.

Rivers around the state have showed continued signs of improvement after the recent cormorant event. Encouraging reports have come from the Meander, St Patricks and Tyenna Rivers.

All in all there are some great trout fishing options at the moment to get out and enjoy the summertime weather. The tagged fish promotion is still active, with $25,000 on offer for the first tagged fish caught out of Yingina / Great Lake this season!