Several parties reported good going on the road in and then on the water. In pleasant weather to be afloat, trollers in two boats took a dozen trout over opening weekend. Unsurprisingly, the most productive lures were copies of brown trout.

In spite of cool water, also drawing many highland rods have been Penstock and Bronte Lagoons, Lake Echo and the Bradys chain.

Four Springs Lake trout can be expected to vary in condition, with resident fish being in good nick while those transferred recently from other waters are still putting on weight after spawning.

With winter still here and insect life scarce, fly fishers like several prospecting along the lower South Esk River, can expect to cast wet flies like their small matukas and beetles many times before being rewarded.

Although rain is still needed to lift northern trout-streams over their banks, Brumbys Creek and lower parts of the Macquarie and South Esk Rivers continue to benefit from brisk flows released from Great Lake by Hydro Tasmania.

Meanwhile, with the whitebait season approaching, those going after them should take care to observe possession limits. One who didn't was recently fined $4929 in a Devonport court.

In the Tamar River, the Tailrace pontoon is now back following maintenance.