From now on through spring, especially on days where temperatures reach at least 20 degrees, anglers as well as swallows can expect to see trout hunting flies and other insects at the surface, or near it.

The Macquarie River is well-known for holding trout on the move, as is the Meander River and the South Esk system - especially its Break O'Day tributary.

The icing on the mayfly cake would be rain, to raise the levels of such rivers enough to fill their sidewaters with feeding trout as well as water.

Four Springs Lake has been reasonably calm often enough to continue popular, especially with anglers in boats which have often been increasing in number from late morning onwards.

On the Central Plateau, the Parks and Wildlife Service advises that the boom gate on Lake Augusta Rd was opened to the public for access on October 4.

Vehicular access to Pillans Lake and Double and Talinah Lagoons, however, will remain closed, probably until November 1 depending on road inspections.

For more information, ring the Great Western Tiers Centre on 67012104.

Remember there will be increased traffic west of Lakes Rowallan and Cethana until December.

Along northern coasts, most seawater temperatures remain just over 12 degrees with eastern coastal brine only about a degree more.

Catches should improve as brine warms.