The big question is why are they here this year and have been tough to find the last four or five?

Like everyone else, I've got theories but are they right? I believe it's all to do with timing. Things like water temps, lake levels, lakes rising in conjunction with prime fish spawning activity - these things have got to have a lot to do with it, and I believe evidence of that is the fact that Hume and Blowering always seem to be on the same page.

Both lakes seem to fire at the same time, and both have been having a lean run over the past few years - when one's running hot, so is the other and vice versa.

Theories are like bums though, as they say, everyone's got one, but it would be nice to know what that good season trigger is so if it was at all possible, we could replicate it. I somehow think it's all to do with ingredients supplied by mother nature though and we just don't get a say in the matter.

It's pretty obvious it's not just the reddies that have fired up this year, you've only got to look over the side of your boat or walk around the edge of the lake to see how many billions of tiny minnows are about, giving life to everything that survives around water.

Not sure if that coincides with good reddie numbers or is the reason for them either? The reddies are as fat as mud but I can't imagine you'd see cormorants, gulls, herons or terns in better nick either. Obviously, the circle of life is going along pretty nicely out there at the minute.

Streams: a bit of a mixed bag, depending on those storms that went through and which one you were fishing at the time. Those that didn't cop a rain burst fished well and those that did should be fine again by now.

The hoppers are about in good numbers now, so you should have no shortage of bait. I've also noticed a few crickets about too, so get the kids, or the neighbours' kids, out catching them for you; you can't get better bait.

Lure and fly fishos are also picking up plenty, so the streams are definitely worth a shot.

Lake Hume (62%): is going gangbusters, so it's the perfect time to get out and catch a feed or take the kids out for a bit of fun.

You don't have to have a boat as there's plenty of fish chasing small reddies and smelt around the edges, so you should have no problems catching a few on either bait or lure.

It's hard to find a boat out there that's not catching reddies and again, all methods are working. Whether you're using lures or bait, make sure you have a plastic just above. It's just about guaranteed to double your catch rate.

There's lots of small fish about but I've found a reddie of around 22cm still gives up a nice little fillet. I know that's fairly small and I'm happy to toss those ones back if I'm getting a few larger ones, but there's nothing wrong with a plate full of fillets of reddies that size.

If you haven't been out yet there's no need to fish too deep, two to 10 metres is plenty, and keep your eyes open for birds working, head straight into them and start fishing. Those birds are feeding on the little fish and the bigger fish are pushing to the surface and you'll be right amongst it. There are a few fishos chasing them on small surface lures as well with a bit of success, so well worth a try too.

Cod fishing: is great everywhere you want to mention at the moment, although the river around Albury has been possibly a little tougher than other areas.

Surface lures are going well, with lots of reports of success, particularly in the smaller waters of the Kiewa, Ovens, Mitta and Buffalo.

While the Upper Murray is still quite coloured, there's been a lot of very nice cod caught on bait.

Blowering (80.6%): has picked up on the redfin scene too and although they're reasonable size fish, they still aren't the quality we're used to seeing from Blowering.

There's also the odd, good cod being caught on both bait and lure, so could be worth a visit.

The Snowy lakes are going pretty well, with some good fish around the banks early, but you'll need to get down a bit during the day.

Dartmouth (62%): was hard work for a couple of mates and I who went chasing Macca's over new year.

We only managed about 10 between us and only two of those were legals, which was disappointing.

On the plus side, we landed three trout on scrubbies in the trees and about half a dozen yabbies as well, so some fresh bait in a yabbie net might just get you a decent feed.

On the trolling scene, it seems there's still a fair bit of action as long as you're getting down a bit.

Hope you can find time to get out amongst them while they're firing.