The Yass River has very few reports this time around with the water getting a bit of colour from the rain, which is great for the upper reaches as it was desperately needed. Not so great for the fishing downstream, however, and over the next week it should settle back into some clarity and the fishing will only pick up. In these situations, bait is definitely the go to. With the new flooded margins and food sources being washed down, there is more of a chance of fish on bait than lures.

Burrinjuck is on the rise at the moment and this will surely result in some greater fishing over the next few weeks, with some fish starting to move a bit more before the cooler weather begins. I’ve even noticed a morning dew and slightly cooler temperature. It should bring on a fantastic autumn fishing bite. Just a small amount of rain will keep it all in check.

The same rule applies for most of summer at the moment. Early morning and afternoon into the night are your best times for natives. Trolling is most productive in around the 5-8 metre mark.

Down the coast the fishing has been constant and the bream bite in the shallows has been fantastic. Once the sun gets high in the sky, it’s onto flathead, tailor and schooled bream. And there is no shortage at the moment.

The Shoalhaven River near Nowra has been producing some fantastic top water bass bites of late. It’s a large and easily navigated river with ample access to find yourself your own bass honey hole. Some models have been pushing the magic 50cm mark but there is quite a few smaller models to weed through first. If anything, this just proves how successful the breeding is in this waterway. If you’re heading down that way pull up and have a go for yourself. Best access is found right next to the bridge into town and anywhere upstream of there holds plenty of structure to find some bass.