Late July and early August are the pits. The water's cold, the weather is grim and the fishing is generally in the doldrums.

There are exceptions. Trout are one.

If you can handle the hostile climate, right now is a fine time to chase trout in the main mountain lakes - Eucumbene, Jindabyne and Tantangara.

The shore-based fishing in all three impoundments has picked up this week as winter tightens its grip.

There are decent reports of brown trout taking lures fished from the shore. These are post spawn-run browns. They've recently returned to the lake and are putting on condition.

Metal spinners, Tasmanian Devils, shallow divers and soft plastics are all worth a flick from the bank.

Wind-affected bays, where a bit of chop has churned up the water, are ideal locations. It's important to cover some ground, too, so don't be afraid to put in the kilometres - you'll eventually find a willing trout or two.

Tuna are another exception. Big bluefin and yellowfin tuna love this time of the year. They've gathered in massive schools all the way from Sydney to Bermagui and everyone is getting in on the action.

Anglers fishing from trailerboats, charter boats and million-dollar game boats are getting their arms stretched by fish ranging from 40kg up to nearly 100kg. There are a few tasty albacore out wide too.

And when I say 'out wide' - I mean wide! The fish are up to 70km offshore, depending on the currents.

The wind looks like playing havoc with the fishing this weekend, with strong westerlies forecast. When it blows over, the action should recommence.

Estuary fishing is slow but there are still fish to be caught from the coastal rocks, breakwalls and adjacent beaches.

Salmon to 4kg have been reported from the rockwall at Moruya and there are some solid drummer around the boulders.

Locally, there are some large redfin coming out of Googong - but not much else.