Snow in the mountains, gale-force winds around Canberra and dangerous fire conditions on the coast have made fishing difficult, if not impossible, over the past week.

Nevertheless, anglers prepared to tackle the best that Mother Nature can throw at them have still managed to chalk up some impressive catches in the trying conditions.

Locally, the fishing is terrific. All the suburban lakes, from Tuggeranong in the south to Yerrabi in the north, are producing redfin and golden perch on lures and bait.

Because of the drought, the water in all the urban systems is comparatively clear for this time of the year, which makes lure fishing easier.

Soft plastics, vibes, spinnerbaits and deep-divers are all catching fish.

Quite a few quality by-catch cod are showing up, too. Remember, it's still closed season and these fish must be promptly released unharmed.

South coast estuary fishing is outstanding.

The first of the season's surface-caught whiting have been reported from Tuross, while a few massive 45cm whiting have been caught on bait at Moruya. Live nippers have been the elite bait.

Flathead are biting steadily in all the systems. They're very spread out, a result of the high saline levels pushing well upstream in the drought conditions. They're even showing up in stretches of river better known for bass and estuary perch - testament to the salt levels in the upper reaches.

Offshore fishing has been difficult because of the wind. Anglers getting out in between gales have caught plenty of snapper, flathead and morwong on the reefs.

Kingfish action has been unpredictable thanks to stop-start currents and water temperatures fluctuating between 17 and 18 degrees. Montague has produced a few decent fish, but it's hit-and-miss.

Trout fishing has been all over the shop because of the volatile weather. Shore-based bait fishing in the main lakes is your best bet for a fish or two.