Fishing hasn't exactly been a priority for most people of late. But as the roads open and visitors hit the water in droves, it's clear the fish are still biting.

It's been a flathead season of quality rather than quantity. The fish haven't been as thick as previous summers, but the average size has been very good.

Some absolute beasts have been landed over the holidays, including a genuine metre-long fish at Tuross and a handful of 80 and 90cm crocs at Merimbula, Bega River, Clyde River and St Georges Basin.

Surface fishing for whiting has been the highlight of January so far. Excellent catches have been reported from Merimbula, Moruya and Tuross.

There are a few legal sized kings hanging around in the Moruya River, around the highway bridge. At least one was landed over the Christmas-New year period and a few more have been hooked and lost.

Lake Burley Griffin has probably been fished harder this month than at any other time in its history.

It's been a heavy focus for Canberra anglers unable to head to the coast or Snow Mountains because of raging bushfires.

Catches have been excellent, with redfin to 40cm, golden perch over 50cm and plenty of Murray small to medium sized Murray cod keeping everyone happy.

Boat and kayak anglers have had the advantage, with the best fishing occurring in areas unreachable from the bank.

Schools of redfin are hanging around the western end of the lake in four to six metres of water - sometimes deeper.

The best areas for goldens and cod have been around Black Mountain Peninsular, Lady Denman Drive, Yarramundi Reach and Scrivener Dam.

Long overdue rain is forecast this weekend. With any luck, this will help subdue a few of the fires continuing to burn to our east and west.

It's also going to freshen up the region's waterways and hopefully lead to even better fishing later in January. Let's cross our fingers!