In spring, when one or two degrees can make or break a fishing trip, the shallows are often the fishiest.

That's certainly been the case of late.

Reports from systems like Tuross, Wallaga Lake, Moruya River and St Georges Basin suggest fish are most active in less than a metre or two of water.

Focusing on the flats, weed edges, snaggy banks and shallows, where the water temperature is above 18 degrees, is producing flathead, bream and chopper tailor.

Down south, large schools of salmon are biting in the lower reaches and mouths of the estuaries around Merimbula and Pambula.

Again, these fish are being taken in surprisingly shallow water.

Trout fishing at Eucumbene is really picking up.

The edges look great, with rising water levels covering grassy banks, flushing out worms, grubs, frogs and other tasty trout food.

When conditions are right, fish can be spotted cruising the margins. Stealthy casts with lures and flies will draw some attention.

Soaking a bait in these areas is good, too. Late in the day - right on dusk - is the prime bite time.

Growing numbers of locals are having a cast in the urban lakes around Canberra and a few fish have been taken.

Small redfin and few golden perch are showing up, with the water finally clear enough to use lures.

Burley Griffin, Ginninderra, Yerrabi and Googong are probably your best bets at the moment.

The local fishing will only get better as 20-degree days become the norm and the water warms.