A quick survey of just about any South Coast beach or headland right now will reveal enormous schools of whitebait, mullet, garfish and pilchards.

Not surprisingly, they're being stalked by pelagic species like salmon, tailor, bonito, kingfish and small tuna.

The salmon are big - up to 4kg - and will happily smash a lure or pilchard bait fished from the beach or stones.

There are significant schools around Bermagui, Narooma and Tuross. The water is very clear and calm so the fish can be a tad spooky in the middle of the day - try dawn and dusk.

Bonito have shown up around Tathra and are being hooked from the rocks and the wharf.

Kings have been seen and occasionally hooked around Merimbula Wharf, with one or two chunky fish landed.

Offshore there have been stacks of 80-90cm kings around Montague Island, plus regular schools of bonito.

Out wide, a handful of yellowfin tuna and even a tropical wahoo were taken over the Easter long weekend. The water is around 22 degrees and still a bit discoloured.

Mid to late autumn is traditionally the peak time on the coast for chasing pelagics, so the action is only going to get better.

The scene is set for outstanding late-season trout action, with waterways across the region flowing beautifully.

Stream and river fishing was excellent over Easter, with plenty of browns and rainbows caught on lures and flies.

The Thredbo, Little Thredbo, Eucumbene, Murrumbidgee, Tumut, and Gungahlin rivers are all worth a look.