The fishing has been superb in the Yarra over the past few weeks, with a lot of fish sighted – and plenty caught – from Warburton through to Templestowe.

It seems like every second day, customers are coming in and informing us of the great fishing they have had. Many big ones have been broken off, mostly by anglers being using the humble scrubworm on a size 1 Baitholder hook, or bardi grub on a 3/0. The best times have been around sunset on a warm barmy evening.

For those that like to make it fun, drag out the old canoe or kayak. Putt it in at Brushy Park Road, Wonga Park, and paddle your way downstream through to Warrandyte. If you see a deep hole, drift over the area while casting. Bassman spinnerbaits, and Daiwa 107S or Jackal TN60s have all had great success. When using lures, retrieve them ultra slowly with a minimum of 20 casts per structure. The trout will sit and watch the ‘new food source’ and will only attack when they are confident.

If you have any questions, come in and talk to team member Wayne, who has been flicking his flyrod while kayaking along the Yarra near the golf course at Chirnside Park a couple of times of week for most of November and December.

Sugar Loaf Dam has seen some good redfin and trout taken by anglers working the steep banks. Berley with Prawn Stimulate and fish a combination of Powerbait and scrubworms.

Lilydale Lake has been busy with lots of Christmas parties and family barbeques, but remember to always pack the rod as well. This is the time to go spinning with Tassie Devils or Wonder Crocs. Work slowly through the bottom third of the water around the old creek bed, or the steeper deeper banks. Cool early mornings are the best time. If you are an early morning person then come and collect some killer mudeyes and fish them under a bubble float.

Cod reports are starting to filter through. Please do the environment a favour and release any you manage to catch. For the bait angler, cod will generally take yabbies in preference to scrubworms. If you are finding it difficult locating and hooking these fish, come along and hear Roger Miles, VFM contributor and possibly the best cod angler in Australia, give a talk at the shop on Wednesday the 23rd January. Give the shop a ring for further details and bookings.

Emerald Lake continues to fish well, however it will slow down as the temperatures rise and summer takes over. I would recommend morning fishing, when the water temperature is lower and the fish more active. The better fishing spots are opposite the swimming pool and the other side of the bridge.

For up to date fishing information, both fresh and saltwater, contact the boys at Compleat Angler in Ringwood on 03 9870 7792, or better still drop in at 92 Maroondah Highway. We’re open 7 days a week with plenty of top quality bait and a great selection of freshwater and saltwater gear. You can also book your spot at Roger Miles’ cod fishing night on January 23. Spots are limited so you will need to be quick.

Fishing in the Yarra River is superb at the moment. Trout are being caught on flies, lures and bait. (photo: Adam Royter).