The weather over the past six weeks has allowed the Yarra River to cool down a bit, which has made for some great fishing for Murray cod, blackfish and carp.

I was down at Warrandyte last week and it was great to see so many families fishing along the bank near the bridge and beyond. I saw several anglers land carp, and one small cod (which was released after a couple of photos).

The occasional eel is being taken in the deep holes around Warrandyte during the last half hour of light. A large scrubworm on a size 4 Youvella baitholder hook should get results. Just remember to take the mozzie spray as they are out in plague portions.

The cod fishing has been excellent this year, with lots of good reports coming through the store. The best spots are around Templestowe, with easy access from around Fitzsimons Lane. For the kayak angler, travelling down the Yarra from Warrandyte is a good option. Most success has come to anglers using spinnerbaits in strong, contrasting colours. Try to use copper blades, which don’t reflect too much light. The cod will respond to these better.

For the bait angler, good baits include yabbies on a size 4 wide gap hook, scrubworms on a size 2 baitholder, or bardi grubs on a size 3 baitholder. Always cast into shallow, tumbling water near a rock bar and drift your bait into a deep hole with structure. The best times to fish are the last 3-4 hours of the day.

Carp fishing has also been very good, with fish up to nearly 4kg being taken. This is a great daytime activity. The trick to carp fishing on the Yarra is to berley well, with Stimulate Berley proving to be a good option. Using size 6-8 baitholder hooks with a medium scrubworm, cast into the middle of the river. The darker and dirtier the water, the better.

In the upper reaches of the Yarra, around Launching Place, the occasional trout is still being taken. You need to pick your days carefully. It’s best if there is plenty of cloud cover and there have been several days of cooler weather beforehand. For the flyfisher, successful patterns have included Red Tag and olive Woolly Buggers. For the bait angler, scrubworms and small yabbies are working well.

Blackfish have also been caught around Launching Place. These fish live a very quiet life, preferring to inhabit deep, shady holes under tree roots. Tempt them by drifting your bait down and over these areas. Medium scrubworms on size 6-8 baitholder hooks are the go.

The Macquarie perch and redfin have been quieter this year. The better areas are around Wonga Park through to Templestowe and a bit beyond. Anglers fishing from canoes and using spinnerbaits in dark purple have produced regular catches. For those fishing off the bank, scrubworms on size 4 baitholder hooks and yabbies of size 6 shiner hooks have been working the best.

Had some success? Send the details to the email address above and I will include it in a future report. You don’t need to give me all your secrets!

For up to date Yarra Valley fishing information, 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 fresh bait and a great selection of freshwater gear.

Blackfish and trout have been caught in the Yarra River at Launching Place.