The past couple of weeks have seen some magnificent autumn weather and some great fish taken in our Yarra Valley area.

Fishing conditions have been excellent for the run of Murray cod around Warrandyte through to Templestowe. Reports continue to come in of cod taken from both the banks around Fitzsimmons Lane, Pound Bend or Kayaking down the Yarra from Warrandyte. One angler has been hitting the Yarra several days a week after work landing cod, mostly on white bait.

Macquarie Perch reports have also increased over the past four weeks with many customers reporting on landing one whilst targeting for cod. One good-sized cod, around the 2lb mark, was landed last week on scrubworms. All where released, so hopefully they can breed and continue to populate this local fishing spot. Best baits for the Macca are medium sized scrubworms tossed out in the slow moving current near some structural trees or rocks.

The cooler weather conditions and the bit of rain have caused the water temperature to start to drop, which will see an improvement in the around Warburton.

Customers, Serge and Marc, have been targeting the upper Warburton area since Christmas with minimal success, however since the last week of February they have sighted and landed trout on most occasions. The old faithful, the olive caddis, was the preferred favourite with Red Tag and white moth also proving successful.

The area around Wonga Park through to Templestowe has been firing for those targeting redfin. Carp and eel reports have also increased with best areas being around Chirnside Park.

The best times for targeting eels, is around dusk on large scrubworms on a running sinker rig. The redfin will be found in the backwaters with reeds and small stick structures. Small scrubworms or redfin attractors in gold or copper colours, used in a slow pulsating action, have been very successful.

Our local lakes such as Emerald, Lilydale and Rowville, has lately fished better than normal for this time of year. Perhaps the cooler February weather conditions made the fish more active and therefore hungry. Fishing throughout April should remain good if reports of fisheries stocking these lakes for the Easter and school holiday periods is correct. The deeper water at the back of the hospital on Lilydale Lake is proving very successful as well as the banks closer to Stud Road at Rowville Lakes.

Redfin reports have also picked up, with Celtas in red and gold colours and redfin attractors providing a lot of the action. Carp continue to provide most of the action from the lake and to enhance your chances, work your maggot through a strong heavy berley trail.

Had some success? Send me the details via email at --e-mail address hidden-- . And include the angler, species, where caught (you don’t need to give me all your secrets) and what bait, lure or flies you used. The best freshwater pic received for the month will go into our report.

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 Hwy– we’re open 7 days a week with plenty of top quality fresh bait and a great selection of freshwater gear. Everything for the beginner through to the FISH-A-HOLIC.

Rachel Loft (Lofty's daughter) outfished Dad by landing this great trout in early March.