With summer well and truly upon us, the freshwater fishing options around Melbourne are as varied as they can be.

While midday temperatures can be sweltering, there is still plenty of sweet water fishing to be done. Early morning and late afternoon can be more enjoyable in terms of weather, and these times are generally the productive hours to fish anyway. Most freshwater species will be less cautious and actively feeding during hours of low light and anglers can use this to their advantage.

Karkarook Park Lake is able to be fished all year round due to its depth. While the trout can be less active in the warmer weather, fishing the lake early during the morning can be very rewarding. The local redfin can provide some amusement during the heat of summer, as they are not affected by the warmth as the trout are. Small freshwater yabbies around 50mm in length are good bait for the redfin, and when fished on a fine wire C10U hook, they become deadly.

Devilbend Reservoir has been producing some solid trout during the night, with fish over 3kg not uncommon. Most of the larger fish are more active in the reservoir during the night or early during the morning.

Baits of big scrubworms fished under a float are an excellent option if fishing the low light period. If you’re into throwing a lure for trout then night time is when you should bring out the bigger hardbodied lures. Lures up to 120mm can be used when targeting large trout and are effective at night as the larger profile gives the fish something bigger to hone in on.

An ideal type of lure for this style of fishing is Rapala’s MaxRap in 110mm. Casting good distances into the lake and working the lure back under the surface; it is only a matter of time before a big trout smashes the lure!

The Yarra River around Eltham is a good spot to fish from December onwards as Murray Cod are back on the agenda. If targeting cod in this area look for areas that hold deep, slow pools – especially if they have a rock bar close by. The rock in the water holds heat and warms the surrounding water slightly, which can attract smaller fish and shrimp, and then predators like cod.

Larger freshwater yabbies fished without their claws are a good bait in the river here, the reason most anglers take the claws off is because the yabbies can crawl and dig into crevices and snag up the line. Just remember to keep checking them to make sure they aren’t hiding under a rock where the fish can’t find them.

Sugarloaf Reservoir has been fishing well for golden perch and redfin during the morning and afternoons, especially during the warmer days. Squidgy Fish rigged up on small TT jig spins have been an excellent way to find the goldens while smaller vibes like Stiffy Devilfish vibes and Strike Pro Hummers have been working well on the redfin. Just remember to work the lures slow, and right to the edge of the bank, as the fish will follow them right back in, especially golden perch.

For up to date fishing information, contact the guys at Compleat Angler in Dandenong on 9794 9397 or drop in and see us at 241 – 243 Princes Hwy, Dandenong, we are open 7 days a week. For our other latest fishing reports and to download information sheets, go to www fishingcamping.com.au

Sugarloaf redfin just love natural coloured vibes. Photo courtesy Ryan Pitman