As this is normally the last month of warm weather here in Melbourne, it’s worth making the most of the fishing that goes along with summer. You only have to blink at this time of the year and Easter has passed, bringing with it the crisp air of autumn.

For those anglers keen on fighting a Murray cod, the midstream reaches of the Yarra are still producing fish. The area between Eltham and Bulleen can be productive as the season begins to cool down, with most of the better fishing coming from sections of river that have extensive rock bars, along with timber.

Best lure choices when fishing around the rock bars consist of 3/8oz spinnerbaits – with a single gold or brass willow blade being an excellent starting point and medium running crankbaits, like Rapala Crankin’ raps. Both of these lures have a relatively snag-proof design, which is needed around rocky sections of the Yarra.

Yellowbelly are a good option this time of the year in local haunts, like Sugarloaf Reservoir. With the impending start of autumn, the water temperature will drop and the yellowbelly will feed heavily before the cooler months begin.

Try using fatter style lures at the moment, as bigger prey items, like redfin and galaxias, will be on the menu leading up to autumn. Vibes and deep running crankbaits are two of the better options. The Redback Venom vibes make a very good lure for yellowbelly, as do the smaller Sebile Flatt Shads, both slowly twitched back mid water. Some of the better sized fish have been caught recently from the area around the dam wall.

For the angler more inclined to sit back with a beer and a bait or two out, Rowville Lakes has been a handy spot to stop off at. The main lake has been fishing well for redfin and carp on baits of maggots and the occasional worm. Berleying up is a sure fire way to induce some fish into your area, and the finer the berley the better. The fine grit berley generally suspends so it stays around the fish’s face for longer, and being fine grit the fish don’t fill up on it!

Fish two rods, one with the bait on the bottom and the other suspended under a float – this way you’re able to find out which is more effective on the day.

If you have had some success in these areas lately send me a photo and go into the draw for your chance to win a store voucher valued at $100. Email it to: --e-mail address hidden-- include, angler’s name, species, and the area you were fishing.

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.