With a hot start to 2016, we Melbournites should have our hands full with local freshwater fishing this year, with most of the local sweet water species fishing as well as they have in recent years.

The Yarra River has thrown some decent Murray cod out of its snaggy depths, with a handful of ripper fish caught in the 60cm+ size. While Murray cod can be hard work in any waterway, to catch an iconic freshwater native less than an hour from the CBD is a satisfying box to tick.

For anglers looking to connect with one this summer, maximise your chances by fishing lures as well as bait. A solid bunch of fat scrubbies or bardi grubs will normally get the attention of a hungry cod, while the annoying ‘in my personal space’ vibration and flash of a 3/8oz spinnerbait will turn a well fed cod into a green and gold maniac looking to swat away any hook fitted intruder. If you are lucky enough to land a mighty Yarra cod, just remember to look after these fish by supporting the belly with one hand and gently holding the bottom jaw with a good set of lip grips.

Closer to the suburbs themselves, most of the family fishing lakes have produced the odd trout from pre-Christmas stockings by Fisheries Victoria. To make the most of these close waterways, make sure you have the correct bait, berley and tackle setup to catch these fish. Long, light tipped rods spooled with 4-6lb monofilament are the go to detect subtle bites, while a feeder cage packed full of berley towards the business end should ensure that the fish come to you, rather than you trying to find them. The most consistent lakes around the suburbs recently have been Karkarook Park Lake, Caulfield Racecourse Lake and Casey Fields Lake.

With a few families still holidaying down along the Mornington Peninsula, it would be worth mentioning the fishing at nearby Devilsbend Reservoir. The Reservoir has mainly produces redfin, with the odd trout of 400-800g. All methods have brought results - with persistent bait, lure and fly fishing all yielding success. The prime time to catch trout has been around sunrise, while the redfin are active through the day. Just be mindful if you decide to stray from the path, as these warm days tend to draw the odd snake out.

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 photos to --e-mail address hidden-- and include the angler’s name, species, and the area the fish was caught.

• 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 Highway, Dandenong – we are open seven days a week. For our latest fishing reports and to download information sheets go to www.fishingcamping.com.au.

(Photo courtesy of Dylan Brennan)