At the time of writing we are into our 45th day of bushfires in Victoria. The effects have been devastating and unfortunately there is no end in sight. The school holidays have been a challenge for many anglers with normal fishing spots being ravished by fire or drought, or both. We have been luckier in our Yarra Valley area. The fishing has been very good with many local spots fishing the best they have in quite some time.

The reports coming through from Ringwood Lake have been fantastic, with lots of families enjoying some fishing success including the landing of an 11kg carp in the second week of January. Other successes from this fishing hole have included consistent catches of red fin. Scrubworms on a size 8 Baitholder hook under a float have been proving the most successful on the carp, and small spinners with a gold or gold/green colour on the redfin. The most productive times are late afternoon through to dusk.

Another lake that has been providing lots of fun has been Lilydale Lake. Carp, redfin and the occasional trout have been reported. The weeds near the boat ramp and alongside the dam wall after rain are the pick of the spots. Again scrub worms as well as small yabbies have been the winners or, if targeting trout, I would suggest using mudeyes.

The Yarra has been fishing very well. In particular, the 50+ mm of rain around Christmas Day has certainly brought the area near Launching Place to life. The water temperature dropped and the action was on.

Blake and Jye both from Launching Place rang in a great report from the Yarra of five brown trout and a redfin taken on Celtas on Christmas Day. What a great way to spend Christmas Day boys! Daniel and Matt also reported that on four nights running they caught trout to 750g using 3cm Rapala hard-bodied lures. Although the action was only for a 2-3 hour period just before dusk it was consistent and well worth the effort. Even now this area is still providing action and is worth having a shot at. You may need to walk along the bank, and when you find a deep hole under the cover of a tree, give it a try.

Many anglers have been targeting the Murray cod, Macquarie perch and yellowbelly from Yarra Glen through to Templestowe. Most reports indicate that the action is around dusk, with more success if you have been berleying the area from the previous hour or so.

The Yarra from lower Warrandyte through to Templestowe has seen Murray cod up to 5kg being caught and released. If you are land-based, fish the area west of Warrandyte targeting deep holes with over hanging trees and casting from the steep banks. Kayaking along this area will provide the best action as the banks are steep and fishing spots can be limited. Scrub worms for the bait angler on size 2/0 Baitholder hooks, frozen bardi grubs, yabbies. Tossing 1/2oz Sure Catch spinnerbaits with a ‘tip tip retrieve’ action is also effective.

The area above Yarra Glen has also seen some action for those anglers targeting yellowbelly with best catches taken on small yabbies and size 6 Shiner hooks.

The area from Reserve Road at Wonga Park through to Jumping Creek has been the most consistent area for Macquarie perch. Scrubworms on a number 6 Baitholder hook used with a running number 2 bean sinker and an open bail is a good set up for ‘Maccas”. Perch will swallow bait and spit it out to test if there is resistance on the bait. If no resistance is felt they will then again swallow the bait deeper, giving you the opportunity to set the hook. An open bail allows the line to run freely.

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.

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.