The hot dry weather continues, but we have been luckier in the Yarra Valley than in some other parts of Victoria. With April now upon us and day light savings finished, it will get lighter earlier and provide more time for early morning fishing. The fishing over the past month has been very good with many local spots fishing the best they have in quite some time.

The Little Yarra has been producing blackfish at night near Launching Place. These natives come on the bite at dusk and feed actively all night until just before dawn. The best results have come using baits of scrubworms presented on a size 4 bait holder hook. These blackfish are known for taking the bait fairly quickly so be vigilant. Retrieving the line after the first nibble should yield best results.

An odd report this month concerned the capture of a Murray cod on a piece of corn by a coarse angler in the Yarra River near Templestowe. The angler was actually chasing roach, so you can imagine the look on his face when a cod appeared from the murky water. Several other customers have also had success on the cod.

Other anglers targeting the Macquarie perch have had success from Warrandyte through to Templestowe. Remember to berley well if targeting this species.

Fishing families could try their luck at 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 scrubworms as well as small yabbies have been the winning baits or if targeting trout, I would suggest using mudeyes.

Lilydale Lake will start to improve as the weather cools and we get some much-needed rain. It will be a great spot for some fishing during the Easter and school holiday breaks this month because it is likely the DPI will release trout here again this year. This will give the kids a chance catch a few fish using PowerBait suspended under a float on a size 6 hook.

The Yarra River is proving frustrating for many, with the trout fishing being quite tough at the moment for most baitfishers. Anglers who have persisted with flies are catching fish when targeting the cooler shady water. Dry and wet flies are working as well as each other. Royal Wulffs in size 14-16 along with size 14 Red Tags and Griffin Gnats have proved best in these waters.

The popularity of eel fishing has grown with saltwater gummy fishers targeting their new fresh bait. Eels are being landed on dusk using baits of large scrubworms on a size 8 baitholder hook.

One for the lovers of carp: the Ringwood Lake is still producing carp on Gulp corn. There are stacks of carp in this lake and although they are not most difficult fish to catch they are great sport. Cooking them, however, is a skill that I certainly have not mastered, unlike many of our skilled Dandenong customers.

The area above Yarra Glen has been tougher this month, although some anglers have successfully targeting golden perch, with the best catches taken on small yabbies presented on size 6 Shiner hooks.

Had some success? Send me the details via email at --e-mail address hidden-- 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 Highway– we’re open 7 days a week with plenty of top-quality fresh bait and a great selection of freshwater gear.