We have recently had some good rain and this has made to a difference to both my garden and the rivers throughout our area. My garden is greener, but more importantly, the fish in our local rivers and dams have a new source of food from the run-off and the trout are feeding more in the cooler upper rivers and streams.

Recent rains have made many of our rivers dirty from run-off so you will need to use more scent and berley than you would in the dryer months. The secret to successful maggot fishing is to have a continual berley trail. Simply make golf ball-sized berley balls from dough mixed with maggots. You will need to have a good supply, as you may need to release a ball every five to ten minutes throughout the session. Using this method of berleying will increase your chances of landing a good-sized trout.

We have started to get increased reports of trout being taken from the upper Yarra areas around Launching Place and Doons Reserve. With more rain predicated in May, there should be a great month of trout fishing before the close of season on the Queen’s Birthday weekend. So get the fly gear out and make the most of the conditions.

In April I was lucky enough to have a few days away cod fishing Lake Mulwala with Roger Miles and a couple of our team members, Doug and Mitch. Although the conditions where quite different to our local Yarra River, the techniques and methods could easily be transferred. One technique that has worked for me is to cast into deeper water with a slow rolling retrieve method using either a spinnerbait or Jackal lure. Ensure that your rod is held high, which will allow you to lift over any logs or structure.

The cod fishing has continued to be good throughout April. However, if we get a lot of rain over the coming weeks, the water temperatures will drop, which could put the cod into winter hibernation. So I suggest that you make the most of the season that remains. From reports received recently, cod have been taken on a variety of baits such as bardi grubs, yabbies and scrubworms.

We have also had reports of good-sized fish being taken and released on different kinds of bait such as prawn and cheese. By offering them something new, you may entice them to feed, and when water conditions are dirtier, using baits that have a stronger scent will increase your chances. Try dipping your mozzarella cheese balls in some garlic – sounds nearly good enough to eat!

For lure anglers, try using Bassman spinnerbaits and Yo-Zuri Vibe Blades spinners. You need to work your lure in an ultra-slow rolling retrieve with good direction and control in the hard-to-reach areas. This is where lures are more foreign and you can target the bigger cunning fish.

Redfin have also been reported from under the bridge at Warrandyte and around Fitzsimmons Lane Bridge. Most of these catches have occurred a few hours before dusk. Copper bladed redfin attractors are proving to be the most successful.

The upper Yarra between Doons Reserve and Warburton has had blackfish and trout taken in areas with deep holes. Choose a day with a rising barometer, preferably in the morning and after a couple of cloudy, lower temperate days.

Remember that fishing is still good at local spots such as Ringwood, Lilydale, Sugarloaf or even across to Rowville. Scrubworms and small yabbies or PowerBait in pink and yellow colours will all prove to be successful. Why not give the kids a Celta to flick around and try their luck?

Have you had some success? Send me the details via email to --e-mail address hidden-- Make sure you include the angler, species, where it was 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. Better still, drop in at 92 Maroondah Hwy – we’re open seven days a week with plenty of top quality fresh bait and a great selection of freshwater gear.