What a great month of fishing it’s been along the banks of our Yarra River. The New Year has come and gone, holidays are over, the kids are back to school, and we’ve got good fishing to look forward to throughout February.

The Yarra from Warrandyte through to Templestowe has seen Murray cod to 6kg taken. Kayaking along this stretch will provide the best action as the banks are steep and landbased fishing spots are limited. If you are fishing from the shore, then fish the area west of Warrandyte, targeting deep holes with over hanging trees. Scrubworms on size 2/0 baitholder hooks, frozen bardi grubs, yabbies or 1/2oz SureCatch spinnerbaits are the go.

Reserve Road at Wonga Park has been consistent for Macquarie perch on scrubworms using a number 6 all rounder baitholder with a number 2 bean sinker. Fish this rig with an open bail. I suggest using the ‘tin foil bite method’, which is a great way to know when a Macca has taken the bait. They feel little or no resistance but you get a very obvious bite indicator.

Perch are one of only a few species that inhale a bait and then spit it out, testing to see if there’s resistance. If no resistance is felt then they’ll swallow the bait deeper, giving you the opportunity to set the hook. Patience is the key because if you strike to early you’ll miss out!

The area above Yarra Glen has been steady for yellowbelly with best catches taken on small 1” yabbies and size 6 Shiner hooks.

The Yarra at Williamstown has seen some good trevally taken. The best action has come from 3” Gulps (white grub tails) or 3” Pearl Blue Shad Minnows. The best times have been dawn and dusk using a minimum 1.5m length of 10lb fluorocarbon leader.

Although the trout have been slow at Lilydale Lake the action has been better for anglers targeting carp and redfin, which prefer the warmer summer conditions.

Fish scrubworms in the early morning or late afternoon on the lower side, near the jetty, and around on the wetlands area, near where the creek comes in.

Had some success? Send me the details to the above email address and include the angler, species, where the fish was caught and method.

Bruce Smith reports that the river at Warburton is flowing clear and is fishing well for lure fishermen casting small bladed spinners with the best of these being red and black Celtas. Trout taken have ranged from 220g to 1lb. Below Warburton, in the Millgrove area, bait fishermen have taken small trout on earthworms, scrubbies and PowerBait.

Flyfishing has been restricted to the last hour of light with sparse hatches of caddis, which is accounting for small trout.

For up to date information about fishing in the Yarra Valley contact the boys at Compleat Angler in Ringwood on (03) 9870 7792. 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.