Where is the year going? I can’t believe it’s May already! Our recent unpredictable and wet weather has caused a drop in temperatures and brought trout onto the bite.

The Yarra River’s trout population has been lying dormant for months waiting for the hot weather to abate. Now that this has finally happened more anglers are reporting successful captures.

Trout should increase their feeding and activity during May in preparation for their spawning run in June and July. If you land a female that is full of roe (eggs) consider releasing her so our waterways can continue to provide us all with many hours of enjoyment.

Flyfishers have been reporting success with red and black Matuku’s, damsels and Pheasant Tail nymphs.

Spinning with bibbed lures and Celtas, and bait drifting with small scrubworms in the backwaters has been working well too.

Although we’ve had only a couple of frosts, the colder weather in May should see freshwater cray catches increase. They’re built like little armoured tanks with spines down most of their back – they deserve some respect. Pick them up on the side of body, not near the legs. I’ve seen many anglers hurt their hands because of poor cray handling techniques. Check out page 48 of the 2005/06 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for catch limits.

The Warburton area above the township has seen some brown trout catches with the best reports including fish to 1.5lb. Fishing with scrubworms and drifting small yabbies have been the most productive methods for bait anglers.

Cod and Macquarie perch catches have been slowing down in the Warrandyte area. We will have to wait until the warmer weather later in the year now. Eels have also slowed although those persisting have managed the odd one.

Many of our customers have had plenty of fun and success in the Docklands area targeting bream. If we get some rain, numbers of bream will hold in the deeper, saltier water and not the top 1/3 of the fresh.

To ensure you’re in the fish zone you’ll need deep diving or sinking lures, or suspending baits. My hard-bodied lure recommendation would be a RMG Sneaky 35mm Scorpions. Alternatively, rig a suspended bait on a blackfish style float with a running stopper. A shelled prawn or the new 2” Berkley Motterley Shrimp Gulp should do the trick.

Had some success? Send the details to --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.