Make the most of the last few weeks before our rivers close to trout fishing. Reports from customers including Peter and Doug have suggested there are some good-sized trout around Warburton still on offer.

As an alternative to flies and bait, several anglers are now enjoying success on trout with 6” Berkley Natural and Bloody Saltwater sandworms. Yes, they’re that long and yes, the trout love ‘em!

Don’t be misled by what the package says, these plastics working well in the salt and the fresh. During the cooler weather we’ve found that the scent combined in the plastic works extremely well on river fish. To rig them for trout, attach one or two BB split shots about 10cm above a baitholder size 6 hook. Then thread the hook through the side arms/legs of the sandworm plastic. This gives the worm a more vigorous action.

When using this method cast up against the banks near fine structure. Retrieve the line at a pace that matches the drift of the worm, keeping minimal slack for maximum contact. This will ensure that when you strike, you have instant tension on the line. Be prepared to strike at any movement in your line – 8 out of 10 strikes will be the result of a leaf or stick, but the other 2 will be trout.

Currently, the best regions for trout are above Woori Yallock and upstream to the upper reaches of Warburton. Don’t be afraid to venture into the top reaches of the Yarra. No water is too shallow or small at this time of year. Avoid walking on redds (small beds of trout eggs) though because some early spawning fish will already have done the deed!

I’ve been checking out Warrandyte over the past few weeks. The action has been very slow and only the keenest anglers have enjoyed success.

Although it’s a bit out of my patch I can tell you that the tailor down at the Hotties have started to bite with best results on still nights that follow several cold days. It takes a couple of days for the power station to create enough steam to warm the water in this area, which in turn attracts the fish. Albert and Lau reported good catches of tailor in May using YoZuri 6” magnetic cast Shadow Minnows.

Following the success of many anglers targeting mulloway in the Patterson River early in the year, it’s now time to try your luck at the Melbourne end of the Yarra. The best technique would be twitching 4 to 8” white or soft coloured Gulp soft plastics on 3/0 to 5/0 jigheads.

Target well lit solid structures such as the Bolte Bridge or Victoria Dock. Evening is best, particularly around the new or full moon on a rising barometer.

Had some success? Send me the details via email at --e-mail address hidden-- and include the angler, species, where caught and what bait, lure or flies you used.

For up to date fishing information about the Yarra Valley 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.