The trout opening weekend saw a break in the Yarra River fish drought. Peter reported taking his first trout at daybreak on a Berkley 4” Camo Sandworm drifting under a splitshot.

The Yarra around upper Warburton was the most successful fishing spot along our area. The always popular 4g Lofty Lures and Tassie Devils have been taking their share of action in pink and yellow colours. Peter also reported successfully using the Ecogear SX40 lure in the triple 3 colour with a slow fluttering retrieve.

The Warrandyte area has been slow, however persistent anglers have been rewarded with catches of small trout. The best bait has been scrubworms.

From early December this part of the Yarra will pickup and start to fire. Until then I suggest you target the higher sections above Warburton. The fish may be smaller than the river around Eildon, but you will be rewarded with frequent strikes providing plenty of action.

Sugar Loaf continues to provide action on redfin. Several Ringwood customers hit the dam regularly August with the most success coming from mid-morning sessions using Shiner hooks on small freshwater yabbies with a ‘spot and drop’ retrieve. Let the yabby settle on the bottom for 10-80 seconds and then retrieve and ‘drop’ him again. This will create movement and increase the interest of nearby fish.

Ian and Rusty had their first cast of the season recently in a fast flowing section of the Yarra near Healesville. They cast a black and gold floating Merlin into the faster flowing water and drifting it into the slower moving water along the edge. The result was a 450g brown trout. Other fish taken during the day were three redfin and a smaller rainbow.

Lilydale Lake has also had its fair share of fish being taken, but carp seems to be the most prominent species. Anglers using corn and bread dough with Ultrabite Stimulate Bait enhancer are having the most success with carp. Redfin attractors are proving the best on the redfin with only minimal success being reported from those chasing trout.

Over the coming weeks the fishing will improve and our local spots will start to fire.

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 Hwy– we’re open 7 days a week with plenty of top quality fresh bait and a great selection of freshwater gear.