The Yarra Valley area is making for some great cod, blackfish, carp and the occasional trout fishing.

Mostly this has been due to favourable weather conditions in our area with some cooler patches mixed with humid day conditions and periods of good rain.

This has allowed the water temperatures to cool down a bit over night as well as providing a flow of freshwater into the surrounding rivers and lakes.

It was good to see many anglers recently at Warrandyte trying their luck along the bank near the bridge and beyond. Although fish catches may have been limited I did see several anglers land carp and one small trout. It was good to see the anglers released the trout back into the water after a couple of photo shots.

The cod fishing has been excellent this year, with lots of reports coming through both the Ringwood and Dandenong stores. Most successful spots are around Templestowe with easy access from around Fitzsimons Lane or for the kayaks angler travelling down the Yarra from Warrandyte.

Most success has been with spinnerbaits in strong contrasting colours. Try to use copper blades so as not to reflex too much light, the cod will respond to these better.

For the bait angler, yabbies on wide gape #4 hooks, scrubworms using a baitholder #2 and bardi grubs on a 3/0 baitholder. Always cast into shallow tumbling water near a rock bar drifting into a deep hole on rock with structure. Best times are the last 3-4 hours of the day.

Lilydale Lake continues to fish well for carp and the occasional trout are also being taken.

Powerbait works well for the trout and I would recommend using a size 20 treble hook. The treble hook will increase your success rate as the Powerbait will roll whilst in the fish’s mouth; therefore having two more hook tips exposed which will greatly increase your chances of a hook-up.

Our suggestions for Powerbait would be pink or chartreuse for Lilydale Lake and pink or yellow for Rowville Lakes. Small yabbies are also a good bait and should not be overlooked when going to these places.

Another way of targeting fish at Lilydale Lake is by using three maggots on a Black Magic hook. Hook three maggots by the tail. This will ensure that you have maximum movement on the hook with good scent being released.

The secret with successful maggot fishing is to continually have a berley trail. This is obtained by putting golf ball sized berley balls made from Stimulate pre-mixed berley mixed with maggots. You will need to have a good supply as you may need to release a ball every 5-10 minutes throughout the session.

The upper Yarra between Doons Reserve and Warburton has seen redfin and trout taken in areas with deep holes. Choose the cooler part of the day, preferably morning and after a couple of cloudy lower temperate days.

Redfin have also been reported from under the bridge at Warrandyte and around Fitzsimmons Lane Bridge. A good rule of thumb for targeting them is two hours before dusk through to about an hour after. Copper bladed redfin attractors have been proving to be the most successful.

Ringwood customers, Joseph and George reported taking a good number of fish including redfin, perch and a small eel from around Wonga Park at the bottom of Reserve Road. All where taken scrubworms using ground Stimulate Berley later in the afternoon, after one of our many recent humid days.

You can still get the occasional eel in the deep holes around Warrandyte. Best times are the last half hour of light using a large scrub worm and a #4 Youvella baitholder hook. Just remember to take the mozzie spray; they are out in plague portions.

For those chasing blackfish, the areas around Launching Place have been the only reports received. These fish have a very quiet life preferring to live in deep quiet shady holes under tree roots. Tempt them by drifting your bait down and over these areas. Medium scrubworms on a # 6-8 baitholder hook.

Had some success? Send me the details via email at --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.