The last weekend of the season, mid June, saw some good-sized trout landed from the upper Yarra.

The areas above Warburton were fishing better with only the occasional reports filtering through from around Warrandyte and Templestowe. The Yarra will re-open for trout fishing from September 3.

With the river now closed to all trout fishing, anglers are targeting redfin, roach, carp, eels and the last of the Murray crays.

Although the weather at that time might not have seen good angler conditions before the close of season, Peter and Ron reported having a couple of successful days flyfishing the area above Warburton. Most success came from Olive Muddlers and Black woolly buggers.

Lilydale Lake has been stocked for the school holidays and with the 1500+ trout released recently. Conditions have certainly improved the action of this local fishing ‘hole’. Our suggestions for fishing Lilydale Lake would be Powerbait in pink or orange or scrubworms for bait angler.

For the fly angler, try small streamer and Woolly Worm/Woolly Bugger flies, or small Tassie Devils and vibe styles if you wish to toss lures.

Berley is very important at Lilydale Lake as well as scents and Ultrabite Stimulate providing more success.

Fishing around the mouth of Olinda creek area and near the boat ramp should provide for good conditions.

Sugarloaf Dam has been fishing very well since late May through June for redfin, with fish being taken up to 1.5kg. Early morning up to midday seems to be the most active time. From reports received, success is coming from perch patterned Rapala and Squidgy Wriggler Silverfox Hot Tailed soft plastics. You will get the most action from the plastics by using a slow subtle pausing retrieve technique.

The Yarra around Templestowe has seen some action with carp and roach being taken. Cross-stream bait drifting with large scrubworms and working the areas close to structure should provide you with success.

The area around Warrandyte continues to provide some fun for those targeting eel. Optimum time is around dusk. Best spots have been the deep holes using a large scrubworm and a size 4 baitholder hook.

The upper to middle Yarra region has seen blackfish landed between dawn and dusk. Most success is on the ever reliable scrubworm.

Around the Yarra Glen to Warrandyte area, redfin have been taken around faster pools. Our suggestion is to use small spinnerbaits and larger bladed spinners.

As an alternative try medium floating/diving lures like Komachi.

Macquarie perch still a possibility at this time. Best action would be obtained from scrubworms on #6 hooks. Leaving the bail arm open and a piece of foil on line between reel and first runner as bite indicator will ensure that the fish are not spooked off by any resistance on the line.

These fish will spit the line very quickly if it feels that the bait is not ‘real’.

Carp are also in good numbers this time of year.

Fish areas where the smaller creeks and drains enter the main river. Look for the stirred up mud that betrays the fishes whereabouts. Ringwood staff member Steve has sighted extremely large carp specimens behind the Warrandyte Bakery.

The feeding of ducks and the left over food source is obviously attracting these fish.

Warrandyte is also been good for eels: those keen on catching their own eels for shark bait, or for the table, have been doing well after a bit of rain on sunset and into the night. Best baits are worms and chicken dipped in tuna oil.

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.