Plenty River

Plenty River fishing can be challenging. The banks can be steep. The water is often very shallow.

The Plenty River stretches from the Great Dividing Range as a stream.

Running through the North Eastern Towns & Suburbs of Whittlesea, Plenty, and Greensborough until it meets the Yarra River in Heidelberg.

The Plenty River is considered Perennial as it often runs dry in sections during some summer seasons.

Plenty River fishing is varied. Care must be taken due to pollution levels which can be quite extreme at times.

Plenty River Fishing Overview

The Plenty River begins its life at Mount Disappointment, which is about 50kms from Melbourne.

For most of its journey before Whittlesea, Plenty River fishing is not really possible.

Sadly the Yan Yean Reservoir fishing is not permitted. The Yan Yean reservoir, which is within the Plenty River catchment, is closed to fishing permanently.

This is pretty heavily enforced, too. I’ve seen more than one carp fisho collared by rangers over the years.

Plenty River Fishing Better Below Whittlesea

The Plenty River fishing doesn’t really become possible at all, in my opinion, until you get below Whittlesea.

However, the stretch through the plenty gorge is extremely difficult it access for much of it.

This is due to the steep, sheer embankments.

It can be accessed near the Plenty Gorge parklands.

However, it can’t be waded.

As it runs through the Mernda and Mill Park area there are accessible sections.

These are certainly worth trying out.

The nearby “Blue Lake”, which is on the Eastern side of the river and was formed from an old quarry.

This is a popular spot for targeting Redfin.

The area adjoining the “Blue Lake”, Yellow Gum Park, also offers some good, wider and deeper sections in the Plenty River.

If you’re going to try this part of the river then soaking earthworms on the bottom can work well for some Plenty River Redfin action. Just expect eels too, if using bait.

Another spot that produces good Plenty River fishing for carp is around Carome Homestead, near Mernda.

The area around Mernda can offer a variety of habitats. Explore below the Plenty Gorge and down.

There are some wider stretches of water, some broken water sections over rocks and other opportunities.

Years ago it was possible to catch Blackfish around this spot. Though I’ve not heard of anybody managing this recently.

However, there’s still some great Plenty River Redfin fishing to be had here, with some fair-sized models. As well as some small trout.

The lakes around Mernda itself, adjoining or near the Plenty River, can also offer some great Redfin sport. Models around the 30cm mark are being reported.

I recommend soft plastics or spinners for Reddies here.

You can find these areas on Google maps. Look around “The Great Eastern Way” and “Findon Rd” for the right spots.

Plenty River Fishing Greensborough

As the river runs into Greensborough it is severely restricted at Partingtons’ Flat.

The bridge leading to the football ground is a travesty. The river is narrowed to flow through two pipes.

I have no idea what the relevant authorities were thinking when designing this.

Not only does it make the river look like a drain – but the adjacent parkland’s lake pours into it making it smell like a drain. In warm weather, you almost need to hold your breath.

Yeah. Sorry. It really is that bad!

I understand part of the design was to conserve water in order to water parklands.

However, I do wonder if this has become environmentalism gone mad. Destroying the environment to save the environment never makes any sense.

So, why do we see it happing so often?

Fishing upstream of Partingtons’ Flat is a little better. There are some larger pools, that have little rapids as the water flows over rocks into them.

Further upstream towards the freeway bridge etc are similar. Though sections become increasingly difficult to access.

I’d be inclined to skip the Greensborough section for the most part. Instead, focus on the Blue Lake and the river upstream towards Mill Park and South Morang.

Once the river clears the Greensborough area and flows through Yallambie it begins to flow better and almost looks clean (ish.)

This is the final stretch before it flows into the Yarra River at Heidelberg.

If you’re agile – and fit – there’s some good carp fishing to be had in this section of the Plenty River.

There’s Rainbow trout in the river. Though they can be challenging to catch. Make sure you only target them during trout season which closed in Victoria between June and September, usually.

Plenty River Fish Species – What Fish Can You Catch”

So as far as fish goes there are a lot of pest species in this waterway.

If you’re a fan of targeting European Carp or even Tench and Roach then this might suit you right down to the ground.

The same goes for those who love eel fishing.

If you’re after species like Redfin, however, try your luck at the Blue Lake for the best results.

Plenty River fishing means snags. When fishing these kinds of waterways it comes with the territory.

If you’re fishing classic baits like worms, chicken etc try a running sinker rig with a leader running around 30-60cm.

Fish Species	Quick Info
Carp Cyprinus carpio	Bait: Earthworms, Corn, Chicken.
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss	Bait: Earthworms, Soft Plastic Lures, Spinners, Spoons, Flys
Brown Trout Salmo trutta	Bait: Earthworms, Soft Plastic Lures, Spinners, Spoons, Flys
Redfin Perca fluviatilis	Also known as English Perch. Imported and considered invasive. Please do not return to water. Bait: Earthworms, Chicken
Goldfish Crassius Auratus	Bait:
Roach Rutilus rutilus	All Year Round Seasonal Note: Invasive Imported Pest species. Do Not return to water. Bait: Earthworms, Chicken
Tench Tinca tinca	Invasive Imported Pest species. Do Not return to water. Bait: Earthworms, Chicken
Short-head Lamprey Mordacia morda	Bait:
Yabby Cherax destructor	A native crustacean similar to the Crawdad found in the USA. Bait: Lumps of meat, pet food.
Yellow Belly Macquaria ambigua	Excellent native species that is reasonably prolific. Other common names include Golden Perch and Callop. Bait: Earthworms, Scrubworms, Chicken Breast, Cheese.
Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps	Bait:
Weather Loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus	Invasive Imported Pest species. Do Not return to water. Bait:

Plenty River Fishing Video

Plenty River Fishing Review Summary

This river is literally within walking distance of my home. So I find its treatment by local authorities to be sad, if not disturbing.

I rarely fish it.

There are way too many eels. Which I’m not fond of. Some Redfin in the Blue Lake. But the river is mostly full of European Carp, Goldfish, Tench etc.

But, most of all, the local authority-induced pollution turns my stomach.

I’d like to see the original flow of the river restored to some extent. It is damned and diverted upstream.

The fact that multiple local authorities (shire councils) virtue signal about environmental issues but allow this waterway to be used as their very own drain is disgusting. Lobbying has consistently been ignored.

I guess we vote in the local councils we deserve. Rather than what we need.

Pros

• Close to me and many other North Eastern suburbs if you want to just drop in a line.
• Lovely views and bushland.
• Can be very tranquil and peaceful

Cons

• Not fishable for much of its length
• Severely polluted at times in certain sections
• If you’re not into catching Eels or European Carp there are very few other species like Trout or Redfin