Plenty River

Plenty River Fishing Guide

The River Could Be So Much Better!

Fishing in Plenty River can be difficult since the banks are often steep and the water is usually very shallow. Under these circumstances, it is advisable to use light spinning gear and shorter rods because this makes casting in narrow spaces easier. Small soft plastics, worms or corn kernels work well as bait for the type of fish found in the area. Polarised sunglasses will help you see the fish in shallow water, and when fishing from the bank, you should wear solid footwear for better traction on the slopes, while waders may be worth considering if you want to get nearer to the water in some sections.

The Plenty River begins as a stream in the Great Dividing Range.

It passes through the northern towns and suburbs of Whittlesea, Plenty, and Greensborough before reaching the Yarra River at Heidelberg.

The Plenty River is regarded as a perennial river since it tends to run dry in certain sections during some summer seasons.

Fishing on the Plenty River varies, and it is necessary to take note of the pollution levels, as these can at times be quite severe. In some sections the water is cleaner and therefore more suitable for fishing than in others. The upper parts, close to Whittlesea and the areas upstream of urban development, are generally less polluted and thus safer for anglers. The sections near Plenty Gorge Park and those in the parks upstream have better water quality. In contrast, the areas downstream in the more developed suburbs are prone to pollution from runoff and rubbish following heavy rain. It is advisable to plan your visits to the cleaner and more natural sections if you want a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Plenty River Fishing Overview

The Plenty River starts at Mount Disappointment, which is roughly 50 km from Melbourne.

Fishing on the Plenty River is not really feasible for most of the section before reaching Whittlesea. The only parts of the river that are both accessible and worth fishing start just south of Whittlesea and go downstream, especially in the area of Plenty Gorge Park and the sections passing through Greensborough. These areas have better access and better water quality, which is why they are favourite spots with local anglers. You should concentrate on the banks near Plenty Gorge Park, along Tatterson Road, and on both the upstream and downstream sections of the river in the neighbourhood of Greensborough, since these are generally the most productive locations.

Fishing is not allowed in the Yan Yean Reservoir. The reservoir, being part of the Plenty River catchment, is permanently closed to fishing.

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

Pros

• You can visit the place if you’re heading to any of the suburbs in the North East.
• Beautiful views and woodland.
• Can be very tranquil and peaceful

Cons

• Not fishable for much of its length
• In some areas it can be extremely polluted.
• Unless you’re interested in catching eels or European carp, there are basically no other kinds of fish such as trout or redfin.

When you are fishing for eels, it is advisable to do so after dark using strong-smelling baits such as worms, pieces of chicken, or even cheese. Attach the bait to a simple running sinker and fish near snags or in areas where the bank has been undercut. With regard to carp, use corn kernels, bread, or worms on either a basic running sinker rig or a float setup, and concentrate on slower-moving pools or backwaters. The best times of day for both types of fish are early morning and late afternoon. Don’t forget to use strong fishing equipment since both eels and carp are likely to put up a good struggle.