Yarra River

Yarra River Fishing Guide

Mountains to the Mouth

The Yarra River originates in the mountains northeast of Melbourne and is initially a shallow stream before changing considerably over its course. In certain sections, the water is deeper and includes rocks that cause rapids. Most of the river is not suitable for boating except at several places, and at those spots a kayak is generally the only option.

Popular places for fishing along the Yarra are the riverbanks and bridges around Warburton, the parklands in Yarra Glen, the sections near Eltham and Warrandyte, and the trails and grassy edges in Heidelberg. In addition, there are accessible spots in Abbotsford and Fairfield, nearer to Melbourne, where you can find parking and walking paths that lead down to the water. These sections provide a variety of habitats and allow anglers to try out different parts of the river easily.

Fish Species

As the river undergoes such frequent changes, the kinds of fish you encounter also vary. Redfin are not common, but they can be found in certain upper sections of the river. Among the best spots to go for Redfin are the areas near Launching Place, Millgrove, and Warburton, particularly in the slower, deeper pools of the river. I have caught Redfin as far north as Warburton.

Murray Cod, introduced more than 100 years ago, are occasionally caught between Yarra Glenn and Eltham; although the water is too cold for the cod to thrive, they do have a breeding population.

Although there are many native non-recreational fish species in the river, there is also a large number of introduced pest species. These consist of Weather Loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), Goldfish (Carassius auratus), Tench (Tinca tinca), and the damaging European Carp (Cyprinus carpio). The latter is present in huge quantities and causes untold damage to the environment.

I would like to see more people focusing on catching carp, since they are very detrimental to our waterways. They feed on a variety of foods such as fish fry and eggs, and they also disturb the bottom mud, which harms the water conditions for native species. If you wish to help by catching carp, there are some dependable methods available. From the bank, simple running sinker rigs or basic paternoster arrangements work well. As bait, you can use sweet corn kernels, cooked potatoes, bread, and even commercial carp bait, all of which are suitable. You should cast your bait near slow, muddy areas or backwaters because that is where carp tend to feed. When hooked, carp put up a strong struggle, so it is important that your line is strong and that your drag is properly adjusted.

Finally, Trout, specifically Brown Trout, are stocked in the river by the Victorian Fisheries Department.

You can catch Trout in the upper areas near Warburton by using a fly or artificial lures, and among my preferred trout lures are spinner lures and Tassie Devils. The best times for fishing are early in the morning and late afternoon, particularly during the cooler months or when the light is weak. When looking for trout, check for them near submerged logs, undercut banks, or shaded pools where the water is moving more slowly. For lures, use a steady, slow pull or gently twitch the lure to imitate an injured baitfish. If you’d like to try fly fishing, both small nymphs and dry flies can be effective, especially following rain when the insects are more active.

The occasional Rainbow Trout is landed. They are escapees from a dam, reservoir or lake.

You must be aware of the local fishing regulations if you are fishing in the Yarra. You should check the most up-to-date bag and size limits that may apply to fish such as Trout or Murray Cod and remember that there might be seasonal closures. Bag limits are in place to help protect fish populations for the future. About invasive species like European Carp, you are legally required to remove them and not put them back in the water. Before going on your fishing trip, always consult the official Victorian Fisheries materials to ensure that you are fishing in accordance with the rules.