Yabby Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Yabbies are freshwater crustaceans belonging to the genus Cherax, with several species found throughout Australia. They have a hard exoskeleton, two large front claws, and can vary in color from blue-grey to brown or black. Yabbies typically grow to 10-20 cm in length but can reach up to 30 cm in ideal conditions.

These crustaceans inhabit a wide range of freshwater environments, including rivers, creeks, lakes, farm dams, and irrigation channels. They prefer areas with plenty of shelter, such as submerged logs, rocks, or aquatic vegetation. Yabbies are opportunistic feeders, consuming both plant matter and small aquatic animals.

In Victoria, yabby fishing is a popular recreational activity, especially in inland waters. They can be caught year-round, but are most active during warmer months. Yabbies are known for their sweet, delicate flavor and are considered a delicacy by many.

When fishing for yabbies, it’s important to respect local regulations and practice sustainable fishing methods. This includes returning females with eggs or young attached to the water immediately and avoiding overfishing in any one area.

What restrictions are in place for Yabby fishing in Melbourne?

In Victoria, there is no minimum legal size for yabbies. The bag limit is a maximum of 20 litres not exceeding 150 whole yabbies, or 5 litres of yabby meat in any form not exceeding 150 tails (including claws and other parts). The possession limit is 60 litres of whole yabby; or 400 whole yabby; or 10 litres of yabby (other than whole yabby) not exceeding 400 tails. This is the maximum number of yabbies that a person can possess at any one time anywhere in Victoria, including at home. It is prohibited to possess female yabbies with eggs (in berry) or with young attached. You must not remove eggs or young from a female at any time. Females in berry or carrying young must be returned to the water immediately and without further harm.

How to catch Yabby

In Victoria, yabbies are typically caught using baited traps or nets. Opera house nets are popular but may be restricted in some areas due to their potential impact on platypus and water rats. Hoop nets or pyramid nets are often recommended alternatives. Place traps in areas with plenty of cover, such as near submerged logs or vegetation. Check traps regularly and remove any bycatch promptly. Hand fishing or ‘yabby pumping’ in shallow waters can also be effective. Always check local regulations before fishing, as rules may vary between waterways.

What should you fish with for Yabby?

When it comes to fishing for Yabby, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, Yabby are caught almost exclusively with baits.

For the best chances of success, focus on using Corn as your primary bait choice. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 4 Baits to Use for Yabby

Bait fishing for Yabby offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:

• Corn
• Chicken
• Pilchards
• Bread

Where to catch Yabby in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Yabby. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Yabby can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Yabby, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

Other places to catch Yabby

While Yabby are not the main target at these locations, they can still be caught here. If you're looking for more of a challenge or want to try your luck in different settings, these spots might be worth exploring. Keep in mind that fishing for Yabby in these areas may require different techniques or patience, as they're not as abundant as in the primary locations. However, this can add an exciting element of surprise to your fishing experience.

Additional Secondary Locations

For the sake of brevity, we can't provide detailed descriptions for every location where Yabby might be found. However, to give you a comprehensive overview, here's a list of additional spots where anglers have reported catching Yabby, even though they may not be the primary target species in these areas:

• Natte Yallock
• Oxley King River Access
• Peters Bridge
• Yawong Weir

FAQs about Yabby fishing in Melbourne