February 5, 2026
Photo: Yan Yean Reservoir, Parks Victoria
Enhancing access to our waterways and creating more opportunities for Victorian’s to go fishing is a core advocacy priority for VRFish.
Yan Yean Reservoir is located around 40km north of Melbourne, in the City of Whittlesea. Managed by Melbourne Water, the reservoir is Victoria’s oldest water supply and has supplied water to the northern and central suburbs of Melbourne since 1857.
There is a productive redfin fishery in the reservoir, however, Yan Yean Reservoir is closed recreational fishing.
If public access to the reservoir is supported, and recreational fishing was introduced, it could become a fantastic fishery for many recfishers to go fishing closer to home.
Recreational fishers now have the opportunity to have your say and let Melbourne Water know if you want to see Yan Yean Reservoir become a family-friendly fishing spot and value the introduction of new recreational opportunities, like fishing, at the reservoir.
Have Your Say – Draft Future Directions Plan for Yan Yean Reservoir Park
Following on from community consultation in 2022 and 2023, Melbourne Water have released the Draft Future Directions Plan for Yan Yean Reservoir Park and are asking the community to have their say on the draft plan.
According to Melbourne Water, the plan aims to enhance visitor experiences, provide new social and recreational opportunities in a highly-populated and rapidly-expanding growth area. The plan will guide the development of Yan Yean Reservoir Park as a valued regional recreation and open space destination for the community over the next 50 years and beyond.
As mentioned, the Yan Yean Reservoir is closed to recreational fishing. Providing feedback on the draft plan presents an opportunity for the recreational fishing community to come together and call for public access to this fantastic reservoir.
It’s worth noting that, during the first stage of public consultation, the community highlighted introducing recreational fishing and non-powered watercraft as the top two themes for ‘other ideas‘ for future recreational activities at the reservoir. This feedback is included in the draft plan, with recreational fishing listed as an opportunity to ‘consider‘ and a ‘recreation opportunities that need further investigation.’
Introducing recreational fishing at Yan Yean is sure to enhance time spent at the reservoir for countless families in the region. By allowing recreational fishing at more urban waterways, including Yan Yean Reservoir, it will make it easier for families to go fishing closer to home and encourage the next generation to get hooked on fishing.
We’re encouraging recreational fishers to contribute to the public consultation via the online survey and let Melbourne Water know if you’d love to see Yan Yean Reservoir opened to allow recreational fishing.
Fishing is a fantastic pastime for all ages and creating a family-friendly fishing spot at Yan Yean would be an immense benefit for the local community.
Find out more about the Draft Future Directions Plan for Yan Yean Reservoir Park and have your say via Melbourne Water’ website’s online survey.
Share your thoughts on the Draft Future Directions Plan for Yan Yean Reservoir Park and the opportunities you value most via the online survey, by Sunday 8 March 11.59pm.
Community Information Sessions
Melbourne Water are hosting the following community information sessions in February 2026.
Join them online or in person to hear more about the draft plan and to provide your input:
| Community Session 1 | Pop Up 1 | Community Session 2 (Online) | Community Session 3 | Pop Up 2 |
| Friday 20 February, 10am-11.30am Brookwork Community Centre Unit 1/25 Hazel Glen Dr, Doreen VIC 3754 Register for the event | Sunday 22 February, 11am – 2pm Yan Yean Reservoir Park | Monday 23 February, 7pm – 8.30pm Online Register for the webinar | Wednesday 25 February Whittlesea Community Activity Centre 57/61 Laurel St, Whittlesea VIC 3757 Register for the event | Saturday 28 February, 11am-2pm Yan Yean Reservoir Park |
