A footy fan has been rescued after he stumbled into the Yarra River where he became stuck for up to 90 minutes.

The West Footscray man, 41, was walking along the river's north bank, east of Jim Stynes Bridge in Melbourne, when he fell into the water early on Sunday morning, police believe.

A footy fan was rescued from the Yarra River early on Sunday morning. Credit:Nine News

Emergency services were alerted to the man's cries for help about 3.45am.

Ground and water police located him with the assistance of the air wing.