Bumper Murray cod season has begun

SOME of Victoria’s most popular inland fishing spots will be drawcards for anglers this summer as the annual Murray cod fishing season opened last weekend. Cod opening is Christmas come early for many freshwater fishers and follows the annual three-month closed season – applicable to most waters north of the Great Dividing Range – which gives the iconic native species a chance to breed in peace. Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said while large impoundments such as Lake Eildon, Rocklands Reservoir and Lake Eppalock are now open year-round, summer presents terrific fishing opportunities in rivers, creeks and smaller lakes. “Cod opening weekend means people flocking to productive waters like the Ovens, Goulburn, Campaspe, Loddon and Lindsay rivers, Gunbower Creek and many more, now that the big breeding fish have had time to lay eggs and rest on the nest,” he said. “These waters are go-to spots for families, with riverfront camping spots at a premium, caravan parks packed, people eating at local pubs and cafes, filling up and buying bait at service stations and enjoying all that regional Victoria has to offer. “We’ve stocked more fish than all other Australian states and territories combined, including more than three million Murray cod each year thanks to the Victorian Government’s Go Fishing and Boating Plan, to make sure events like cod opening are circled in people’s calendars. “There’s great experiences to be had whether you base yourself in a regional centre close to several fishing spots like Shepparton, Eildon, Mansfield, Horsham, Wangaratta, Bendigo or Mildura, you stay at a smaller town or even a waterfront camping site.” Mr Dowling said Murray cod could be caught on relatively simple gear and were often found among woody habitat such as submerged logs and fallen trees. “Cod are readily caught on lures like StumpJumpers and spinnerbaits, cast from a boat or the shore. Alternatively, bait fishers enjoy success using yabbies, bardi grubs, worms or just a bit of cheese or chicken,” he said. “Persistence and patience are the keys to success when chasing Murray cod, whatever method of fishing you choose to tempt them. “Our fisheries officers will be out across northern Victoria helping people care for their catch with the right handling techniques and ensuring anglers let fish go that are outside the 55 to 75cm slot limit.” More information on bag and size limits can be found at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/murraycod

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