There are fewer fish but bigger sizes this month

YARRAWONGA

Tony Bennett codclassic@bigpond.com

As our daylight vanishes and the moccasins get pulled out of the cupboard, our cod fishing tends to slow down. For those anglers who are switched on and can put up with some ordinary conditions, this is the time of year when the big girls tend to appear. If you put in the hard yards, the rewards can be great.

Upsizing your lure presentations can be the difference between catching 1-2 fish of average Mulwala size, to a fish of extra-large proportions. At this time of year, personally I would be using 1oz mumblers/ chatterbaits cast along the edge of the channels, 100mm+ hardbodied lures with shallow diving bibs (Cod Dogs and Big M 2.0) cast in the 1-3m/3-9ft depth range, or swimbaits slowly worked in the deeper water. Surface lures are another great option, but the surface action tends to slow at this time of year.

Looking back, April was a very consistent month, with many cod reported. Those trolling the open section of the lake around the town end tended to turn up the best numbers of fish, with the majority in the 40-60cm size range. As per the last couple of years, the ‘scopers’ landed the majority of the bigger cod with meteries being fairly common. One fella had an amazing few nights on the scope, and that was Mick Massier. Mick managed exactly 50 cod over three full nights, with 30 being landed in one hectic 12-hour session. Two meteries and the remainder measuring over 60cm made for a memorable evening.

Downstream in the river below the weir, the fishing has been phenomenal. Those who have been lure fishing have been achieving super results trolling shallower mid-sized lures. Local character Pete Megarrity accompanied by ‘Squeaker’ Lewis & Co had an amazing day out recently, landing close to 30 for the day.

Over the school holidays the number of smaller fish (especially carp) reported was crazy, but kept most kids entertained.

One individual fish that deserves special mention is that caught by Mike Proctor. This fish is the third biggest I have heard of here in 30 years, and measured in at an amazing 133cm! Mike was using chicken as bait, and fishing about 600m below the weir. After a few quick photo’s this monster was released for some other lucky angler to catch one day. Great effort Mike! For those interested, in my 30 years of fishing in and around Lake Mulwala, the biggest two I have seen both measured 135cm.

Murray cray season opens from June 1, and as per usual, putting in the effort will reap the rewards. Make sure you are fully up to speed on bag, size and net limits before you head out.

If you’re visiting town, call into Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski, the shop with the big green cod out the front (opposite the post office) in Mulwala, or check out our Yarrawonga store located between Rivers and One Zac in the main street. We’re Yarrawonga/ Mulwala’s fishing specialists and specialize in all things ‘green’! For any information on the upcoming events or fishing reports, give us a hoy on 03 5744 3133.