The long wait is over and it is now cod season.

This would have to be one of the most important days on the calendar for inland freshwater anglers.

November provided very little reports and the local fishing was extremely difficult; just as the river was clearing up and fish taking lures and bait frequently then more rain and yet another rising river.

It’s getting very frustrating with the rivers constantly rising and falling, but we should never complain about the water; that’s the positive out of it all.

Currently the temperature has just hit 30C and everything is looking good for December. More rain will see more muddy rivers which make lure fishing very difficult, but if we get early December rain I suggest getting the bait rod out and drown a scrubby or two as lures are not as affective during these times.

Fingers crossed the weather and water quality picks up and if it does so, I predict that the fish will go nuts. Every time the river has settled since the September floods they have been taking lures and bait very aggressively.

All the general spots around town are worth a shot from Toolamba, Moira, Raffertys or just behind the newly filled Shepparton Lake. I haven’t had the chance to check out the river behind the lake but I suggest taking caution when boating as there are newly moved snags in the middle of the River.

It’s usually one of Shepparton’s most consistent fishery but it has not been producing fish since the September floods. I suspect that when the flood water made its way into the lake the fish migrated into the Broken and Goulburn rivers. It’s like fishing in a bowl of coco pops. Its changed from a lovely clear freshwater lake to now a brown swamp-like area that is not fishing well at all.

It’s very disappointing because it’s been a great place to fish over the last 3-4 years and so many people have learnt to art of lure fishing in the lake. I really hope the fish are just being stubborn and once the water clears up they come back on the chew.

I would also like to congratulate local anglers Daryl Lines and Brad Clark for coming 13th in the October round of the Australian Yellowbelly Championships at Burrinjuck Dam.

Myself and Joel Andrews finished the round in 10th and qualified for the Australian Yellowbelly Championships Grand final so fingers crossed we do well.

December is all about targeting cod and Christmas, so I wish you all a safe and merry festive season. Please take care on the roads and the water I look forward to seeing you all on the water in the new year.

Jacob Crow with a nice Yellow belly caught prior to the river rising on a Bozo Ridgee Ratla.