Once again the rivers were on the rise in early February. The fishing was starting to pick up until the rains came down and we had yet more high water.

The Goulburn was finally starting to clean up and looking promising, with reports of big fat cod being landed out Toolamba way.

I think if the rivers have settled back to a normal height you will find larger cod being caught in March.

It’s very hard to report on the rivers, as one week they’re up, the next they’re down, all I can say is keep trying. Cast as many lures and drown as much bait as you can and hopefully you will come out on top.

With the January river rise and early February rain the River Rats Fishing Club decided to shift its annual fishing classic out to Kialla Lakes.

This decision was not easy but with the rising river it was just too unsafe.

I’m glad we made the change as there was almost 100mm of rain over the weekend of 5-6 February. There were 118 keen anglers who braved the rain during the weekend and a promising statistic was almost half of the entrants were under 15-years-old.

Entrants enjoyed the warm water conditions with 45 yellowbelly being measured in for the competition.

After a week of extremely hot days the rain brought the fish on, and at one point 13 fish were measured in within 45 minutes of the competition starting.

The biggest fish for the weekend was a 45cm yellowbelly caught by young Hayden Flanagan, there also were three entrants who made up 2nd place with Greg Murphy, Phil Osmond and Brayden Beckenham all landing 44cm yellowbelly.

The STY Fencing Casting Challenge was also a great success with 20 entrants participating in the Saturday heats, with four making it through to the Sunday final

Andrew Jacatine from Goodoo Warrior Lures and Steve Gaunt of Outlaw Spinnerbaits took on two River Rats in Jessie Vella and defending Champion Jacob Crow.

Jacob Crow hitt 8 out of 10 targets to go back to back in the STY Fencing Casting Challenge.

It was a great weekend and every entrant received a prize and two BBQ lunches.

The club may look at running more events from Kialla to stay tuned for upcoming events.

The plan for March would be after any hot days that are followed up by rain get to Kialla Lakes. These lakes are in perfect condition and are a good bet if the rivers are too dirty.

Jackalls and spinnerbaits would be my lure of choice, but don’t forget the old reliable Stumpjumper as it produced a good amount of fish during the February competition.