Lake Mulwala is being drawn down in attempt to control the weed. Some say it’s a problem but I believe it’s great for our fish population.

The lake will be lowered by about 3m, back to the original river course.

History has shown that fishing during these times is productive but I everyone to practise catch and release, don’t be greedy.

I know Fisheries will be keeping a close eye on what going on.

April proved consistent for cod with George Jovanovic again producing fish of the month with a 105cm specimen caught and released in the Hogans Road area.

Matt Hansen, a WIN TV fishing reporter from Dubbo spent a week fishing and filming and had his Bassman spinnerbait gobbled up by a 104cm brute around Bundalong.

A group from South Australia spent time surface fishing and had some great fun landing numerous cod, with Luke Whitmore’s 78cm the best.

Local topwater specialist Rohan Stephens had a few great nights on the surface with 95cm his best while CJ Wilson had a couple of hot sessions with seven topwater cod in two hours. The most productive lure has been the Koolabung Surface Paddler.

In the 19th Mulwala Classic, Rick Jones from Sydney topped 104 invited competitors with Cod Hunter Fishing Tours guide Roger Miles a close second. Mick Maxwell’s longest cod went 101cm while Derek Blow landed 11 cod for the highest aggregate.

Mick and Rob Jones teamed up with Greg Rourke and Mick Cochrane to take out the teams event with 10 legals. A total of 91 legal (65cm+) and 315 undersize cod were caught, measured and released. Credit must go to Dick Stanton for organising a great event in his first year at the helm, along with many others.

Easter was huge with thousands flocking to the region to tempt the elusive cod. Dave Radman was ably guided by mates Matt 1 and Matt 2 onto eight fish in one short session casting tight in around the weed. Matt 1 landed five cod in his debut attempt for them.

Many others anglers reported fish with lures and bait accounting for equal shares. The common comment was on the prime condition of the fish, while others remarked on the number of cod that regurgitated mice upon capture.

The inaugural Cod Nationals were held in late April when 45 anglers fished for a week and all 23 teams have committed to return for the 2012 Nationals.

Twenty thousand 30mm golden perch fingerlings have been released by NSW Fisheries as part of the annual stocking program. These fish will reach minimum legal size of 30cm in two to three years.

Down stream in the river a surprising increase in quality cod and yellas have been reported along with many thousands of small carp and silver perch.

Sam Trewin, 8, of Yarrawonga, was camping at Easter downstream with family and friends. Sam’s rod was nearly pulled into the river but some how he managed to control the fish and get it onto a sandbar, where his line broke.

Sam promptly jumped on it and screamed for help. His dad, Matt, was astonished when he found Sam lying on top of a 78cm cod.

Make sure that if you are chasing Murray crays you are well aware of all the rules, regulations and bag limits. Most tackle outlets have cray measures.