With Santa’s chores now out of the way, hopefully your excitement levels are a bit higher than that of those who went in search of the elusive golden perch during mid-spring.

Traditionally the bell the signals the start of the Melbourne Cup also says yella fishing time, but as the horses jumped, the fish bolted. The only positive than can be taken out of the last month or two has been the amount of quality and well conditioned cod encountered.

Personally I believe there are several reasons in regards to lack of yella action and reports. The first is that with other lakes such as Hume, Eildon, Eppalock, Cairn Curran being back ‘on line’, anglers have tended to give them a go as they are a novelty after seeing little action over the drought years.

Second and most obvious reason I believe is the amount of human intervention the water levels of Lake Mulwala have had over the past few years. If you look back to 2009 when the lake was abundant with weed and the food supply chain was running rampant, fish cod, golden perch and redfin were plentiful.

Over the last two winters the lake has been drained to kill of excess weed which has worked a treat but where have all the yellas and redfin gone? I don’t believe they are going to hang around if there is no cover and they are easy prey for the cod.

But, it’s now cod season again so yippee! As per usual Lake Mulwala will become home for most genuine green fisho’s who I’m sure would have well and truly had their first fix by now.

As usual Lake Mulwala will always produce cod but this time of year becomes a bit harder with the mass influx of skiers and jet skis for the holidays.

Best results are gained by those who get out amongst the snags and less accessible locations such as Kyffins, Taramia and Drain Lane areas, more the north side of the lake. Lure selection for this time of year should see you diving into your tackle box and pulling out a spinnerbait, crankbait or chatterbait to either cast or slow troll in the 2-5m range.

Wayne Douglass with a 74cm cod caught on a trolled SMAK Brolga lure aimed at the elusive golden perch.