In past years April has been very productive.

We should see some larger fish come out prior to the colder winter months; it’s a month where I tend to start leaning towards larger lures for that big monster cod. Shepparton has some good quality fish and it’s all about putting in the time to drag them from the depths of our rivers.

The Goulburn River has many large snags and deep bends that hold good solid fish. Casting big single bladed spinnerbaits or trolling deep diving lures. If you’re not into lure fishing big fresh baits seem to work just as well. With the water temperature heading down, catching yabbies and shrimp maybe a tad tough but well worth it if you can get your hands on them.

If boating, launch from the Shepparton ramp and head upstream, just a few 100m from the ramp is some really nice drop offs. If you continue to the Broken River junction there is two or three 6m plus holes on each bend. When I fish the Goulburn I hit these spots for at least 20 minutes on each bend.

The lake has been fishing very well for redfin in the months leading into this report, trolling TN60s has been a very popular way of landing the redfin. I have also been told casting vibes with a quick retrieve has also been effective. In the coming months early morning and late afternoon should see the trout fishing picking up. Look for the rise and fire a cast in as close to the ripple as possible for maximum chance at hooking up.

Remember it’s a stocked lake and the more people take the less there will be for others so please fish responsibly for the future.

In late February I had the opportunity to fish in the Yellowbelly Championships at Burrinjuck. I was partnered by a leading cod fisho Jamie Stewart and fished for team Bassman. It was a very tough event but it was a great time had by all.

Two other teams from Shepparton headed up to the event and I’m happy to say we at least finished higher than them.

Another huge tournament coming up is the Lake Mulwala Cod Nationals, I know a few teams from our region attending and would like to wish them all the best.

Jessie Vella from Catch Spinnerbaits with a nice cod on his custom chatterbait.