Hope Santa looked after you all this year and came bearing gifts that more than likely consist of fishing gear! It's post-festive season and hopefully you’ll be keen to get out, get it wet or put a bend in it!

Fishing in and around Lake Mulwala and the Murray River this time of year generally proves more productive early morning and late afternoon. Those that seek quieter water away from the hordes of ‘doof doof’ boats and ‘water lice’ (jet skis) will produce better results.

The areas of Lake Mulwala that generally give you solace from the urban cowboys tend to be along the northern side of the lake, up to about 1km in from the shoreline. The northern side of the lake is heavily timbered. It has less safe boating channels but allows those who poke slowly along some great timber to fish. These areas range from 2-4m in depth and are perfect for casting any style of cod specific lure, whether hardbody, spinnerbait, crank bait or chatter bait. Trolling is also very productive and should not be discounted.

Fishing below the weir early in the season generally produces plenty of undersize Murray cod, protected trout cod and the fun to catch silver perch. Throw in bucketfuls of carp and good numbers of yellas, the Murray is more often than not a better option for the family if they are looking to put the kids onto a fish for a bit of fun.

There is not much more to report at present because as I put pen to paper, it’s the calm before the storm. With only a few sleeps until Cod season, the majority of anglers have re armed themselves and are awaiting to pounce!

I welcome all anglers visiting Yarrawonga/Mulwala over the holiday period to pop in and say G’Day at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski (opposite Mulwala Post Office). I'm sure we can put you onto a fish or two and make your visit to the region a rewarding and memorable one. Finally I wish all a happy New Year.