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Chase the Mulwala legends
  |  First Published: February 2014



With things starting to settle down and resemble some sort of normality after a hectic Christmas/New Year period, it's time to get back in the boat and attack the home of the Murray cod, Lake Mulwala. Traditionally, January through to May is your prime time to be chasing the Mulwala legends and there is no time better than the present.

For the beginners, mums/dads looking to put the kids onto a fish or those who haven't got access to a boat, bait fishing from the shore is your best bet. Areas on the NSW side of the lake that have good access and prove productive for the bait fishos include the Train Park, the foreshore around the Mulwala swimming pool and the park opposite Club Mulwala, directly at the end of the main traffic bridge. On the Victorian side, the Yarrawonga foreshore, Hogan's Road foreshore and the Yacht Club give great access.

Those with boat access have unlimited options and plenty of area to explore. Bait anglers are best served seeking out some water with good depth and current flow. Choice baits, according to Cod Classic catch cards, include bardi grubs, cheese, scrub worms or yabbies.

Lure fishing, where do I start? The choices and applications are endless. Easiest bet, and surprisingly one of the most productive, is trolling the open water in front of the Yarrawonga/Mulwala townships. Even though there is no visible structure (trees) above the water there is a plethora of timber below. Lures that troll to depths of 5-6m are your best option and will keep you from continually being snagged. Don't discount casting this open water, as the cod in this area have not seen as many cast lures as those in other parts of the lake.

Those that like ‘active’ fishing casting any style of lure, whether it is a hardbody, spinnerbait or crankbait, have endless options. Important things to remember are lure presentation, as close as possible to the snag, current flow, lure choice and ‘slow’. Keep things fairly simple and rewards will come for those who put in the time.

Looking back, early December proved tough due to the unseasonal cold snap but as the weather warmed, so did the fishing action. Numerous cod were reported by happy customers but none happier than young gun 11yo Harry Snook from Gunnedah. Harry and his father David spent a few days here pre-Christmas and did very well landing numerous cod measuring well into the 70cm bracket.

Surface fishing is very popular this time of year and should not be discounted at any time, especially dawn or dusk. Doing some homework on wind direction and fishing areas will always find you with pockets of calm water to fish even when it is a tad windy.

After reading my own report over and over again, I can't stress enough how handy the new Lake Mulwala mapping system from Charted Waters is, even if you think you know the lake like the back of your hand or are only new to the waterway. For the ability to help you chose your preferred water margins, sneaky creeks or just for basic navigation is priceless.

With the competition season upon us, there are a few events coming up over the next couple of months. The first is the ever popular Lowrance Da$h 4 Cash, Feb 15-16. Following this is the His & Hers Partners Classic, March 1, a great day for understanding couples to share time together in the boat. To round out the comp season is the Cod Nationals, five days of serious tournament fishing for the dedicated green fish angler.

If you are visiting town I urge you to call into Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski (Opposite the Post Office) in Mulwala and say G’Day. We are your largest Murray cod specific shop in Yarrawonga/Mulwala and specialise in all things “Green”! For any information on the upcoming events or fishing reports give us a hoy on 0357 443133.

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