Over the past few months we have seen very low levels of water throughout our local river systems, this in turn has seen anglers vary techniques that may not have normally been used this far into winter.

The low levels have produced extremely good water clarity, which in turn has avid lure anglers licking their lips.

For those with sounders, it is important to select the areas to sight fish then work those spots over up to 5 or 6 runs. This may be over only a few 100m to stir the fish up and cause a strike. Too many of us, and I have been guilty of it as well, get lazy and think it’s just a matter of trolling a lure out the back and waiting.

I am not sure if the lure colour is more or less significant than the techniques, I have had days lately where instead of changing the lure I have turned the boat for one last run and all of a sudden success strikes! This doesn’t mean that I don’t have a large range of lures, as I believe in light or dark shades on different days and climatic conditions can be beneficial.

The low water levels also give anglers prepared to walk the banks and cast lures the opportunity to catch some large natives. Spinnerbaits often produce great results with similar methods of repeated casts in an area to arouse the fish.

For those bait fishing the best baits are scrub worms or yabbies, the latter keeping some of the pesty carp away a little longer.

Fisheries are opening the cray season on 1 June. I know many who are looking forward to getting out the nets that were packed away last year and venture to their favourite spots and catch our freshwater crays. It is vital that people observe all the current regulations regarding crays, so the species are sustainable for future anglers.

I have been getting some strong reports of redfin taking small yabbies in the local irrigation channels, and I suspect the Campaspe and Goulburn would be similar. I would also throw some small lures into these streams while having the bait rod out to see which will be the most effective.

With only a few weeks left until we go into our closed cod season, it is the perfect time to get out on the water and hunt for our mighty Murray cod. Good luck and good fishing!