Trying to inspire anglers about any native fishing opportunities that exist in and around Lake Mulwala throughout September and into early October is nigh on impossible. With Cod season closed until December 1 and a few more weeks of warm weather required to get the yellas up and about, this is the time for a bit of gear and boat maintenance.

Looking on the positive side though, it's less than 90 days until the new season opens and within that timeframe somewhere, the yellas are guaranteed to fire sooner or later. Traditionally, the top end of the lake around the Bundalong area is more productive than the open waters of the lake itself. If you do encounter a cod over the next couple of months, you should release it unharmed and as quickly as possible.

All anglers must keep in mind that as of the 1st September through to 30th November inclusive, the targeting of Murray cod is not permitted while the crays are off limits until next June. The Murray River below Yarrawonga downstream through the Cobram area to the Tocumwal traffic bridge it totally closed to all forms of fishing from 1st September through to 30th November inclusive.

Looking back throughout August, reports were pretty slim once the lake filled completely. Unsettled fish along with cold and dirty water led to minimal encounters. Benalla fishing legend Reggie Smith spent a week or two fishing his traditional haunts returning numerous cod with 3 that measured in excess of the magical 1m mark. Bryden Whitfield seemed to have had the best individual day, by targeting shallow waters and casting spinner baits. He was rewarded with four 55cm plus specimens with the best measuring a very healthy 98cm. Phil and Riley Hickey were another pair who gave the lake a fair work out on the final weekend of the season with some good results. Phil got a couple of good cod while Riley bagged himself a nice 59cm cod on a trolled "Old Mate" lure. The "Old Mates" are a new cod lure to hit the market and are certainly making their presence felt. Graeme Jarvis and Steve Hogan had an entertaining weekend with a few hits and bumps along the way but Hogan was the only one who managed to pull a scale!

The final weekend of the season saw the final round of the Central Vic Lure Casters (and trollers) Super Series hosted out at Kyffins reserve. 102 anglers hit the water with great expectations. By the end of the 7hr session, 20 cod and two yellas had been recorded. 1st Place went to Russell Aston who cast Mumblers that did some damage returning him 3 cod measuring 54, 65 and 69cm respectively. 2nd place went to Simon Burke who landed the cod of a lifetime stretching the tape out to a healthy 114cm. Jason Lilly's bag of smaller cod left him in 3rd place.

Coming up on the 24th October is the popular Golden Do$$ars Fishing Competition, an event that specifically targets yellas and golden perch. Entry forms are now available for this event and the Cod Classic. The Cod Classic promises to be huge with the potential and amazing prize of One Million Dollars (that's right $1000000) on offer for the lucky person who manages to catch "Phil" the specially tagged Murray cod. Call in and see us at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski, the official Cod Classic shop (Opp Post Office) or call 0357 441667 for further information. Until next edition, happy fishing!