The powers that warned every man and their dog in the land to avoid all blue green algae affected waterways had little education behind their poorly planned advisory campaign. What they forgot to tell us is that it does not affect the fishing or the fish themselves – fish have lived in it for millions of years

Unfortunately, March and Easter in particular has been a write-off in both fishing and boating visitor numbers. Reports have been limited, but those who have put their lives on the line (tongue in cheek) have been rewarded more often than not.

Looking forward, we have now entered a period of cooler weather and the blue green algae (BGA) is expected to disappear over the next few weeks. Traditionally, as the temperature cools, so does the catch rate – but the quality of cod we see tends to improve. This season fishing the shallower areas has been more productive, and there is no reason why that won’t continue. Casting any style of lure or surface lures in particular will see you in with the best chance of tangling with a Mulwala monster or two.

Looking back, early March saw the running of the ‘His & Hers Partners Classic’. A huge 49 diehard teams tackled the BGA on a 41°C day to make things extra fun! The lake fished amazingly with 120+ cod measured and released. Jackie Crossley got the chocolates for the ladies’ biggest cod with a cracker measuring 70cm. Nick Dobinson pulled a mighty 102cm to take home the gentleman’s honours while Derek Blow was close behind with a 99cm bruiser. Derek and Sue Blow had a massive day, and landed six legals – easily taking home the winning team prize money.

The 24th Invitational Mulwala Classic was run in mid-March in some trying conditions with 60km/h+ winds greeting competitors on the first day. Paul Healey managed to find cover in some sneaky backwaters and landed an absolute stonker that measured in at 116cm. This fish fell victim to a cast Gangster spinnerbait. To top it off, the following day his fishing partner Kyle Dalrymple had a blinder, landing six nice cod and taking out the Champion Angler title in the process. Compliments to organisers Mick Massier, Simon Abernethy and their band of happy smiling helpers.

May really is the last month before w get into th bitter cold of winter down our way. Remember to rugging up, and take care on the foggy mornings on the lake around the timber - we don’t want any accidents.

Make sure you make a trip into town and get all the good oil from the locals so you too can pull tight to a Mulwala monster! And even if you don’t catch fish, it really is a beautiful part of the world and it’s here to be enjoyed.

• 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 (03) 5744 3133.