We’ve had such dramas in the lead up to cod season with mass fish kills further downstream due to ‘black water.’ Whether it’s an artificially made problem or results of the floods, hopefully something can be learned from it. This is the second time in five years, so answers and future plans should be a major focus for the controlling authorities. Fortunately, here at Lake Mulwala, we’ve stayed okay.

Cod should be active and willing to play with those who may have seen their favourite cod fishing grounds decimated for the foreseeable future. Water conditions have dirtied up a bit, but nothing different to what we saw as regular conditions before last season’s blue-green algae outbreak. The only problem to pop up in the last week or two has been the abundance of weed. Lure fishos will certainly encounter it and be kept busy, keeping lures tracking in a straight line.

Re-reading last year’s January report shows that it’s nearly impossible to re-invent the wheel – early season predictions will be almost identical. Lure fishing tends to turn up bigger cod, while the bait fishos will be rewarded with higher numbers. For the trollers, 70-120mm lures are always a great choice. Spinnerbaits shouldn’t be discounted, as they’ve produced many fish on the troll in the past few years.

Those that prefer to cast tend to use spinnerbaits and crankbaits, but look at casting some timber hardbodies too. Cod have seen many spinnerbaits over the past 15 years and it might be a case of ‘what’s old is new again’ with a return to the old style timber lures. The bait crew should be looking towards bardi grubs, yabbies and the ever-popular scrub worm.

Fishing below the weir early in the season produces plenty of undersize Murray cod, the protected trout cod and the fun-to-catch silver perch – throw in numerous carp and yellas. The Murray is more often a better option for the family if you’re looking to put the kids onto a fish for a bit of fun.

Looking back, November produced minimal action as the yellas slowed from their early spring run. Most anglers who got out reported surprisingly good numbers of cod attacking the smaller lures with vigour. Most of the fish were in very good condition.

I welcome all anglers visiting the area over these holidays to pop in and say hello at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski (opposite Mulwala Post Office). We have a new store located between Rivers and One Zac in the main street, Yarrawonga as well. We are your local tackle specialists and specialise in all things green. I’m sure we can put you onto a fish or two and make your visit to the region a rewarding and memorable one.

I hope everybody had a happy Christmas and a safe New Year. May your fish be big and green!

• 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.