After the great cod fishing we had last month I am pleased to report that although the action is now a little quieter, there is still plenty of good fishing to be had in and around the Echuca area. The water level of the Murray is still just below the normal levels for this time of year and water quality is also very good, with the water temperature hovering around 24°C.

Large Murray cod are still being caught downstream of Echuca, with lurefishing still the best tactic. Red, green and black seem to be the colours of choice for the bigger fish. Local fisherman Bill Henson has been trolling around the Casey Road boat ramp and landed a quality Murray cod of 112cm. This fish took a No.1 StumpJumper (colour - green with black stripes).

There are other reports of fish around the 70-80cm mark being taken on bardi grubs. The place to try is in the area around Braun Road. Smaller fish have also been caught below the Torrumbarry Weir, and bait again is the best tactic. Bardi grubs and medium sized yabbies are the baits of choice for this stretch of the Murray.

The Gunbower Creek has seen its fair share of action also, with plenty of small cod (and a few better ones) caught on bait, with shrimps the way to go. A few redfin have also been caught and these, too, are biting on shrimp.

The hottest spot that I have been told about is the Wakool River; here the action is split evenly between yellowbelly and cod. Lures are by far the way to go, with lipless crankbaits the best of the yellowbelly lures. The best colour has been the gold and black combination.

Murray cod have been taken on surface lures, with the best times being the hour before sunrise and the hour around sunset. All types of surface lures have been working, including Jitter Bugs, Night Walkers and SureCatch Frogs. Those anglers who have been there at the right times have got into some really hot action.

Let’s hope that the fishing around Wakool stays hot as their fishing tournament is planned for the weekend of March 24-25. The fishing competition for the Mathoura Fishing Club is also on in March (theirs is scheduled for the weekend of March 3-4), and the Echuca-Moama RSL Club’s fishing competition is on March 23-25. The Echuca-Moama RSL comp has over $50,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, which should attract a lot of competitors. If you want more info on any of these tournaments you can find it on the Tournaments Page in this issue.

Until next month, good fishing to all and for more information for fishing in Echuca and surrounding areas call in and see Garry at Gone Fishin’ Echuca.