As the cold, wet and windy days of winter roll on the fishing in and around Echuca has become very hard work. Most information that is coming my way is from the hardiest of anglers who are having limited success in the pursuit of larger winter cod.

The water temperature is down to around 8oC, which certainly doesn’t help when chasing natives. In addition to the low temperature, a recent flush of water has also seen the water clarity diminish, though the water levels are still more than high enough for fishing and boating.

The river around Echuca is still producing good numbers of crays, and all areas, both up and downstream of Echuca are worth the effort. The Murray River around Picola has also been very good for crays, with the river around the ‘gulf’ the most successful spot in the area.

The Campaspe River between Rochester and Echuca is well worth the effort for a chance at landing a few nice redfin. The ‘reddies’ have been caught on small bibless cranks and small soft plastics. It is important to work the snags and any ledges for the best results. The occasional by-catch using this method has been a good size golden perch or two.

The Edward River around Mathoura has probably accounted for the majority of the native fish action lately, with the water levels being very low and the water very clear. The best results have been achieved by walking along the banks and casting spinnerbaits and hard-bodied lures to the snags. Casting into the deeper holes has also been profitable, and because of the low water levels these areas are very easy to identify.

The best of the Murray cod caught in the area was a 1.13m fish landed on a purple and black Quadspin spinnerbait,. Generally the fish have been cod about the 60cm mark, but occasional golden perch have been landed as well.

It has been great to see a bit of normal winter rain lately and hopefully the return of some good spring rains should lead to some excellent late spring and summer native action.

For more information on the Echuca area call into Gone Fishin' and talk to Garry or give him a ring on 03 5482 4291.