As December 1 approaches, cod anglers prepare themselves for the upcoming season. There are reels to ready, lines to check, hooks to sharpen and bait to gather. We look forward to the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime, and I hope that all the anglers have a really great cod opening.

In general, the fishing around the Echuca area is still a little inconsistent. There is the chance of a golden perch or two, but they are still pretty hard work. Best results of late have come from the downstream side of Torrumbarry Weir, with some good-sized goldens being caught on shrimp and worms. There is also plenty of by-catch in the form of small to medium silver perch. These protected natives seem to be plentiful in this stretch of the Murray River.

Another place that has seen a few good golden perch caught is around the junction of the Campaspe and Murray rivers. The best tactic around here has again been to use bait. Small yabbies, worms and shrimp seem to be the best of the baits. There has also been a few redfin caught in this area.

The Waranga Basin is also starting to fire, with the redfin starting to come on the chew. The trick to bringing home a good bag of reddies is to drift until you find the fish, then bob baits or jigs. This is by far the most productive way to fish the Basin. Small yabbies and worms are the baits of choice.

At the moment the water levels at Echuca are still a bit below the normal summer levels. There is, however, more than enough water for fishing, camping and boating, and we are looking forward to a great cod season. The levels above Echuca and in The Narrows are also down a little but they also will provide some excellent fishing through the summer months. The water levels in the Edward River have also been lower than normal but there will be more than enough water for the upcoming fishing season.

The places that I recommend trying for cod opening are the Murray River above Mathoura around Fishermans Bend, and below the Torrumbarry Weir. I wish everybody a great Cod opening and hope everybody catches a cod or two.

For more information about fishing in the Echuca area call in and see Garry at Gone Fishin’ Annesley St, Echuca, or call 03 5482 4291.