The start of the autumn season has seen the arrival of some hot fishing action in and around Echuca.

Local anglers have been reporting good catches of Murray cod after the onset of some lovely warm weather recently. Some really solid 65 to 85cm Murray cod have been caught upstream of Echuca by anglers using large hard-bodied lures.

Local angler Robert Walker trolled some size 1 StumpJumpers downstream recently and caught three good fish in three days. This method of trolling with the current, despite causing more snags, can be very rewarding.

Not to be outdone, the cod are also on the chew downstream of Echuca. Most fish landed in this area of the river have fallen for bait. The best catch I’ve heard of was a 40lb+ cod caught just above the Deep Creek Marina. This fish took a yabby fished in snaggy water that was over 20ft deep. Bardi grubs have been accounting for most of the better-sized fish caught in this area.

Another report that came through my tackle shop was a 112cm thumper that was caught close to town. This report was light on details so I’ll endeavour to get some more information and hopefully even a photo for next month.

The Campaspe River has been producing some nice sized yellowbelly around its junction with the Murray River. Casting spinnerbaits from the bank has been the best way to catch them.

The Goulburn River is also well worth the effort with legal sized yellowbelly and cod caught on small hard-bodied lures and spinnerbaits. Again, casting from the bank has been the best way to catch them.

Waranga Basin continues to produce excellent catches of redfin. These fish are best caught on small yabbies and on ice jigs.

For more information on fishing in the Echuca area call in and talk to Garry at Gone Fishin’ in Annesley St, Echuca, or give him a buzz on (03) 5482 4291.