The Goulburn River has been fishing more consistently than it has for many years, with reports of anglers catching good-sized cod and plenty of juvenile fish as well.

I spent a long time talking to anglers over the past month trying to find the best method for catching local cod. The verdict was pretty convincing with 70% of anglers catching quality cod on bait, mainly cheese and grubs.

Moira Park on the Goulburn River has been on fire, with cod being caught and released up to almost 1m. I fished with a group of young chaps (Jacob Crow, Sean Gledhill, Phill Osmonds and Lachy Whitehead) out at Moira and they put me onto some really top spots. The banks are very steep and there is some very shallow water out there – but don’t let that turn you off. I landed fish to 60cm out of water no deeper than 60cm. There are some great trolling runs too, with an average depth of 3m along many of the straits.

If you want to launch your boat and it has some size about it, either use a good 4WD or go down Mitchell Road. There is a nice spot to put your boat in down there.

Kialla Lakes has been very quiet and I can see this being the case for the next month. With the water temperature right up, it seems to turn the golden perch off – but it’s still worth a try just on sunset or sunrise.

For me and many other local anglers, February is one of the most exciting months of the year, as we see the fourth annual River Rats Fishing Classic held on the banks of the mighty Goulburn River on February 21/22.

This two-day event run from the Shepparton Boat Ramp is a great excuse for families and keen fishers to get out on the water and pick up some great fish.

For only $30 for open male participants, $25 for ladies and a low price of $15 for juniors, it’s a very affordable weekend. Phil Adler from Bozo lures will be making an appearance, giving entrants tips on how to fish with Bozo lures. He will also be selling the famous Bozo lures and Bassman spinnerbaits during the weekend.

For more information on the event, pop into Trellys Tackle World in Shepparton, or send me an email --e-mail address hidden-- ).

I hope to see lots of readers at the event, as the event needs local support to run for years to come.

Phill Osmond with 88cm Murray cod caught at Moira Park on cheese in no more than 1m of water.