Most anglers have reported catching Murray cod, mostly 45cm to 60cm long. Preferred methods have been casting spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits or trolling hard-bodied lures. Best colours have been black and red or purple.

The other major topic is the number of redfin people are catching, with up to 70 a session and fish to 1.4kg.

All styles of fishing are working, especially with smaller lures. The hottest at the moment are the metal vibes, with Koolabung and Strike Pro popular.

With Murray cray season upon us until the end of August, a lot of effort working pots will be needed if you want decent returns. Make sure you are well aware of all rules and regulations because ignorance is no excuse when Fisheries inspectors come calling.

The burning question at the moment is Lake Mulwala’s water level. At the moment it is dropping until it reaches 5.4m below full height but the level at any given time is anyone’s guess. Best bet is to give me or Vanessa a call at Lake Mulwala Fish Camp & Ski on 03 5744 3133.

Last year the lake fished exceptionally well when lowered but I urge all anglers to be mindful of bag and size limits, especially when it comes to cod.

The will not be closed to fishing and boating but if reports like last season get about, I’m sure the powers that be will look at it in future years when there is a draw-down and close the lot.

A number of names come to mind when you talk about top fishermen who produce consistent results on Lake Mulwala but one name that stands head and shoulders above them all – Mick Miller of Wodonga.

Since the cod season opening last December, Mick has produced some amazing numbers and sizes of fish. On April 1 he proved he was no fool by catching and releasing a mighty 1.29m cod and the following weekend landed 16 fish to 96cm.

During the angling club’s festivities, he landed 14 fish with the best two 81cm and 84cm, caught a 98cm fish during the Cod Classic (equal longest fish), won the Partners Classic by over 500 points and has caught 13 fish over 1m since Christmas, so you can see Mick is one of a kind.

Mick’s preferred method is to cast Bassman spinnerbaits, along with some of his own home-made contraptions.

The 17th Mulwala Classic invitational attracted 100 anglers who in two days measured and released 44 legal size cod. Joel Mellon, of Wagga, landed a magnificent 1.20m cod, caught on a cast Mudguts spinnerbait to win the biggest fish trophy.

Danny Simpson caught four legal fish to win Champion Angler and Rob Grace, Dave Radman and Craig Stevens were top team with half a dozen legal fish between them. Graeme Clark, Warren Solomon, Jim Taylor and Alan Way deserve praise for their hard work in organising this great event.

The local angling club hosted their competition in mid-April for more than 450 entrants, most of whom were left wondering at the end of presentation what happened to the fish section prizes. Apparently organisers forgot, something that will be rectified for next year.

Mick Miller with a 1.29m cod caught at Lake Mulwala. It’s one of over a dozen metre-plus cod he’s caught since Christmas.