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Crays, cod and cool times
  |  First Published: May 2009



It’s amazing how quick the weather can change over the course of a couple of days. One day you’re getting around in a pair of shorts and 48 hours later you’re pulling the wardrobe apart looking for a beanie.

The cold snap at the end of April saw the end of a continuous run of sensational weather (apart from the lack of rain). This was proven over the Easter long week with a huge influx of campers that made the annual pilgrimage to the banks of the Murray. Even the reports on the blue/green algae being rated as ‘red alert’ didn’t seem to deter the enthusiasm of those taking part in their water activities.

Steven’s Weir

This body of water has been producing good numbers of average sized fish with the odd one nudging the metre mark. Trolling hardbodied lures in a green pattern seems to be the echo we keep hearing. Providing the water stays at a workable level there should be some quality fish caught in the next few months. Bassman 4x4 spinnerbaits in the purple/white skirt was the lure to have for a crew from Echuca who managed to land eight cod up to 78cm while fishing in the shallower water. Yellowbelly have been taken below the weir while casting lipless crankbaits amongst the heads of the bigger fallen timber.

Echuca to Torrumbarry

This stretch of river has been a little slow in recent times with only a handful of better-sized fish being reported. Craig from Geelong who fishes the waters upstream of Deep Creek Marina every few weeks managed to land five cod with the biggest measuring 80cm while bank fishing with bardi grubs. Echuca’s Dan Davison picked up a nice cod at 90cm on a purple lure after spending some time bait fishing at one snag and then tossing their lures out the back while on their way to the next snag.

Who says there’s no luck in fishing? Mad keen fisherman Rob Walker was out putting his newly purchased boat through its paces when his J.D Python in the carp pattern was nailed by a feisty cod. After several bursts for freedom the well-conditioned greenfish of 96cm was landed for a quick photo session before being released.

The Torrumbarry Fishing Classic has been run and won with a total of 396 entrants who could not fault the weather over the weekend. Gary Anderson trolled up the winning cod at 91cm out of a total of 13 legal fish. Of the seven yellowbelly that made size, a 43cm model took out that section. Plenty of carp were also landed to go in the draw for some great prizes.

Congratulations must go to Wayne Williams and his team for putting together a fantastic weekend with a good family atmosphere and great Saturday night entertainment and prize giveaways. Certainly one to pencil in on the calendar for next year.

Murray Crayfish

With the cray season well under way it generally takes a few decent frosts to get the spiney critters on the move. A couple of productive areas worth a try is upstream of the Echuca east boat ramp, Five Mile boat ramp, and anywhere you come across a good clay bank. Last season the most productive bait was carp chunks with ox liver a close second. Remember to make sure you are up to date with the size limits and regulations; they are there for a reason.

For more information on what’s biting in the Echuca/Moama district, drop into J.T’s Fishing & Camping in Moama, opposite the Border Inn Hotel, or phone Justin on 0354 803868.

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