The lake has settled around 86% capacity and the fish have returned but hard work is still needed to produce results.

The town end of the lake cleared up a lot more quickly than the Bundalong end and a few switched-on locals managed to find the redfin. Numbers of fish were down on a couple of months back, but the quality had improved greatly with all fish carrying a great cover of Winter fat.

Trevor Beach led the charge of the bank fishos, casting small soft plastics from the foreshore around town and picking up numerous great reddies. There were also a few cod, with the best a 74cm model taken by one of Trev’s mates.

George Jovanovic wore a track in the lake, continually trolling the same area in open water out from the bridge. His persistence produced quite a few great reddies for the table and numerous cod which were released.

On George’s advice, I made a trip out late in the month with good mate Ollie. For a couple of hours’ work we managed two undersized cod and one great 1.5kg redfin on Jackall TN60s.

The abundant weed in the lake has persisted after the lowering of the lake and refilling. Love it or hate it, I can only see it as a benefit to the number and quality of fish for years to come. The weed provides cover, habitat and food for various species. With the Murray cod being at the top of the food chain in this waterway, there can only be one winner!

The only other report I received came from Mr Persistent, Andrew Jacotine, who picked up four quality cod casting soft plastics a long distance, letting them sink to the bottom and then slowly rolling them back to the boat.

Remember that cod season is well and truly closed until December 1, when the new minimum legal size of 60cm comes into effect.

The next month or two is traditionally golden perch time. These fish tend to fire once the water reaches 16o and there is a bit of movement in the lake with some irrigation water being released.

Mid-size hardbodied lures, lipless crankbaits, soft plastics and spinnerbaits should all account for their quota.

The fishing competition season is getting close, with many great events planned for Lake Mulwala. Anyone looking for information on the Yamaha Cod Classic, Yarrawonga Mulwala Xmas Engel Fish-a-rama, Lowrance Da$h 4 Ca$h, The Golden Dollar$ or the His & Hers Partners Classic can call on 03 5744 1667, or check out www.codclassic.com.au .

The author with a 53cm Murray cod. Fishing improved in August but was still hard work. Murray cod season is closed until December 1.