General News
18 December, 2024
Cod season opens
It's back: Murray cod fishing in the Wimmera River has reopened for summer.
The season started on Sunday, arriving as an early gift for anglers across the region.
"Cod opening is Christmas come early for many freshwater fishers and follows the annual three-month closed season which gives the iconic native species a chance to breed in peace," Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said.
During this period, fishing for cod was allowed in most Wimmera basin waterways but was prohibited in the Wimmera River itself.
"Cod opening weekend means people flock to productive waters now that the big breeding fish have had time to lay eggs and rest on the nest," Mr Dowling said.
“These waters are go-to spots for families, with riverfront camping spots at a premium, caravan parks packed, people eating at local pubs and cafes, filling up and buying bait at service stations and enjoying all that regional Victoria has to offer."
Mr Dowling said VFA had "stocked more fish than all other Australian states and territories combined, including more than three million Murray cod each year".
“There are great experiences to be had whether you base yourself in a regional centre close to several fishing spots like Horsham or Mildura or you stay at a smaller town or even a waterfront camping site,” he said.
Mr Dowling said Murray cod could be caught on relatively simple gear and were often found in woody habitats of submerged logs and fallen trees.
“Cod are readily caught on lures like StumpJumpers and spinnerbaits cast from a boat or the shore.
"Alternatively, bait fishers enjoy success using yabbies, bardi grubs, worms or just a bit of cheese or chicken."
Mr Dowling said fisheries officers would be active in helping anglers care for their catches by handling them correctly and to ensure that all fish outside the 55cm-75cm legal size slot were released.
More information: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/murraycod