Thu Sep 05 by: Archer Hume
Murray cod is Australia's largest freshwater fish species, known for its impressive size and powerful fighting ability.
Source: vfa.vic.gov.au
Table of Contents
Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) is an iconic Australian freshwater fish species, highly prized by anglers for its size and challenging nature. These fish can grow to over 1 meter in length and weigh up to 50 kilograms, though specimens of this size are rare. Murray cod have a distinctive appearance with a large head, broad shoulders, and a greenish-brown coloration with mottled patterns.
Naturally found in the Murray-Darling river system, Murray cod prefer deep, slow-flowing rivers with plenty of structure such as fallen trees, rocks, and undercut banks. They are ambush predators, often hiding in these structures and waiting for prey to pass by. Their diet consists mainly of other fish, yabbies, and even small birds or mammals that fall into the water.
Fishing for Murray cod requires patience and skill. They are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights once hooked. Anglers often target them using heavy tackle and large lures or baits. The best times to fish for Murray cod are typically early morning or late evening, especially during the warmer months.
Conservation efforts are crucial for Murray cod, as their populations have declined due to habitat loss, river regulation, and overfishing. Catch and release practices are encouraged to help maintain healthy populations of this iconic species.
In Victoria, fishing for Murray cod is subject to specific regulations to protect the species. The open season for Murray cod fishing runs from 1 December to 31 August, with a closed season from 1 September to 30 November to protect the breeding period. There is a bag limit of 2 Murray cod per person per day, and a possession limit of 4. The size limit is a slot limit, where fish must be between 55cm and 75cm in length. Any fish outside this range must be immediately returned to the water. It’s important to note that only one rod per person can be used when fishing for Murray cod. Always check the latest Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for any updates to these regulations.
To catch Murray cod in Victoria, focus on fishing in rivers and impoundments within the Murray-Darling Basin. Use heavy tackle with 20-30lb line and strong leaders to handle their power. Cast near structure like sunken logs, rocky outcrops, or deep holes. Lure fishing is popular, with large hard-bodied lures, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics being effective. For bait fishing, use yabbies, shrimp, or large bardi grubs. Trolling with deep-diving lures can also be productive in larger waterways. Fish during low light periods or at night for best results, especially in summer. Always handle Murray cod with care and release any outside the legal size limit quickly and gently.
When it comes to fishing for Murray Cod, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for Murray Cod, as both baits and lures are equally effective.
For the best chances of success, try using Yabbies as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.
For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 6 options that have consistently produced results for Murray Cod:
For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 6 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Murray Cod:
Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Murray Cod. We've compiled a diverse list of locations across Melbourne and Victoria where anglers have reported success in catching Murray Cod. From popular fishing spots to lesser-known gems, there's a variety of options to explore.
Below, we've highlighted some of the best places to cast your line for Murray Cod. Each location offers its own unique features and challenges, so be sure to research the specific conditions and best practices for each spot before your visit.
Source: www.adventures.net.au
Alexandra Bridge is a popular fishing spot on the Goulburn River, known for its easy access and diverse fish population.
Besides Murray Cod, Alexandra Bridge is home to various fish species such as Golden Perch, Brown Trout and Redfin.
To learn more about fishing in Alexandra Bridge, read more here.
Source: www.flickr.com
The Avoca River is a 340 km long waterway flowing through the region, offering varied fishing opportunities despite challenges with water quality and flow.
While Murray Cod is commonly spotted, other species like Golden Perch, Redfin and European Carp can also be found at Avoca River.
To learn more about fishing in Avoca River, read more here.
Source: www.tripadvisor.com.au
Booroopki Swamp is a unique fishing location in the northern part of the Millicent Coast region, offering opportunities to catch Murray cod.
Booroopki Swamp boasts a diverse fish population. In addition to Murray Cod, the waters are inhabited by Golden Perch and Flathead Gudgeon.
To learn more about fishing in Booroopki Swamp, read more here.
Source: www.countrynews.com.au
A picturesque creek offering excellent native fish habitat and fishing opportunities.
Visitors to Broken Creek downstream of Nathalia may observe Murray Cod along with other species such as Golden Perch.
To learn more about fishing in Broken Creek downstream of Nathalia, read more here.
Source: www.flickr.com
A popular fishing spot on the Broken River, known for its native fish population.
Broken River at Casey's Weir isn't just known for Murray Cod. Other fish species found in these waters include Golden Perch.
To learn more about fishing in Broken River at Casey's Weir, read more here.Because there are so many great places to catch Murray Cod in Victoria, it is hard to give them all the attention they deserve. Here are some more locations where Murray Cod is a primary target species:
While Murray Cod are not the main target at these locations, they can still be caught here. If you're looking for more of a challenge or want to try your luck in different settings, these spots might be worth exploring. Keep in mind that fishing for Murray Cod in these areas may require different techniques or patience, as they're not as abundant as in the primary locations. However, this can add an exciting element of surprise to your fishing experience.
Source: www.tripadvisor.com.au
A popular fishing spot on the Loddon River, offering easy access and diverse fishing opportunities.
Besides Murray Cod, Bridgewater Jetty is home to various fish species such as Golden Perch, Redfin and European Carp.
To learn more about fishing in Bridgewater Jetty, read more here.
Source: www.troutlore.com.au
Colac Colac Bridge is a popular fishing spot offering easy access to the Upper Murray River and its diverse fish population.
While Murray Cod is commonly spotted, other species like Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Redfin can also be found at Colac Colac Bridge.
To learn more about fishing in Colac Colac Bridge, read more here.
Source: www.victoriashighcountry.com.au
A scenic camping area with excellent access to a productive stretch of the King River.
Edi Cutting Camping Grounds boasts a diverse fish population. In addition to Murray Cod, the waters are inhabited by Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Macquarie Perch.
To learn more about fishing in Edi Cutting Camping Grounds, read more here.
Source: vicscreen.vic.gov.au
Goulburn Park Guild St is an easily accessible fishing spot in the heart of the region, popular among local anglers.
Visitors to Goulburn Park Guild St may observe Murray Cod along with other species such as Golden Perch, Redfin and European Carp.
To learn more about fishing in Goulburn Park Guild St, read more here.
Source: www.caravanparkphotos.com.au
A bridge crossing over the Avoca River, providing access to river fishing spots upstream and downstream.
Gowar East Bridge isn't just known for Murray Cod. Other fish species found in these waters include European Carp, Redfin and Golden Perch.
To learn more about fishing in Gowar East Bridge, read more here.For the sake of brevity, we can't provide detailed descriptions for every location where Murray Cod might be found. However, to give you a comprehensive overview, here's a list of additional spots where anglers have reported catching Murray Cod, even though they may not be the primary target species in these areas:
Yes, Murray cod has a bag limit in Victoria. The current bag limit is 2 Murray cod per person per day, with a possession limit of 4. This means you can catch and keep up to 2 Murray cod in a single day of fishing, and have no more than 4 in your possession at any time.
Yes, Murray cod has a size limit in Victoria. The current size limit for Murray cod is a slot limit between 55cm and 75cm. This means that you can only keep Murray cod that measure between 55cm and 75cm in length. Any fish smaller than 55cm or larger than 75cm must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Murray cod is Australia's largest freshwater fish species, known for its impressive size and powerful fighting ability.
When targeting Murray Cod with artificial lures, anglers have found success with the following options: Soft Plastics, Hard Bodied Lures, and Spinnerbaits.
For those who prefer bait fishing, the top choices for Murray Cod are: Yabbies, Shrimp, and Bardi Grubs.
Anglers looking to target Murray Cod in Victoria should consider these popular fishing spots: Alexandra Bridge, Avoca River, Booroopki Swamp, Bridgewater Jetty, and Broken Creek downstream of Nathalia.
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