Trout Cod Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) is a freshwater fish species native to the Murray-Darling river system in southeastern Australia. It is closely related to the Murray cod but can be distinguished by its pointed snout, straighter profile, and blue-grey coloration with spotting on the upper body. Trout cod prefer cool, clear flowing waters with plenty of woody debris for shelter. They are ambush predators, feeding on smaller fish, yabbies, and aquatic insects. Due to habitat loss and overfishing, trout cod populations have significantly declined, leading to their protected status. Conservation efforts, including breeding programs and reintroduction initiatives, are ongoing to help restore their numbers in Victorian waters. Fishing for trout cod is highly regulated, with limited opportunities available only in specific locations.

What restrictions are in place for Trout Cod fishing in Melbourne?

Trout cod are a protected species in Victoria. Taking or possessing trout cod is prohibited in most waters. Exceptions are made for Lake Sambell and Lake Kerferd in North East Victoria, where fishing is allowed with restrictions. The legal size range is 40-50cm, with a bag limit of 1 and a possession limit of 2 in these lakes only. If caught inadvertently in other waters, trout cod must be immediately returned with minimal harm. Fish must be kept whole or in carcass form while on Victorian waters, with filleting allowed only at designated cleaning areas away from the water.

How to catch Trout Cod

When fishing for trout cod in the permitted lakes (Sambell and Kerferd), use techniques similar to those for Murray cod. Try casting or trolling near structure such as fallen trees or rocky areas. Use heavy tackle as these fish are strong fighters. Bait fishing with yabbies or shrimp can be effective. Lure fishing with deep-diving hard-bodied lures or large soft plastics can also yield results. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before fishing.

What should you fish with for Trout Cod?

When it comes to fishing for Trout 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 Trout 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.

The Top 4 Baits to Use for Trout Cod

Bait fishing for Trout Cod offers a variety of options, but these four stand out as the most reliable choices:

• Yabbies
• Shrimp
• Minnows
• Small Fish

The Top 4 Lures to Use for Trout Cod

Lure fishing for Trout Cod can be incredibly rewarding, especially when using these four top choices:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Spinnerbaits
• Diving Crankbaits

Where to catch Trout Cod in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Trout Cod. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Trout Cod can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Trout Cod, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Trout Cod fishing in Melbourne