The first weeks of the coldest part of the year have long been regarded as the best time to target a trophy Murray Cod on our local waterways. The first thick white frosts are set to roll into town, the plummeting water temperatures also bring the possibility of encountering some of the largest fish in the river system.
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Catch numbers seem to decrease, with fewer and fewer smaller fish being encountered in an average session, however this is greatly compensated with the chances of coming across a sought after “metery” soaring.
Last year at this time, multiple trophy sized Murray Cod were caught and released, and with the river flowing steady and clear at present, hopes are high for a repeat event that will have keen fishers grinning from ear to ear.
Wayne Gilbert and Dubbo Catches enjoyed a lure casting session on the Queen’s birthday, and the fishing didn’t disappoint, with four cod and one Yellow belly coming boat side, with the best of them being Gilbo’s 75cm model.
Drew Kelly also recently managed to angle a cracking 95cm specimen that went oh so close to breaking the magical one-meter mark from his kayak. Murray Crayfish on the menu from the start of winter
Anglers in south western NSW are set to brave the winter weather in the name of a favourite crustacean, with the Murray Crayfish season officially opening this month.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager Cameron Westaway said the popular freshwater catch is mainly found in the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers and their tributaries.
“The opening of the Murray Crayfish season is an exciting time for freshwater fishers in NSW, with crays only permitted to be taken during the months of June, July and August,” Mr Westaway said.
“In the Murray River, fishing is permitted between the Hume Weir and the Tocumwal Road Bridge, including Lake Mulwala, and in the Murrumbidgee River between the Gundagai Road Bridge and Berembed Weir, excluding Old Man Creek.”
Mr Westaway said environmental factors such as habitat degradation and modification have led to widespread declines in populations of the Murray Crayfish, and a number of rules are in place to protect the species and assist with its recovery.
The opening of the Murray Crayfish season is highly anticipated by the local community, however DPI encourages fishers to abide by the rules to ensure the species is sustained for future generations.
