COD season opens today after a three-month closure in most waterways to enhance breeding.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO, Travis Dowling said “Cod opening is keenly anticipated by thousands of fishers every year because they’re an iconic native species caught in beautiful lakes and rivers, often with family and friends.”
“Victoria now boasts several of Australia’s premier Murray cod fisheries thanks to sensible catch limits, record stockings and substantial improvements to fish habitat and river health.”
Lake Eildon is one of the best spots for Murray cod, having been stocked with almost 3M fingerlings over the last 30 years, primarily funded by recreational fishing license fees.
“Freshwater fishers are now regularly catching trophy metre-long cod with a lucky few encountering giants up to 120cm, considered the fish of a lifetime.”
In more good news for Murray cod fishers, Lake Eildon will welcome a two-year research project this summer to unlock some of the mysteries about cod movement into the Goulburn River above the lake.
The study will determine whether cod in the upper Goulburn River are an active part of the population at Lake Eildon, or a distinct school of their own, and improve understanding of how to manage fisheries and waterways.
To learn more about the project at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/codtracking
