IThe big freeze is upon us once again and many anglers around the Goldfields area are spending more time indoors in front of a warm fire. Who could blame them really, with the max temp only just pushing into the low teens.

Now is the time many anglers catch up with overdue maintaince on their gear as well as re-acquainting themselves with their loved ones.

In an attempt of escaping the near freezing conditions at home I headed to the far north of the state near Robinvale in search of winter cod. I caught up with a few mates and managed to catch a great fish of 28lb (see gallery) thanks to my expert guide Catherine. All up for the trip we caught 7 cod and not one was under 15lb. The lack of small cod in the area is alarming for the future.

Cairn Curran Reservoir
Water clarity at Cairn Curran is still unusually poor due to the influx of water entering the catchment. By all reports the fishing has been on the slow side with only a few unconfirmed trout captures. The redfin are still schooled up in the deeper margins of the reservoir and can be easily located by using a quality sounder.

The best way of targeting the schools of reddies is to use ice jigs or bobbers if conditions are preferable. Jigging lipless crank baits such as Jackals and Frenzy’s is also becoming more popular with locals and for good reason with the redfin loving the noisy presentation. Bait fishing should also produce good results and worm baits fished with little or no weight should put you amongst the action.

Loddon River at Bridgewater
The Loddon at Bridgie has been quiet. I did hear on the grapevine that a metre cod was caught while trolling the ski zone and unfortunately some banjo slinging slack jaw killed the breeder that would have been over 20 years old. I can only hope that the new generations of fishos have more respect for such a icon as the Murray cod.

Eppalock
The lake is still very quiet on the fishing front and bank access is limited. I hope that we receive some significant rains to triple the amount of water that is currently in the lake.

Murray River
Fishing around the Echuca area has been slow although the crays have been on the move. Fisheries have been in the area checking cray size and bag limits so make sure that you adhere to the rules and regulations.

With the colder weather trout fishing can be rewarding.

Malmsbury, Lauriston
Malmsbury and Lauriston have been fishing well with water rising over new ground. Redfin and trout being caught on baits, lures and flies. Casting lofties lures and spinners can be very productive this time of year as smelt congregate in the water around the lakes edge and the trout follow the smelt.

Regards,
Matty B
Practice Catch and Release, It just might grow on you!!

If anyone has any questions or reports for the area cast me an e-mail at mattyb@fishvictoria.com

See Matt's previous report here.