Hunting for big, fat Murray cod

Adam Townsend

The New England Tablelands have seen some inconsistent weather patterns as well as some fairly chilly air temperatures in recent weeks. However, the month of June officially kicks off the start of the winter season, which means the really cold weather is here and will be hanging around for a while now. That usually means it is time to go find those big, fat Murray cod bulking up for the spawn period in the months to come.

Trout season closes this June long weekend. It’s hard to beat throwing small lures around in the small streams for healthy fish, so get out and make the most of the few days left.

Although most anglers’ minds will be on big natives this month, one thing to remember is that trout season closes this June long weekend (which is the 12th of this month), so if you do want to chase trout again this season, just remember you only have a few days to do so. The trout season will re-open on the October long weekend in three months’ time. During this time, any stream, creek or river posted as a ‘trout’ waterway is prohibited from fishing, even if you intend to target other species in that waterway. If you are unsure on the rules in the area you are fishing, just jump on Google, talk to local DPI Fisheries officers or check the DPI website. There are so many different places to fish and explore around the New England area, and this is the best time of the year to be out doing exactly that. The rivers are in good condition, dam levels are sitting relatively high compared to previous seasons, and the quality of fish being caught is awesome to see.

Additionally, with the days not as hot now, it’s a lot

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more enjoyable to be out all day long, venturing about. As mentioned earlier, the smaller creeks and streams are still open for a few more days and it’s pretty hard to go past throwing small hardbodies and artificial flies around for a healthy rainbow trout or redfin perch.

The larger river systems have been fishing well for Murray cod and the odd golden perch, and are another fun fishing option this month. However, a handful of the larger impoundments in NSW are in really good shape as we head into winter, and I would say that is where most keen cod anglers will be spending their time.