Slowing down at Goulburn

SHEPPARTON teamriverrats@hotmail.com

With school holidays now over, the reports have slowed up a little in the Goulburn. But those who still managed to sneak out for a fish in February did have some success.

The usual spots like Murchison, Toolamba, Moira Park and rafteries all featured in the reports received.

Bait fishing still seems to be a great way to target cod with Trellys chicken baits and Bardi Grubs working best.

Casting a single willow spinnerbait, such as the Old Mates or Bassmans has also been reported plenty of times by those casting lures from both the bank and boat.

Trolling size 2

StumpJumpers was also a great way to target both cod and yellowbelly this past week, especially round Murchison.

BROKEN RIVER

The reports have been consistently good for the Broken River lately, especially the top water bite.

Just like last month I have been receiving regular reports of a great top water bite.

Downstream of the Archer St Bridge, down to the junction has been a standout area, it’s a stretch of river that doesn’t see as much fishing pressure.

Balista hunchbacks have been an outstanding lure with the most reports coming from those casting these or Pompadours.

If you’re into bait fishing you won’t be disappointed with both yellowbelly and cod chewing on baits.

Scrub worms and shrimp seem to be the best yellowbelly baits with yabbies and cheese best for cod.

CRAIGMUIR LAKE

There have been a few more reports from the small suburban lake just outside of Mooroopna of late. Kayaking is the best way to fish the lake with plenty of weed around the edges making it tricky at times from the bank.

Rigging either 3” Keitech’s or the small strike tiger soft plastics weedless has been a standout way to fish in Craigmuir with redfin and yellowbelly being caught mostly in the evenings.

With plenty of weed, bait fishing can be tricky but floating Night Crawlers in the little pockets of clear water can be a great way to chase out bait in the lake.

WARANGA BASIN

There is still plenty of boats on the water at Waranga with everyone seeming to be fishing differently and still catching fish. Some boats are opting to anchor near the yellow markers at Harriman’s and bait fish with worms, others are sitting deeper off points. Both ways have produced plenty of redfin and yellowbelly.

Targeting fish on lures has been catching redfin. Most success has come from casting in around 5ft of water with small chatterbaits, 2” plastics or small cranks.

Trolling the Hide Up 150s in the bone colour has worked well on the banks opposite Harriman’s and along the rock back. Depths between 12-16ft seem to be hot spots but it’s not uncommon for the fish to be caught deeper on The Crazy Deep lures.

When the weather is good, the basin is still a great option for the kids with the ability to catch fish on bait or lures off the bank.