Murray Cod local fish species facts and Limits. Murray Cod is Australia’s largest freshwater fish. They can grow over 100 kilos in weight and well over a meter in size. They have a very distinctive green spotted pattern over its head and body finished with an enormous opening mouth. Murray Cod numbers have decreased rapidly in recent times which has enforced stronger limits and more cod stocking programs. This fish is generally targeted in areas such as Murray River, Goulburn River, Ovens River, Mulwala and Eildon.
Scientific name
Maccullochella peeli
Murray cod size and catch limits
Min 55cm Max 75cm, daily bag limits River 1, Lake 2. Murray cod is the biggest freshwater fish in Australia. It can grow to 1.8 meters in length and over 60 kilos. There a slow-growing fish that can live up to 50 years of age
Bait recommendations for Murray cod
Yabbies, Bardi Grubs, Cheese & Scrub worms
Lure recommendations for Murray cod
When targeting Murray cod we suggest casting lures amongst snags, submerged trees and structure. Try using large surface lures, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, large soft plastics, stumper jumpers in a range of colours and sizes are very hard to beat. Large hard body lures cast or trolled from the back of your kayak work really well.
General tips for Murray cod fishing
Cast spinner baits, hard bodies and soft plastics in snag areas and structure and retrieve slowly. Then hold on.
Rod and rig setup for Murray cod
Most anglers when targeting large freshwater fish will use a medium to heavy class bait caster rod. Generally, these are 6 foot rods quite stiff in 6-10 kilo class matched with a suitable size bait caster reel. These are also strong rod built for purposes like a Shimano T-Curve combined with a bait caster reel spooled with 20lb to 30lb braid and a 30lb to 40lb leader. A running sinker to a swivel then leader to a size 4/0 Mustad hook
Best times to catch a Murray cod
Check Cod opening and closing dates which effects all waterways except for lake Eildon which is open all year round
Recreational fishing guide
You can obtain a free Victorian recreational fishing guide from the Victorian Fisheries Authorities web link
Additions or Corrections for this fish species
If you feel this fish species guide is missing key information or needs any corrections. Then please let us know by emailing our team at enquiries@fishingmad.com.au with specific details in the email. Thank you