HOW COLD IS TOO COLD?

Being a perennial fishing optimist, I am always convinced that I am going to trick a fish into biting at some stage. However in the face of adverse conditions the resolve of even the hardiest fisherman can be stretched.

The Riverina is June is usually cold, but the past few weeks have been bordering on the ridiculous. Very low daily maximums, freezing nights, rain and icy winds is painting a picture of bleakness that keeps the sensible indoors.

Unfortunately, fishing guides rarely fall into the category of being sensible and our love of fishing usually keeps us into the elements long after we should have been warm and dry at home.

Through June I have been spending time exploring new locations along the Murrumbidgee, braving the cold and trying to catch a fish along the way. Winter water temperatures usually hover around nine or ten degrees (and the fish are able to be coaxed into biting at this temperature), but the poor weather has chilled the river down to four degrees.

A bit of cold water doesn’t normally deter me, but four degrees is not far off freezing and it was hard to remain confident when we were targeting Murray cod whose optimum temperature range is 18-24 degrees.

My last two trips have been in this icy water. The first trip we landed six trout cod (and had as many solid bites again) and my last trip with Rod Cockburn from the Compleat Angler and Craig (Harro) Harris from Wagga Marine, we fished hard all day for a few timid bites, before Harro landed a personal best 90cm (18kg) Murray cod.

All these fish from water the same temperature as the beer in your fridge! I have had slower days when the conditions are perfect and I am fishing in shorts rather than five thermal layers.

If you compared the water temperature of the highland lakes such as Eucumbene, Jindabyne, Talbingo, and the Canberra waterways at this time of year, you wouldn’t find a big difference. For those that are getting itchy for a cast, perhaps your local waterway is worth cracking through the ice and swimming a lure through?

Winter is typically big fish time, as they seem to cope with the cold better than small fish. Whether this is due to their higher body mass insulating them from the cold or they need more food to keep them warm I am not sure, but if you are looking to catch a big cod, winter is the time to chase them.

If you are fortunate to land a big Murray, take care when handling it as they are very susceptible to stress. A few things to keep in mind:

• When your get the fish in the net or on the lip gripper, keep it in the water for a couple of minutes so that both fish and fisherman calm down.

• Never lift a big fish by its gills or jaw as they cannot support their own weight.

• Support the fish with one hand holding the lower jaw and your other arm cradling the fish under the stomach.

• For massive fish it can be easier to photograph the fish whilst still in the water.

• Don’t lay fish directly onto a hot, dry surface (such as a boat floor in summer).

• Revive the fish by moving it gently through the water before you let it go.

By following these few tips the fish is more likely to survive, continue breeding, and maybe provide a defining moment in another angler’s life.

Through June there have been few fishing reports as most people in the Riverina aren’t fishing, however there have been a lot of people on the river chasing Murray crayfish. The camps I have spoken with indicate that the crayfish aren’t really on the bite, but with clever placement of pots and use of quality bait (carp) a good haul can be pulled together.

If you would like a guided trip targeting big winter cod in the weir pools, casting lures in the snags, or simply a relaxing day on a beach crayfishing, contact me on 0427 692522 or visit www.riverinasportfishing.com.

© Jamin Forbes June 2007