Murray River

Murray River Fishing Guide

The Murray River is the longest in Australia and flows from the Snowy Mountains in the east to the Great Australian Bight in the south-west; it forms the border between New South Wales and Victoria and is more than 2,500 km long. It is well known among anglers for the variety of fish species it has, the scenic views it provides, and the good fishing spots which offer possibilities for both casual and more serious fishers. The river is an excellent destination for anglers all year round, but peak times for fishing different species can help you plan your visit to achieve the best results. Murray Cod are most active and easiest to catch from December to August, particularly in the warmer months. Yellowbelly (Golden Perch) should be targeted in spring and autumn, while Redfin are most often caught in late winter and spring. Since the river has such an extensive network of waterways and provides a wide range of habitats, it is a top choice for anyone who wants to go fishing in Australia.

The Murray Cod is by far the most well-known fish species, with Yellowbelly coming in very close behind it. In the Murray River, other fish that are frequently caught are Silver Perch, Golden Perch, Trout Cod and Catfish; together with Redfin, which is an introduced species, it is also common to catch Bony Bream and freshwater shrimp. Since each of these species offers a different kind of fishing experience, they can all be fished using a variety of methods. For Murray Cod, large spinnerbaits, hard-bodied lures, and surface lures are particularly effective, as are baits like yabbies, cheese, or bardi grubs attached to strong hooks. For Yellowbelly, popular options are medium-sized vibes, soft plastics, and small hard-bodied lures, as well as worms or shrimp fished near snags. If anglers use a solid rod and reel appropriate for a heavier line, this will help them handle larger fish, and choosing the correct bait or lure can greatly improve their chances of success.

Even though there are a great many species of native fish in the river, it is now the European carp [/fishing-reports/carp/] which makes up the majority of the catches. This non-native species harms the natural state of the river by digging up large amounts of the mud and by feeding on fish eggs and young fish. If you catch a carp in the Murray River, you are not permitted to return it alive to the water; carp you catch must be humanely killed, and they must not be released back into any watercourse while alive. After killing the fish, you have several choices as to how to get rid of the dead body: you can take it with you, bury it some distance from the water, put it in an appropriate rubbish bin, or return the fish dead to the water, which is permitted. Yet you must never leave dead carp on the banks or in public areas, since this causes unpleasant conditions for other people who use the river. I have also found that they make excellent fertiliser for vegetable gardens.

As for carp, it is safe to reinsert a dead one into the water since this species lays its eggs and is not live-bearing, so that reproduction cannot result from the dead fish, even though there is a great deal of false information available on Facebook.

Over a large section of its course, the River Murray is naturally navigable and paddle steamers used to operate on it, transporting wool, wheat and passengers. However, this is no longer the case due to the dams and locks that now stand along the river; one has to get off the water at the major dams and, in some instances with the locks, arrange for the lock to be opened.

The Murray receives the Goulburn River, the Ovens River and the Campaspe River, all of which are major rivers.

On the eastern side of the river, the banks are steep, even though in several places there is relatively flat access to the water. At the various towns located along the river, there are several boat ramps of varying standards. Good spots for launching or fishing are Echuca (using the well-maintained Watson Street boat ramp), Barmah (at the Barmah Lakes), and Mildura (which has several public ramps, for example at Apex Park). Most of these locations have useful facilities for anglers: both Echuca and Mildura have toilets nearby, as well as picnic areas and the option of camping or staying in a caravan. There is a campground at the Barmah Lakes with basic facilities, and Swan Hill Riverside Park has picnic shelters, public toilets and playgrounds, so it is appropriate for family visits. In Tocumwal, picnic areas with tables and toilets are not far from the bank, and Moama also has well-kept picnic areas and access to public restrooms. When it comes to fishing from the bank, there is good access at Swan Hill Riverside Park, in the picnic areas in Tocumwal, and in the parks near Moama. A major problem relating to the maintenance of the infrastructure on the Murray is that it is susceptible to severe flooding.

Even though it might appear to be slow, the current in the river is in fact quite strong in many areas and may therefore be deceptive. When you are fishing from a boat or the riverbank, you must always take care, especially in areas where the water is flowing rapidly or in an unpredictable way. It is essential to wear a life jacket when boating, to keep a close eye on any children, and to make sure you have safe footing before you cast. You need to be aware of any changes in the water level or of the slippery banks, and you must never wade into water you do not know. In the event of an emergency, for example if someone falls into the river or an accident occurs, you should immediately call triple zero (000) for help. You can also get the local State Emergency Service (SES) to assist with any rescues or urgent matters along the river. Having a mobile phone with you and knowing your exact position can help emergency services to get to you quickly. If you are prepared and know who to contact in an emergency, you will have a safer fishing experience.