Murray Cod at Lake Eildon: Victoria's Premier Trophy Cod Fishing Guide

Unlocking the Secrets of Cod Concentration at Eildon

Lake Eildon is nothing short of a Victorian fishing mecca. Holding around six times the water volume of Sydney Harbour when full, this inland ocean has become the heart of the state’s “Million Murray Cod” stocking program. For anglers, the challenge isn’t just knowing fish are there; it’s about finding the right Cod concentration across thousands of hectares. Unlike smaller rivers where fish stack up in obvious holes, Eildon’s size means they can be anywhere, yet they reliably group in certain spots based on season, water level, and structure.

The draw of Eildon is the chance at a fish of a lifetime. It’s one of the few places in Australia where landing a metre-long Murray Cod is a real possibility for keen anglers. The lake’s varied landscape—steep rocky bluffs, deep river channels, grassy edges, and sunken timber—creates endless options. But that variety can be overwhelming. Success comes from knowing how to track down the best Cod concentration, which often shifts with the seasons and changing dam levels.

Whether you’re throwing big swimbaits into the timber at first light or trolling deep divers along the rocky points of the Big River arm, Eildon calls for respect and smart tactics. It’s a fishery that rewards patience and local know-how. By learning how to find active Cod concentration, you go from just “washing lures” to targeting hungry, aggressive fish. This guide breaks down the key zones, techniques, and seasonal patterns to turn Lake Eildon’s vast blue waters into your own reliable hunting ground.

Understanding Eildon: Location Intelligence

To successfully target the densest Cod concentration at Lake Eildon, you need to understand just how complex this place really is. It’s not a simple basin of water; it’s a drowned mountain range with a maze of old river beds, creek channels, ridges, and valleys hidden below. The lake draws water from several major rivers—the Goulburn, Delatite, Big, and Jamieson—and each “arm” has its own vibe and fish behaviour.

The Structure of the Lake

The real key to finding solid Cod concentration is structure. Eildon is legendary for its standing timber. When the dam was built and later raised, thousands of trees were left underwater. These ghostly trunks now act as vertical highways for Murray Cod. The fish use them to ambush meals and move up or down with little effort. In the Big River Arm and the Jerusalem Creek area, you’ll find thick patches of timber. Throwing big spinnerbaits or surface lures near these trees at first light is a time-tested move.

But not every tree holds fish. The sweet spots are where timber meets a depth change or contour line. A single tree on the edge of a drop-off into an old river channel is far more likely to hide a trophy than a group of trees on a flat mud flat. This is where modern sonar really helps. Look for the “Christmas trees” on your screen—strong arches hugging the vertical wood.

The Arms vs. The Main Basin

The Delatite Arm is more open, with grassy edges and fewer trees compared to the Big River Arm. It often fishes well for Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), but Cod here are more tied to rocky points and submerged laydowns (fallen logs) rather than upright timber. Trolling deep-diving hardbodies along the steep rocky banks can be very effective.

In contrast, the Main Basin near the dam wall is deep—really deep. Here, the game shifts. Cod often suspend in mid-water, following schools of baitfish (Redfin and Carp) instead of sitting on bottom structure. This “pelagic” style of Murray Cod has become more common in recent years. Anglers using “LiveScope” or similar forward-facing sonar often target these suspended fish in 15 to 30 metres of water, watching their lure get chased in real time.

Water Levels and Thermoclines

Lake Eildon is an irrigation reservoir, so water levels swing a lot. A hot spot one year might be dry land the next. These shifts keep the system alive and changing. When water rises, it floods grassy edges, and Cod often move shallow to feed on worms, grubs, and land-based insects. That’s prime surface fishing time. On the flip side, when levels drop fast, fish usually fall back to the safety of deeper river channels.

Temperature layers, or the thermocline, are another big deal. In summer, the top water warms up while the deep stays cold. There’s a specific zone where they meet—the thermocline—rich in oxygen and comfort for fish. Pinpointing the thermocline depth (often seen as a fuzzy band on your sounder) is the key to summer Cod. If it’s sitting at 8 metres, fishing at 15 might be a waste, as oxygen drops too low.

When Is the Best Time to Fish for Cod concentration at Eildon?

Timing your session at Lake Eildon isn’t just about the clock—it’s about reading the conditions. Murray Cod are top predators, and like many apex hunters, they use low light to strike with stealth. You can catch them in the middle of the day—especially trolling deep divers—but your chances jump when the sun goes down.

The Magic of the “Change of Light”

Dawn and dusk are classic peak times. As the sun sets, shadows stretch out from steep banks and standing trees, creating ambush zones that weren’t there an hour ago. This is when the Cod concentration starts moving from deep water into the shallows to feed. If you’re casting lures, this is the time to work the edges of weed beds in the Delatite Arm or the timber lines in the Big River. The “boof”—that sudden gulp of a Cod inhaling a surface lure—is most often heard in this twilight window.

Night Fishing: The Graveyard Shift

For serious Eildon anglers, night fishing is often the most rewarding. Once the weekend boat traffic (wake skiers and jet skis) clears off, the lake calms down, and the big fish start hunting. Large Murray Cod are confident at night. They rely on their lateral line to pick up vibrations. That’s why big, noisy surface paddlers, wakebaits, and chatterbaits work so well in total darkness. The quiet of a night session, broken only by the blast of a surface strike, is something every angler should experience.

Moon Phases and Solunar Influence

Even though Lake Eildon is freshwater and doesn’t have tides, the moon still influences fish through solunar periods. Many local anglers swear by the Full Moon for topwater action. The idea is that moonlight casts a silhouette, making your surface lure stand out. On the other hand, the New Moon (darkest nights) is often better for sub-surface lures like spinnerbaits and swimbaits, where vibration matters most.

Barometric pressure is another major player. A rising barometer, usually ahead of a high-pressure system, can spark a feeding burst. If you see the pressure climb past 1020 hPa, drop everything and get on the water. But if the barometer drops fast, expect the bite to shut down as fish go quiet on the bottom.

What Tackle Do You Need for Cod concentration at Eildon?

When targeting the Cod concentration at Eildon, you’re stepping into a gunfight. These fish are powerful, dirty fighters that live in “snag city.” Hook a metre-plus cod near standing timber on light gear, and the fight’s over before it starts. The fish will wrap you around a tree in seconds. So your tackle must focus on power and abrasion resistance, not finesse.

Rod Selection: The Baitcaster Advantage

For casting lures, a baitcaster is the go-to tool. A rod in the 6’0” to 7’6” range with a rating of 6-10kg (medium-heavy) or even 10-15kg (heavy) for big swimbaits works best. The baitcaster gives you pinpoint accuracy, letting you drop a spinnerbait millimetres from a tree trunk where cod are holding. For swimbaiting, longer rods (7’6” to 8’0”) help launch heavy lures further, covering more water.

For bait fishing from the bank or boat, a shorter, sturdy spin rod or overhead rod does the job. You want a sensitive tip to feel the first tap, but serious backbone in the butt to turn the fish’s head away from cover.

Reels and Line: The Winch

Your reel needs a strong drag that can apply 6kg+ of pressure. For baitcasters, 300 or 400 size reels (like a Shimano Tranx or Daiwa Tatula) are ideal. If you run spin gear, go for a 4000 or 5000 size to manage the heavy line.

Main Line: Don’t go light. 30lb braid is the bare minimum, but most swimbait anglers run 50lb to 80lb braid. Heavier braid isn’t just about strength — the thicker diameter helps control backlashes on baitcasters and gives you a better chance when rubbing through timber.

Leader: This is your lifeline. Use 40lb to 60lb Fluorocarbon. It’s nearly invisible underwater and, more importantly, tough against scrapes. When a cod bites, it’ll often bolt straight into the nearest snag. Your leader has to survive being dragged over sunken eucalypt branches and granite rock. For giant swimbaits, some anglers step up to 80lb leader.

Terminal Tackle

Don’t skimp on the small stuff. Cheap split rings and hooks won’t last against a big Eildon cod. Swap out factory trebles on hardbody lures for 4x strong hardware. If bait fishing, use chemically sharpened circle hooks or “suicide” patterns in sizes 5/0 to 8/0.

For more tackle basics, see our tackle essentials guide.

How Do You Rig for Cod concentration?

Rigging for Eildon cod depends mostly on whether you’re using bait or casting lures. The lake bed at Eildon is often silty or covered in rotting weed. With a standard running sinker rig, your bait can sink into the gunk and vanish from sight.

For bait fishing, the Paternoster Rig is the better choice. With the sinker on the bottom and the hook coming off the main line 30-50cm above, your bait (yabby or grub) stays up in the strike zone, waving in the current to grab attention.

For lure anglers, your knot matters. Never tie a tight “granny knot” to a lure — it kills the action. Use a Lefty’s Loop (Loop Knot) so the lure moves freely. Or, use a strong, high-quality snap (no swivel) to make changing lures quick and easy.

What Bait Works Best for Cod concentration?

While lures get the glory, bait often gets the fish, especially when the bite is tough. The Cod concentration at Eildon is well-educated, but they rarely refuse a well-presented natural offering. The key is matching the hatch and making sure your bait is big enough to draw in a large predator while surviving the pecking of small carp and roach.

Bardi Grubs are the gold standard. These large, white moth larvae are like candy to Murray Cod. They release a strong scent and have a texture fish hold onto. They’re expensive and hard to find, but for a trophy fish, they’re worth the effort.

Yabbies are the most versatile bait. A live yabby waving its claws is a trigger for aggressive strikes. Use medium-to-large yabbies (10–15cm). To make them even more effective, some locals remove one claw, making the yabby look injured and easier to eat.

Cheese is an old-school favourite that still works, particularly “Mozzarella” or specialised cod cheese blocks. It stays on the hook well and releases a scent trail. It’s often used with a Bardi Grub (the “Cocktail”) to protect the pricey grub.

How Do You Catch Cod concentration at Eildon?

Catching fish at Eildon takes a mix of precision, patience, and aggression. The “chuck and chance it” method rarely works here. You need to picture what your lure is doing below the surface and how it moves around the Cod concentration holding in the structure.

Casting Strategy: “In the Kitchen”

Murray Cod are ambush predators. They sit deep inside the structure—under the log, in the root ball, or right against the rock face. To get a bite, you need to put your lure “in the kitchen.” That means casting accuracy is everything.

• The Approach: Use your electric motor to position the boat 15–20 metres from the bank or timber.
• The Cast: Aim past the target if possible, or drop your lure straight down the face of a tree.
• The Sink: This is the most important part. Let your spinnerbait or swimbait free-fall to the bottom or target depth. Watch your line closely. Many hits happen on the drop. If the line stops or twitches, strike right away!
• The Retrieve: Slow is usually better. A “slow roll”—just fast enough to spin the blades or swim the lure—keeps it in the strike zone longer. Bump the timber. If you aren’t getting snagged now and then, you aren’t close enough.

Trolling: Covering Water

Trolling is the best way to find scattered fish or explore new ground.

• Follow the Contour: Don’t just run straight. Track the 6-metre, 8-metre, or 10-metre contour line. This keeps your lure in the sweet spot.
• Lure Selection: Use large, deep-diving hardbodies (like AC Invaders or StumpJumpers) that dive deeper than the water you’re fishing. You want the lure to “plough” the bottom now and then, kicking up mud and bouncing off rocks. That erratic action fires up strikes.
• Use a Lure Retriever: You will get snagged. A heavy lure retriever on a cord is essential to save your expensive lures.

The Strike and Fight

The bite of a Murray Cod is unmistakable. It’s a sudden, powerful “thump.”

• Sub-Surface: When you feel the weight, strike hard! You need to drive thick hooks into a tough, bony mouth.
• Surface: If fishing topwater, wait. When you hear the “boof,” don’t strike. Wait until you feel the fish on the rod, then strike. Striking at the sound often pulls the lure free.
• The Battle: Once hooked, the fish will make for cover (the snag). You can’t give any line. Press your thumb on the spool if needed and pull hard. Turn the fish’s head fast. If it gets a run towards the timber, you’ll likely lose it.

For more on fighting techniques, read our fishing techniques guide.

What Are the Rules for Fishing at Eildon?

Lake Eildon is a high-profile fishery, and Fisheries Officers patrol it regularly. Ignorance of the rules is not a valid defence. Regulations are in place to ensure the sustainability of the “Million Murray Cod” program and to protect the trophy breeders.

Key Regulations (Verify with VFA)

• Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL): You must hold a valid Victorian RFL unless exempt (e.g., under 18, over 70, or holding certain concession cards).
• Bag and Size Limits:
  • Murray Cod: Typically, there is a “slot limit.” This means you can only keep fish within a specific size range (e.g., 55cm to 75cm). Fish smaller than the minimum or larger than the maximum must be released immediately. The bag limit is usually very low (1 or 2 fish).
  • Golden Perch: Have their own bag and size limits.
  • Carp: Are a noxious pest. If caught, they must not be returned to the water. They must be killed humanely and disposed of continuously.
• Closed Season: Historically, Murray Cod have a closed season (Sept-Nov) to protect spawning fish. However, Lake Eildon has often been exempt from this closure in recent years due to its status as a stocked impoundment where natural recruitment is low. Crucial: Check the current year’s guide to confirm if the closed season applies to Eildon.

Conservation and Handling

If you catch a trophy cod (over the slot limit), it is a breeder. Treat it with respect.

• Keep it Wet: Minimise time out of the water.
• Support the Body: Never lift a large cod by the jaw (lip grips) vertically. This can damage their spine and internal organs. Support the belly horizontally.
• Proper Release: Hold the fish in the water facing the current (or move it gently forward) until it kicks away strongly.

For more on legal requirements, check our regulations guide.

Your Questions About Cod concentration Fishing at Eildon

What is the best time to fish at Eildon?

While “peak fishing hours” are traditionally low-light periods, winter fishing (June-August) can produce the biggest fish during the middle of the day. In summer, the heat often shuts fish down between 10 AM and 4 PM, making night fishing the superior option.

Is Eildon suitable for beginners?

However, it can be “beginner friendly” if you target Golden Perch (Yellowbelly) or Redfin using bait (worms/yabbies) around the trees. Targeting trophy Murray Cod requires patience and specific casting skills that might frustrate a complete novice. Hiring a local guide for a day is the best way to fast-track the learning curve.

Do I need a boat to fish at Eildon?

Shore fishing can be productive if you focus on steep banks where deep water is close to the shore. Long casts with bait or walking the banks casting spinnerbaits work well. Kayak fishing is also hugely popular here and offers a stealthy approach to the timber.

Where are the best specific spots at Eildon?

“Hot spots” change with water levels.