Frosty Fishing on the Murrumbidgee
It might be cold and it might be frosty but our Murrumbidgee River is a beauty. Don’t let our cold Wagga winter get in the way of some good old-fashioned frosty fishing fun.
Whether you’ve got a boat or you plan on doing some fishing on the riverbanks, we’ve got you covered. From what to pack, where to fish and what will help you catch em’! Keep reading to get all the tips for your own frosty fishing adventure.
‘The early bird catches the worm’… If you’re rising early and wanting to see the sunrise, don’t forget to pack your belly before you pack your bag. A good protein filled ‘breaky’ will keep you fuelled and you won’t need to hit the ‘snack bag’ too early. After all, the snacks are to get you through the day, no one wants to go home early just because you’re out of ‘tucker’ – the fish could be biting and that’s when the fun begins.
We have interviewed an avid local fisherman, Matthew Freemantle (aka Freo), who was happy to spill the beans on all things fishing when it comes to the Murrumbidgee.
What can we expect to catch in our Murrumbidgee?
The majority fish caught will be Murray Cod, Yellow Belly or Carp.
Where are the best spots to fish?
Whether you’re on the banks or in the boat, the fishing spots will be the same. Cods are a lazy fish, they like to sit under a log where they’re protected and wait for their dinner to swim by. You’ll need to get your bait as close to any trees, logs or structures in the water as possible and hope that they’re hungry.
What’s in the tackle box?
There’s nothing worse than running out of lures, hooks or sinkers half way through a day on the water – be prepared and stock up. You want those fish to bite.
What kind of bait is best?
For river fishing, it’s all about cheese, grubs or worms.
What are some key items to take along so you can get the most out of your fishing adventure?
Fishing rods, tackle box, bait, a Minkota (electric motor), a fish finder and plenty of food and cold beverages.
Tips about equipment or technique?
Freo speaks with volumes of experience when he says,
“It doesn’t matter how much money you spend on boats and equipment, because it does not guarantee you to catch fish.”
He’s seen two people in the same boat sitting two feet from one another with the most inexperienced fisher catching fish after fish and the professional can’t even get a bite.
Well, I think that’s great news for anyone who’s never fished before! It sounds to me like there’s a bit of luck involved. This gives us all hope for anyone wanting to give it a go!
What about the food?
Freo likes to pack his camper stove, wok and bamboo steamer so he can enjoy hot dim sims and prawn dumplings…. YUM! We’ve come up with some additional great ideas and even a recipe for some tasty Slow Cooker Cheese Scrolls that you can freeze in advance and just defrost when you’re ready. Check out our fishing food list below:
- Boiled eggs
- A thermos if it’s an early and cold morning adventure (nothing better than a tea/coffee/hot choccy, or even noodles in your cold hands).
- Trail mix (dried fruit, nuts and seeds)
- Cook up a BBQ – pack some snags and bread
- Lots of water
- Biccies, cheese and dip
- Fruit (no bananas – they are said to be bad luck for fishing, it might be an old wives tale dating back many, many years – but if you take a banana on board, you may just get the blame if the fish don’t bite).
- Nothing wrong with a few rounds of ham and cheese sandwiches.
- Don’t forget the esky if you’ve packed any food that might spoil.
Here is the recipe for the slow cooker scrolls….
I’m off to bake some now… see you on the banks of our Murrumbidgee River for some frosty fishing fun!
[If you catch a fish, be sure to share a picture with us. You can either email it in, or share on Instagram @brunsleapark #brunsleafrostyfishing]
