The start of September is significant for one major reason: it marks the closing of the NSW Murray cod season, which means we can’t target these fish until December 1. However, anglers can still target golden perch which tend to populate the same areas as Murray cod, so there is every chance we will hook a few Murray cod throughout this period (if you do hook one, please release it quickly with minimal handling). The season finished in style with numerous 1m+ fish picked up in the final weeks.

The good news is that September is usually when we start to see some golden perch show up after their winter hibernation. Small minnows and low profile spinnerbaits are the best lures to target early season goldens. Casts need to be right on target as the fish will be tucked in very close and won’t be in a hurry to chase a poorly-presented meal.

After one of the best snow seasons we’ve had for quite some time we can expect to see some brilliant fishing over the next two months. We just need to cross our fingers and hope that Snowy Hydro leaves the water in the lake for at least a little while.

Most of the spawn run should be over by now. There may well be some late spawning rainbows that will still be up in the river, but the majority should be back in the lake. This means we’re in for sensational shore-based angling. These post-spawn fish are hell-bent on one thing and that’s eating, and they will cruise the shoreline in search of any edible offering. Bait fishers will do very well with live baits like scrub worms and grubs. You should fish these unweighted and within 3m of the shore a fair distance away from where you intend on sitting.

As usual, plastics will work the best for lure fishers, and don’t be afraid to fish 3”+ plastics. Last year throughout September and October myself and my fishing buddy managed to land 17 browns all over 7lb, and all on the 3.5” black and gold Berkley PowerBait T-tail. This amazing plastic is apparently no longer being made, but any paddle tail in a dark colour should work when fished correctly.

Land-based flyfishing will also work very well. Bigger flies like Woolly Buggers and leech patterns fished slow along the bottom contour will work on the browns, and if you throw a trailing black or brown bead head nymph behind it you will put yourself in with a good chance of snagging a rainbow. There has been a lot said about the lack of rainbows over the past 12 months, but hopefully with some good conditions over the next few months we will see a resurgence in their numbers.