We are now moving into the spring months and this is typically a time of the year where we can experience many changes within the waterways in the Bendigo region.

The major factor that determines these changes is the amount of rainfall that the region receives over the next few months. Catchments have been experiencing only minimal amounts of rain and the inflows into our catchments and river systems have been low. However, irrigation season has started and water flows are increasing down the river systems. If we continue to receive only minimal rainfall for the region then the water clarity will remain good. Typically during the spring months, the Bendigo region will experience its most significant rainfall events. If we receive several significant rainfall events then we will see good rises in water levels in our catchments but water clarity will deteriorate in both the impoundments and river systems.

The fishing has been slow in Lake Eppalock.

The redfin fishing has continued to be disappointing. We should see an increase in the numbers of redfin being caught over the next few weeks as water temperatures continue to increase. Trolling small hardbodied lures and casting soft plastics will be good options for targeting the redfin.

The exciting prospect for Lake Eppalock is the numbers of golden perch that should be caught by anglers this season. There should be a significant improvement on the last few seasons. The numbers of golden perch caught in the last few months has been low but this month the numbers of golden perch being should increase. I find the productivity in the golden perch improves greatly once surface temperatures increase to 18°C+. Casting small hardbodied lures, lipless crankbaits and small profile spinnerbaits around the rocky shorelines and submerged timber are good, productive techniques for targeting golden perch. Also, trolling small to medium profile hardbodied lures in the depth range between 3-6m are good depth ranges at this time of the year. The improvement in the golden perch fishing is largely due to some very good golden perch stocking by Victorian Fisheries over the last few seasons.

The fishing in the Campaspe River has also been slow.

As the water temperatures increase over the next few weeks we should see a significant increase in the numbers of fish which are being caught in the Campaspe River. But if we receive heavy rainfall, then water clarity will deteriorate and the productivity in the fishing will drop.

Over the next couple of months can be an excellent time to catch some quality redfin in the Campaspe. With the way the current conditions are looking, I believe the numbers of redfin that are caught will be pretty average. At this time of the year the quality can be good and redfin weighing up to 1.5kg can be caught. My favourite areas to target these bigger redfin are along the edges of cumbungi-lined banks. Also, fishing the edges of weed beds can be a good option. Casting small hardbodied lures and soft plastics along these edges are good techniques, but casting the lay-me-down timber are consistently the most productive areas for the golden perch.

The fishing in Cairn Curran continues to be okay.

Average numbers of redfin are being caught, with the majority of these fish being caught in deep water. Targeting depths greater than 10m has been the most productive for the redfin. Down rigging small, minnow profile lures has been productive on the redfin. While this has not been producing cricket scores of redfin, the productivity has been good enough to make it worthwhile. Jigging ice jigs and soft plastics has also been productive methods. Redfin weighing up to 1.5kg have been caught at this location.

We should start to see an increase in the numbers of golden perch being caught in this location over the next few weeks. Casting around the rocky shoreline and at the top of the standing timbers does produce some quality golden perch this time of year. The numbers of the golden perch caught at this location are often low, but the average size is very good.

How productive the fishing will be in the Loddon River will also be determined by the amount of rainfall we receive over the next couple of months.

If the rainfall stays below average, the water clarity will remain good and the productivity in the fishing will continue to be good. If we receive heavy rainfall, then the water clarity will deteriorate and the productivity in the fishing will drop.

The numbers of golden perch being caught has just started to increase over the last few weeks. Casting lipless crankbaits and medium size hardbodied lures have been the most productive option for the golden perch.

Again, anglers are reminded we are now in closed season for the Murray cod. I encourage anglers to do the right things and leave the Murray cod alone to do their breeding and hopefully produce some offspring for future seasons.