The first frosts have already landed and the cooler mornings are here to stay, but not for long. If chasing XL Murray cod is on your bucket list then it’s time to chuck on the thermals, rug up and hit the water in search of that fish of a lifetime.

It’s not only the impoundments that fish well at this time of year. Local rivers have produced some trophy-size fish recently and after the latest floodwaters clearing out the river, it’s the best it’s looked in a while.

Although the Beardy River has multiple fish species throughout the system, fishers need to remember that most trout waters are closed for spawning just after the June long weekend, including this waterway. Check local guides or the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide for more info.

The Severn River has settled after the April floodwaters passed through and stirred up the river. It is now fishing better than it has in a long time. Water clarity is still not 100% compared to what the river is known for, but the fish don’t mind at all.

Spinnerbaits in smaller and larger profiles are producing some nice fish all through the day making for some very exciting and non-stop fishing. Surface lures have also been accounting for some healthy cod in low light hours and even a few extras after the sun is up.

Pindari Dam has been fluctuating in level but was recently sitting back over full capacity after a few small rainfalls. The fishing has continued on just as well as previous reports with lots of good fish being caught, including multiple fish over the 120cm mark.

The dam conditions haven’t changed with the top half of the dam being dirty where the water’s running in and the basin being a lot cleaner. The yellowbelly action hasn’t slowed down either with lots of good fish still being caught around the main points of the dam and along the front of the spillway.

For many fishers, Copeton Dam has been the place to be in past weeks with lots of fish being caught on a heap of different techniques and at all times of the day, although the early morning bite has been the most consistent for catching bigger Murray cod. Wakebaits, swimbaits and chatterbaits have been the standout lures lately claiming several fish over the metre mark.

A recent JJ’s Plague Invitational Topwater Comp saw fishers drive from all over the country to gather around for the weekend and share knowledge and stories as well as get amongst some awesome surface action. Between the 50 anglers there were 30 cod caught for a total length of over 24m over the two sessions, proving that Copeton Dam is a big cod fishery. The dam is rising slowly and is currently sitting at the 46% mark.

Good luck to all braving the cold this month. Frozen guides, cold hands and knots in the shoulders will all but be forgotten when that fish of a lifetime finds what you’re offering on the other end of your line.