There aren't too many freshwater fishing experiences that get the heart pumping quite like watching a big Murray cod come charging out of the shadows to absolutely belt your lure!
These iconic Aussie natives are known for their powerful strikes, impressive size and love of structure. Whether you're fishing a rocky gorge, winding river or timber-lined creek, getting a cod to bite often comes down to putting the right lure in the right place.
But there's a little more to it than simply firing a cast towards the nearest snag and hoping for the best. Understanding where Murray cod like to hide, how to work your lure through structure and why casting accuracy matters, can make all the difference.
If you're keen to improve your chances of tangling with one of these green freshwater apex predators, here are a few tips to help point you in the right direction.
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Choose the Right Hardbody Lure
When it comes to chasing Murray cod, a good hardbody lure is worth its weight in gold. Hardbodies have been catching cod and golden perch in Australia's rivers and dams for generations, and for good reason. Their swimming action, diving ability and versatility make them a cracking option for working around the rocky ledges and submerged timber where cod love to hang out.
One of the biggest things to consider is the action of your lure. A wider-bodied and big-bibbed hardbody with a pronounced side-to-side wobble can be particularly effective, creating plenty of movement as it swims through the water. This exaggerated action can help imitate the movement of natural prey, including small fish and even lizards that occasionally find themselves on the menu. When fishing locations such as gorges where baitfish are rare, I am convinced that these lures are most often eaten by cod because they are believed to be lizards: and yes, lizards swim beneath the surface of the water often!
Buoyancy is another important factor. A floating hardbody gives you a little more control when fishing snaggy country, allowing you to pause your retrieve and let the lure rise over obstacles rather than ploughing straight into them. The trick is choosing a lure that swims deep enough to get into the strike zone without spending more time stuck on the bottom than swimming past hungry cod.
Look for the Darkest Pocket
Murray cod are classic ambush predators. Rather than constantly cruising around looking for their next feed, they'll often position themselves somewhere with a bit of cover and wait for an easy meal to swim past. In rocky rivers and gorge country, that means paying particular attention to the darker pockets of water. Overhanging rocks, shaded ledges, submerged boulders and undercut banks can all provide the perfect hiding spot for cod.
Don't make the mistake of thinking the biggest rock will always hold the biggest fish. Sometimes it's the smallest little ledge or patch of shade that produces the goods. A spot that doesn't look like much from a distance might have just enough cover for a cod to tuck itself away. Key to what structure holds a fish is often to do with which ambush location maintains current flow and back-eddy scenarios, as these often make the best launching pads for a cod to grab a piece of stray food. As an angler it pays to look for shaded pieces of structure that are first hit by current in a section of water.
As you work your way along a pool or stretch of river, keep an eye out for:
Shaded rock ledges and overhangs
Large boulders creating pockets of slower water
Submerged timber and fallen trees
Undercut banks with deeper water nearby
Small gaps and channels between rocks
Work each likely hiding spot systematically, getting your lure as close to the structure as possible. You might put a dozen casts into different pockets without so much as a follow, only for the next little patch of shade to produce a strike that'll nearly pull the rod out of your hands!
Cast Beyond Your Target
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when fishing diving hardbodies for Murray cod is landing your lure directly on top of where you think the fish is sitting. Unlike a surface lure, a diving hardbody needs a bit of distance to get down to its working depth. If you land your cast right beside a promising rock ledge, there's a good chance your lure won't be swimming deep enough by the time it reaches the fish.
Instead, aim to cast a few metres beyond your intended target, giving the lure enough room to dive before it enters the strike zone – this is where planning your cast becomes important. Think about where the cod might be sitting, how deep your lure needs to travel and the angle that'll allow it to swim closest to the structure. The perfect cast should be tailored to allow your lure to actually hit the structure you believe holds a fish. The aggressive nature of a lure striking structure is often the catalyst for a cod to burst out and strike a lure.
A well-placed cast that brings your lure right past a shaded ledge is going to be far more effective than one that swims through open water several metres away. Remember, you don't always need to cast as far as possible. When you're fishing tight structure, accuracy is a whole lot more important than distance.
Keep Your Casts Quiet
Murray cod might be aggressive predators, but that doesn't mean you should go dropping a lure on their heads like a brick! When fishing smaller pools or relatively shallow water, a loud splash can be enough to put a fish on alert before you've even started winding. The aim is to land your lure with a controlled splash rather than an almighty belly flop.
A baitcaster outfit can be particularly handy for this style of fishing because it gives you more control over your cast. By applying gentle thumb pressure to the spool as the lure approaches the water, you can slow it down and soften the landing. This also makes it easier to place your lure accurately when casting towards tight gaps, rocky banks and overhanging structure.
It might take a little practice to get the timing right, but once you've mastered it, you'll be able to work those tricky spots without making a heap of unnecessary commotion.
Guide Your Lure Through the Structure
Getting your lure into the right area is only half the battle. What you do once it's in the water can be just as important. Rather than simply winding your hardbody straight back to the rod tip, try to guide it through the areas most likely to hold fish.
Start your retrieve and allow the lure to dive towards its working depth. Once it's down, use subtle movements of the rod tip to help direct its path past rocks, ledges and submerged timber. A steady retrieve will keep the lure swimming with that wide, wobbly action, while the occasional pause can help it float up, over and clear of an obstacle.
If you feel your lure making contact with structure, resist the temptation to immediately give it a massive rip. Sometimes stopping your retrieve for a moment is all that's needed to let a floating hardbody rise away from trouble. This style of fishing is all about control. You want your lure swimming close enough to structure to tempt a fish out of hiding, without constantly burying the hooks into every rock and log along the way – when a cod does finally decide to launch an attack, there's usually nothing subtle about it!
Work Every Likely Spot
It's easy to get distracted by the obvious fish-holding structure, but don't overlook the smaller features as you move along a stretch of river. Murray cod can be surprisingly well tucked away, and sometimes the difference between catching a fish and missing one completely comes down to the angle of your cast.
A lure swimming past one side of a boulder might go completely unnoticed, while bringing it through the shaded pocket on the opposite side could be all it takes to trigger a strike. Try approaching promising structure from different angles, changing the path of your retrieve and making sure you've covered the water properly before moving on.
That doesn't mean you need to spend half the day casting at the same rock. If you've worked an area thoroughly without any interest, keep exploring until you find the next likely spot. The more water you cover, the more opportunities you'll have to put your lure in front of an active fish.
Be Ready for an Explosive Strike
One thing's for sure, Murray cod aren't exactly known for their table manners! When a fish decides it wants your lure, the strike can be incredibly fast and aggressive. One second your hardbody is wobbling past a shaded rock, and the next your rod is loaded up as a cod charges out of its hiding spot.
That's why it's important to stay focused throughout the retrieve, particularly when your lure is travelling through the best-looking structure. Keep a firm grip on your rod, make sure your drag is set appropriately and be prepared to apply controlled pressure to stop a hooked fish from burying itself back among the rocks or timber.
A suitable baitcaster rod and reel, quality braid and abrasion-resistant leader will give you a better chance of staying connected when things get interesting.
Once you've landed your fish, handle it with wet hands, support its body properly and minimise its time out of the water if you're planning on releasing it. After all, there's nothing better than watching a healthy Murray cod kick away to fight another day.
Time to Hit the Cod Country
Catching Murray cod on hardbody lures is a game of strategy, patience and putting your lure exactly where it needs to be.
By concentrating on shaded structure, choosing a lure with the right action and buoyancy, and taking a little extra care with your casting and retrieve, you'll give yourself a much better chance of tempting one of these iconic freshwater predators. While you might have to work through plenty of fishless water before finding a hungry cod, that first explosive strike makes every cast worthwhile!
Before heading out, make sure you check the local fishing regulations, including any seasonal closures, size limits and protected waterways. Murray cod rules vary between states and locations, particularly during the breeding season.
Depending on the water you aim to fish there will be a number of size categories of rod, reel, line and lure to choose so as to best suit your chosen destination. If you're looking to gear up for your next freshwater adventure, drop into your local BCF and have a chat with our BCFing Experts. They'll help you get sorted with the right gear to give those big green river monsters a run for their money!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to catch Murray cod?
Early mornings, late afternoons and after dark can be productive, particularly during warmer months. However, Murray cod can be caught throughout the day when conditions are right.
What size hardbody lure is best for Murray cod?
Hardbodies around 80–150mm are popular for Murray cod, although smaller and larger lures can also be effective depending on the waterway, available prey and size of fish you're targeting.
What pound leader should I use for Murray cod?
A 30–60lb abrasion-resistant leader is a common starting point, with heavier options worth considering when fishing around sharp rocks, timber and other unforgiving structure.
Can you catch Murray cod in dirty water?
Absolutely! Murray cod can still feed in murky conditions. Try lures with plenty of vibration and a strong swimming action to help fish locate your offering.
When is the Murray cod closed season in Australia?
In Australia the closed season for Murray cod varies depending on what state you're in. In NSW, Victoria and the ACT, the general closure runs from 1 September to 30 November, while in Queensland, it runs from 1 August to 31 October. In South Australia, the closure runs from 1 August to 31 December in certain waterways. In SA, it's prohibited to keep Murray cod year-round, with catch-and-release fishing only permitted outside the closed season. Some dams and impoundments remain open year-round, so always check your local fishing regulations before heading out.
About the author
Tackling Australia
Tackling Australia is made up of “Nicko” Fewtrell and “Nige” Webster — two fishing tragics who’ve been hooked since before they could walk. Nige is a long-time fishing journalist and regular on the Aussie fishing comp scene; and Nicko is a fishing presenter, FNQ-based guide and boat builder. Together, they’re a formidable fishing team, with all the expert knowledge you could ask for
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