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The Murray River passing through the twin towns of Echuca (Vic) & Moama (NSW) is a waterway that is to say the least well used by all water based recreational user's. I would suggest that perhaps it could be viewed as the most congested and well used part of the entire Murray River. At times the river gets so busy with all manner of water craft from large paddle steamers, speed boats towing water skiers, personal water craft and of course the poor old fisho in their tinnies trying to ride out the ups and downs from the traffic on the river. Although its not always like that but it does get quite busy at peak times and one should best choose carefully where they want to fish so that you do not have to battle with constant backwash from other watercraft. Once this has been mastered you stand a pretty good chance of not only enjoying yourself but should be positioned right to catch a fish or two as this part of the river does offer allot for the recreational fisherman. I think it's best to launch your boat away from the town centre so that you can choose some of the more quieter parts of the river.

The river here is very much an ever changing affair that is mainly governed by the irrigation season and does change quite rapidly from week to week depending on demand and the weather. Traditionally the fish here go off the chew a little when the irrigation is cranked up as I think the poor buggers are too busy fighting the current and are too tired to do much else but that's my opinion which is not necessarily the right one. But I have found it hard work most times when then irrigation is building up and the river rising. It's a shame but very much a fact of life with this river during the irrigation season but with a little pre-planning before making your trip by checking the Murray River Daily Report for flow rates and river levels on the internet you can get an idea on what part of the river is best to fish.

Some of the most productive times to fish this area is when the river flow rate is at its slowest and of course also at it's clearest. But this does not mean it isn't worth fishing at other times, it's just that the fishing seems to be more conducive in these conditions and also less stressful on equipment and anglers. Believe me when the irrigation is pumping out at it's full rate it certainly gets alot harder manoeuvring your boat while trying to cast into a chosen area and if your bait fishing it adds many problems with tackle drift, snagging and bait loss. At times of high flow rates it usually proves very effective to choose area's of the river where the currents are not so strong, these are usually on the outgoing side of the internal bend. Although trying to find area's like these that have a good decent water depth are at a premium but they are there if you look carefully and have the added benefit of a sounder. This is where fish get a chance to rest from the heavier currents.

But the sad fact that exists for this part of the Murray River is that a large portion of the river has been de-snagged over the last 150 yrs to allow for the safe navigation of the paddle steamer era and also for the popular sport of water skiing and this unfortunately reflects on the fishing. There are still some good snaggy area's to keep the spirits up along the river but it would have been a different story before white settlement. Some very popular areas are upstream at the Goulburn River junction and downstream around the vicinity of the Campaspe River Junction.

A good idea would be to use the services offered by one of the Fishing Charter companies. These guys are not very expensive and will take small groups for half or full days fishing and also offer multiple day camping trips as well. The best reason for using these guys is that they have a wealth of experience and all the fishing gear, tackle and bait is provided.. You can learn allot from these guys in one day and then use this experience to help you become more productive in the area. You will find it's the best way to learn how to fish this area and in the end you walk away very satisfied knowing that you've had a great time.

Murray River Fishing Tours

Fox's Fishing & River Adventures

Perhaps the biggest bonus that this area offers to the angler is that Echuca is the starting point for many a family fishing holiday on a houseboat. Spending a family holiday on a houseboat is one of the most memorable experiences that will never be forgotten and is a must for anyone who would love nothing more than to spend a week or more fishing up and down the Murray River with family or a group of friends.

GOODOO DREAMING Article		The GOODOO DREAMING
A Houseboat Holiday on the Murray		Houseboat Directory

Click to "A Houseboat Holiday on the Murray River"