December 1, 2025
Photo: Victorian Fisheries Authority
Excitement has been building for the opening of Murray cod season on Monday 1 December after a three-month closure. For many Victorian fishers, today is one of the most anticipated days on the freshwater fishing calendar.
But how much do you really know about Australia’s largest native freshwater fish? With the open season here, it’s the perfect time to learn more about the mighty Murray cod and brush up on your handling techniques.
Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) are primarily found in the Murray-Darling river system. They prefer slow-flowing, turbid waterways with plenty of structure. Generally favouring deep pools near boulders, undercut banks, fallen logs, and overhanging vegetation. Unfortunately, their natural distribution and population have declined over time due to dam construction, altered river flows, rising temperatures, and increased siltation.
Recognisable by their deep, elongated bodies, large mouths with needle-like teeth, and creamy white bellies contrasted with mottled green or yellowish hues depending on its habitat, Murray cod are masters of camouflage.
These freshwater predators are voracious feeders, preying on fish, crustaceans, frogs, and even small mammals such as mice.
Their growth potential is one of the reasons anglers are so captivated by them with many fishers dreaming of landing a “metery”. Murray cod can reach lengths of up to 1.8 metres and weigh as much as 113 kilograms, though most Victorian catches range between 55–65 cm and 2–5 kg, according to the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
Spawning takes place in spring and early summer when water temperatures fall between 16°C and 21°C. During high river levels, these fish can migrate hundreds of kilometres upstream to spawn. Females can lay up to 40,000 eggs, measuring about 3 to 3.5 mm in diameter, depending on their size and condition.
Murray cod form breeding pairs, laying their eggs on hard surfaces such as logs, rocks, or clay banks. Males carefully tend to the fertilised eggs, continually fanning them to keep oxygen levels high. Eggs hatch within 6 to 13 days, and young fish begin feeding on their own after about 3 to 4 weeks. Remarkably, adults often return to the same breeding spot, even the same snag, year after year.
During breeding season, Murray cod can become exhibit strong parental instincts and can become highly territorial and aggressive which makes them more vulnerable to capture. That’s why the annual spring closed season exists: to give these fish time to rest on the nest and the protection they need to successfully reproduce.
In Victoria, Murray cod are classified as “threatened” under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
CARE FOR COD
We have partnered with the Victorian Fisheries Authority and Native Fish Australia to develop a Care for Cod campaign. When practicing catch and release, adopting better handling practices can help cod to survive post-release.
Care for Cod follows a simple four point plan.
- Be prepared: Have your cod gloves, knotless net and long-nose pliers ready for a catch.
- Reduce air time: Minimise the time the cod spends out of the water to under 30 seconds. Where possible, leave the cod in the water.
- Gently does it: Support the cod’s body
- Use the right gear: When baiting fishing use circle hooks and a tight line to avoid deep hooking the fish, also reduce fight time by using heavier gear
For more information on Murray cod rules and regulations, including size and bag limits, visit the Victorian Fisheries Authority Murray cod page.
For more information on New South Wales Murray cod rules and regulations, visit the NSW Government’s fishing rules and regulations page.
If you are out fishing in Victoria this summer, and keen to see where fish have been stocked, check out the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Fish Stocking Database. You can search by waterway, by species, by date, and much more to know exactly how your fishing licence fees have been utilised in the fish stocking program.
Keen to learn more about our iconic Murray cod? Check out these great resources:
