Trout Cod

Scientific Name
Maccullochella macquariensis
Size
Commonly 40-50cm
Weight
Commonly 1.5-3kg

General Description

HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TROUT COD AND MURRAY COD?

It is very easy and common to mistake a trout cod for a Murray cod, and vice-versa.

However, there are a few distinguishing features that make it easy to tell the difference between the two different, but similar, species, including:

  • Murray cod have a shorter snout
  • Trout cod have an overhanging upper jaw
  • Trout cod have a stripe through the eye
  • Trout cod have spotted markings on the body where Murray cod have mosiac pattern markings
  • Trout cod generally appear more blue-grey in colour and Murray cod more green-olive with a bright, white belly
  • Trout cod are generally more aggressive and outfight Murray cod

For more information, see theΒ Victorian Fisheries AuthorityΒ website for a more detailed description of the differences.

To learn more about the historical occurrence of trout cod in Australia visitΒ True Tales of the Trout Cod website

Where to Find

As of 14 August 2015, Australia’s only trout cod fishery was opened at Lakes Sambell and Lake Kerferd (near Beechworth in North East Victoria).

The lakes have been stocked with more than 45,000 trout cod fingerlings since 2008 using revenue raised from recreational fishing licence fees.

Fishing Rules

Fishing for trout cod is subject to certain rules and restrictions, including:

  • Bag and possession limit of one (1) fisher per person per day
  • Size limit (slot limit) of between 40-50cm
  • No closed season

Threats and Management Issues

Trout cod populations nationally in all other rivers, streams and impoundments continue to remain threatened and are not permitted to be caught.

Subscribe to our mailing list

Join our 50,000+ subscribers in receiving our Fishing Lines News delivered straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out on all the issues affecting your fishing, projects improving your fishing and opportunities to have your say about your fishery.

* indicates required
Communication Preferences (tick all that apply)