Econorad
The water upstream really wasn't much dirtier than downstream.
As to fish breeding, to a large extent downstream of the weir is a naturally recruiting fishery, with cod and golden perch stockings supplementing it. There is evidence for all of the larger native species, except Macquarie perch, recruiting in that stretch of river. Although a bit out of date (due to being done just after the drought) this report documents the evidence:
https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/downloads/ ... r_2012.pdf
Upstream of the weir prior to stocking there were very, very few Murray cod and the Golden perch had died out by the 1930s. The fishery, up to this point, has been totally dependent upon stocking. It is likely that in some years, like now, cod could spawn as with the high rivers there has been no cold water from irrigation releases. Even if they do spawn, recruitment of the young will be affected by the releases in say a months time. The cold water has a serious impact on food supply, particularly the smaller stuff which the young fish need. In the long term there might be some natural recruitment, but the fishery is likely to be dependent upon ongoing stocking - like Lake Eildon.
Laneends
Yes, you can walk the banks upstream, at least on the eastern side, that's what I do. On the western side there are some vineyards with houses close to the bank.
If I was seriously targetting cod I would have used baits like big yabbies, cheese or thrown lures. That's what I will be doing when the season opens (and I throw all of them back anyway, whatever size). I threw in the small bunch of worms just to do some fishing close to home, without really chasing cod. With the long weekend (for some) there are a fair few people out and about this weekend on the rivers. In the past I have lobbied for closing totally a few sections of rivers which are important for native fish breeding, just like we close some of the trout streams (which I support - and admire the trout anglers for getting this), but it has fallen on deaf ears. There is a lot of fear amongst anglers that seasonal closures could lead to permanent aquatic reserves - and there are influential people pushing for this so to some extent the paranoia is justified. Still, closing a few areas for three months and allowing take on others as per Eildon to me would be a better management scenario. Then you have got the situation in the Yarra where the cod are an 'alien species' - should they be protected by the closed season? I'm down in Melbourne next week and will probably drown some worms there too, but there is a chance of cod or maccas being by-catch with worms.
I won't be putting a line in again downstream of the weir till the season opens as it is a natural fishery. Upstream I'm a bit more ambivalent. I'll try some of the channels or the lake itself targetting reddies and yellas in the next few weeks. After being away from the area for two decades I am at the moment just checking out access points and throwing a line in without being too serious.
Best Wishes
Truedogz
