Hey there, mate! Lake Tchum (Birchip, Victoria) is a solid freshwater spot with eel-tailed catfish, redfin, and the occasional Murray Cod when conditions line up. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense game plan for early winter sessions.
Target species & approach
- Primary targets: eel-tailed catfish, redfin perch, and the occasional Murray Cod. Catfish bite best on scent and bottom baits; redfin are more lure-and-soft-plastic oriented; cod show up around structure and drop-offs when the water warms a touch.
- Season note: early winter can slow things down as water cools. Focus on structure, edges, and deeper pockets. After rain can be when the bites pick up, especially on catfish.
Gear & rigs (rod, reel, line)
- Rods: a light–medium spinning setup (about 6’6”–7’) is versatile for redfin and soft plastics; a sturdier setup helps with cod and catfish.
- Line: 6–12 lb braid or fluorocarbon ahead of 12–20 lb leader when targeting big catfish or cod; lighter for redfin.
- Rigs: start with a simple running sinker (sliding) rig or a bottom/loose-lead rig. Pair with a strong but flexible leader (12–20 lb class) to handle snags and teeth.
Bait & lures that work here
- Catfish & big predators: fresh yabbies, earthworms, gudgeon scraps, chicken liver. A strong, pungent bait helps if the water is a bit muddier.
- Redfin & general freshwater: small soft plastics, minnows, and small spinnerbaits in natural colors. For cod, bigger soft plastics or small hard-bodied lures that imitate baitfish can pay off near drop-offs.
- Practical tip: keep baits off the bottom a little with a little slack line, so scent and movement draw fish up from structure.
Tackle picks you can check out (examples from gear you’ll see around the web)
- FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures Kit – great for trying a range of lures when you’re scouting out redfin spots.
- TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax – 8 segment jointed swimbait – realistic swimming action to tempt redfin and cod near structure.
- Rapala Bass Boom Box Kit – a curated set of lures that covers shallow to mid-depth work.
If you want more lure ideas, check these general options as a starting point:
- Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits
- HALF CRESCEN Fishing Lures Kit for Bass/Trout/Pike
- GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit
- TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Jigs
- Catch Co Mystery Tackle Box – Freshwater Bass Kit
Techniques & tips for early winter
- Timing: target dawn and dusk when fish are more active. After light rain can be productive as runoff nudges unsettled prey.
- Structure-focused fishing: fish near weed edges, reed beds, drop-offs, and inlets. Structure concentrates fish during cooler months.
- Presentation: allow baits to sink slowly for catfish; for redfin/cod, experiment with small swimbaits or grubs that mimic local forage.
- Tackle tuning: in chop or wind, use a slightly longer cast and a tighter drag to control runs from big catfish.
- Comfort & safety: winter nights are chilly—dress in layers, bring a hat, and keep hands warm for baiting. And bring rain gear if the forecast looks unsettled.
Quick reference plan
- Target: eel-tailed catfish, redfin, occasional Murray Cod.
- Gear: light–medium spinning rod, braid with 12–20 lb leader.
- Bait: yabbies, worms, liver; plastics for redfin.
- Spots: weed edges, drop-offs, inlets near structure.
- Time: dawn/dusk; after rain helps.
If you want deeper dives, these videos are gold for rigs and baits around Tchum Lake:
- Catfishing at Tchum lake techniques, rigs and baits
- Tchum Lake, Birchip. Lots of catfish, yellowbelly, redfin, trout, silver perch and a Murray Cod !
- Busy Catfish session at Tchum lake, Birchip before a thunderstorm
Tight lines and may your baits find the right shadows. If you want, tell me what you’re targeting most (catfish, redfin, or cod) and I’ll tailor a day-by-day plan with exact rigs and a weather-driven tackle list. Ride the wind, stay patient, and enjoy the quiet winter bite! 🐟🎣
