Murray Cray Season is Open 🌟 Here's Everything You Need to Know
One of the most exciting dates on the Victorian freshwater fishing calendar is finally here. The Murray spiny freshwater crayfish season opened on 1 June, and if you've never tried your hand at catching one of these remarkable creatures, this is the year to give it a go.
Murray crays are the world's second largest freshwater crayfish, and they're genuinely delicious. Whether you're an experienced angler or someone who just wants a fun day out with the family, cray fishing is one of those activities that works for everyone. Kids love it. Adults love eating the results.
Where to go
The mid to lower reaches of our larger inland rivers are your best bet- the Ovens, Goulburn, Mitta Mitta and Kiewa all hold good populations. Conveniently, these are also some of the best camping areas in North East Victoria, so there's no reason not to make a weekend of it.
How to catch them
You can use hoop nets, baited lines (no hooks), or even your bare hands. If you're heading to Lake Eildon, Rocklands Reservoir or Lake Dartmouth, open top lift nets are also permitted at those specific locations.
One important detail: any net must be tagged above the waterline with your full name and address clearly written.
Know your size limits
This is where a lot of people come unstuck. Murray crays have a slot limit- you can only keep crays between 10 cm and 12 cm carapace length, measured from just behind the eye socket to the rear of the main body shell- checkout these Bait Bomb Stainless Steel Measurers. It's a specific measurement, so take your time and get it right. The reason for the slot limit is sensible: the larger females are the breeders, and keeping them in the system means healthy populations for years to come.
Any female carrying eggs under her tail must be released immediately, eggs intact.
Bag and possession limits
Daily bag limit is 2 crays per person. Statewide possession limit is 4 per person at any one time. Crays must be kept whole or in carcass form.
The season runs through to the end of August, so there's plenty of time to get out there. Come in and see us at Bluey's Outdoors- we stock everything you need, including hoop nets, bait and advice from people who actually fish these rivers.