Common names
Bluenose cod
Trout cod
Maccullochella macquariensis
- Freshwater
- Vulnerable
Max length33.5 in
Common length19.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight35 lb 4 oz
Water typeFreshwater
Water temperature64 - 82 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Trout cod have a broad depressed head with a rounded snout and a straight forehead profile. They have a larger upper jaw and overhanging lower jaw. Body colouring can be dark to light brown but generally bluey-grey, with small dark grey to black spots or dashes on the upper body extending onto the lower sides and on the bases of the dorsal, caudal and anal fins. Fins are mainly grey to dark grey, often edged with white. Markings are fewer (if any) on the head, and a dark horizontal stripe usually extends from the nose through the nostril and eye onto the gill cover. The lateral line follows the upper body profile and extends to the tail. Trout cod are often confused with murray cod.
Habitat
Cooler upper reaches of streams, usually in flowing pools between falls and rapids where the stream bottom is bed-rock, boulders and sand or gravel substrates. Larger fish are usually found in the deeper holes, smaller fish beneath and amongst boulders.
Distribution
Murray-Darling basin, New South Wales, Australia - Mitta Mitta River, upper Murray Oceania: Murray-Darling basin, Mitta Mitta River, upper Murray River, Murrumbidgee River, Cataract Dam (Nepean River), also in the Macquarie River. Stocked population in Seven Creeks River and Glenbawm Dam (Hunter River); also in Lake Sambell.
Behaviour
Trout cod spawn during spring-early summer when water temperatures are about 17-18°C, and are thought to breed at a smaller size than murray cod. Their carnivorous diet includes aquatic insects and crustaceans such as yabbies, crayfish and shrimps. They may also leap from the water to take food items just above the surface.
Lure suggestion
You can use spinnerbaits (work best) & lipless crankbaits, as for fly fishing you can catch them on large woolly buggers or cod-specific flies. Good bait: bardi & wood grubs, cheese.