Angling for freshwater fishing finds in Queensland

By Adrienne Costin

Three Queensland regions have come up with a multitude of reasons for keen anglers to hang a gone fishin’ sign on their desk or front fence with the release of three new brochures.

The Capricorn, Western Downs and Outback regions have plenty to offer the visitor with one of their primary claims to fame being their appeal and success as freshwater fishing destinations. Between them they list off golden, silver and spangled perch, eel-tailed catfish, crayfish, murray cod, the amazingly named sooty, barcoo and welch’s grunter, barramundi and saratoga – and that’s not all of them by any stretch of the imagination or fishing almanac..

These three new brochures are free, glove-boxed size, fit in the pocket easily and fold out to offer the equivalent of about 24 pages of information including outlines on important regulations such as size, take and possession limits. They also aim to encourage sustainable fishing to ensure there will be plenty of fish for future generations of enthusiasts.

Local area information and maps are also included as are details of noxious fish, permits, visitor information centres and fishing and restocking clubs.

Taking a catch in Capricorn

The Capricorn region encompasses the areas between Carnarvon Gorge, Emerald, Clermont, and Yeppoon. The brochure provides details on 23 individual fishing spots worth considering when planning a fishing trip to the area, the most popular being Lake Maraboon/Fairbairn Dam near Emerald which is apparently three times the size of Sydney Harbour. Home to barramundi, murray cod and golden perch, it’s also famous for the easy to catch, and tasty, redclaw crayfish.

The Fitzroy River in the heart of Rockhampton is a popular fishing spot for ‘barra’ enthusiasts who can be regularly seen casting their lures at dawn and dusk, although these fish can be caught during the day as well. A rule of thumb is to follow the sun - the higher the sun, the greater the lure depth.
 
Beford Weir on the Mackenzie River north of Blackwater is ideal for yellowbelly in winter, golden and spangled perch can be caught on bait lures when the waters are fairly still, and in summer expect a great range of catches including saratoga, sleepy cod, jew and eels.

Sizeable offerings in the Outback

Given its size, its not surprising the outback lists 56 top fishing spots. South West Queensland – otherwise known as the Channel Country - boasts many great fishing waterholes previously unknown to visitors, but you’ll have to get the brochure to learn about them. Murray cod, freshwater jew and yellowbelly are all waiting to be caught.

Most of the fishing spots in the Central West, otherwise known as Matilda Country, are found in the Lake Eyre catchment area. Yellowbelly and black bream are the prize catches in this part of the world.

North West is dinosaur country and fishing is in rivers including the Flinders, Leichhardt and Gregory that flow north to the Gulf of Carpentaria. There are also a number of accessible man-made lakes and dams in the area stocked with barramundi and sooty grunter. Lake Moondara near Mount Isa is probably the jewel in the crown of the stocked fisheries in this region and is where barramundi longer than than one metre are regularly caught.

Fishing wonders in the Western Downs

Kingpin when it comes to the State’s top freshwater fishing spots is the Western Downs with a listing of 79 locations and two self-drive freshwater fishing tours. The first from Cecil Plains to Tara and the other, known as the North Western Fishing Circuit, from Lake Cooby to Yuleba and Miles.

Unusual spots include Lake Nuga Nuga near Carnarvon, Wallam Creek near Bollon and Flinton near Westmar. There are also numerous spots along the Great Inland Way from Hebel on the border through to Yuleba near Roma, another large group around Goondiwindi, as well as between Miles and Meandarra and Chinchilla through to Millmerran.

The Murray Darling Basin, Maranoa Balonne River Catchment and Dawson Valley systems are the primary waterways in the region and home to the majority of these fishing spots. Perch, catfish, saratoga and murray cod are in plentiful supply.

The brochures were funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme and are available by calling 1300 665 191, visiting www.fishingqueensland.com.au and from accredited visitor information centres in Queensland.