There’s never been a better time to go fishing in Southern Queensland Country. The dams are full, the rivers are running and the fish are jumping. You’ll find a wide variety of species out here, from Murray Cod to Silver Perch to Barcoo Grunter, Jewfish, Sleepy Cod, Sooty Grunter, Saratoga and River Blackfish. So ardent anglers, grab your rods, there’s work to do.
Lake Boondooma
Head to the South Burnett and Lake Boondooma, 15km from Proston, and throw in a line. Home to annual Yellowbelly Fishing Competition, this dam spans the Boyne River and has a $900,000 camping ground with self-contained cabins and caravan park.
Bjelke-Petersen Dam
Also known as Lake Barambah, Bjelke-Petersen Dam is home to yellowbelly and Australian bass, the latter of which forms the annual Yamaha Bass Pro Challenge. During the rest of the year, head to this South Burnett dam and the Yallakool Caravan Park, close to a number of wineries, perfect to wash down that fresh catch.
Lake Moogerah
Situated in the Scenic Rim at Moogerah Dam near Aratula, this fishing spot is stocked with Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Mary River Cod and Saratoga. Campers pitch at A G Muller Park and there’s also the perfectly positioned Lake Moogerah Caravan park, overlooking the water.
Somerset Dam
Lake Somerset or Somerset Dam, about one hour north west of Brisbane, near Kilcoy, is so popular with the angling community, it ranks among the top 5 spots in Queensland. Fish species found here include Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Bony Bream, Eel-tailed Catfish, Spangled Perch, Mary River Cod, Snub Nosed Gar, Queensland Lungfish and Saratoga.You can camp at Kirkleagh Recreation Area or Somerset Park.
Wivenhoe Dam
It seems all eyes have been on Wivenhoe Dam, between Fernvale and Esk, for the past few years and suffice to say, there’s plenty of water for fishing here. Considered the home of Big Bass in Queensland, and potentially Australia, you’ll also find Australian Bass, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch, Saratoga and Mary River Cod. There’s also Fork Tailed Catfish (Silver Cobbler) Spangled Perch, Tilapia, Banded Grunter, Snub Nosed Gar, Eels, Qld Lungfish and Redclaw crayfish. There’s a great campground near Logan’s Inlet.
Leslie Dam
Situated 15km west of Warwick, Leslie Dam is stocked with Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), Silver Perch and Murray Cod, as well as Spangled Perch and Eel-Tailed Catfish. There’s a campground at Washpool Reserve.
