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Updated 05/08/08

Freshwater Fishing at Lake Somerset

Most freshwater fishing in the Kilcoy area is done in the region's dams in the Lake Somerset, Lake Monduran. All of these require a fishing permit. You can buy a seven-day or an annual permit which are available from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries at www.dpi.qld.gov.au / phone 13 25 23, or if you're already in Mackay from Northside Fishing (phone 07 4957 2272). Funds generated through these licenses are re-invested into the stocking of the dams by the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association.

Barramundi and Sooty Grunter are the two most sought after species in this environment. You can take one legal barra per person from a stocked impoundment during closed season (must be the minimum size of 58cm). Sleepy cod are more rare and although they aren't considered good sport they are very good eating.

Other than the dams, there are a few spots on the Pioneer River near Marian where it's possible to pull in a few perch and sooty grunter.

When to go freshwater fishing:

Timing can be even more important than in Freshwater for successful results. The nights leading up to and on the full moon if you are night fishing (which is generally the most productive) and the days leading up to and on the new moon if you are fishing during daylight hours. You'll be more likely to latch onto a sooty grunter during the colder months and barra seem to prefer the warmer months.

Where to freshwaterfish

As a rule of thumb, fish in water about 5m deep. These are often the old creek beds in the dams and are the places the fish like to feed.

Bait

You can use a jig to catch live bait but it's illegal to use a cast net in fresh water. You should pull in a few banded grunter that are an ideal bait fish. Some people bring mullet from the saltwater with fruitful results and common garden worms are another favoured bait. Try putting live bait under a float.

Equipment to use when freshwater fishing:

You don't need any special equipment. Whatever you have been using in saltwater for barra or grunter or the like will work just as effectively in the freshwater. The most popular lures are the green-coloured varieties although gold and pink are preferred by some. 75 - 100mm lures will attract a good sized barra but if you are after the monsters you can use up to 150mm lures.

Technique to use when freshwater fishing

The bigger fish tend to be fatter and less agile so a slow retrieve action will often be the best technique. Suspended lures work well in the more dense freshwater. If you put your lure down to a depth and allow it to rise before retrieving, it's often the point where you'll get a strike.

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