OLD
Slow fishing due to the unsettled weather
course we aren’t flooded yet again. Fishing options have been limited over the last couple of months
and anglers are looking at locations outside their normal waterways. The floods may slow things down in the major bodies
of water but it does allow fish movement. Some will head into the running waters and others will go with the flow over the dam and weir walls. This creates new opportunities and as the waters clear, the bites in such spots can be red hot. The flowing oxygenated water in these spots seem to produce way better than the still water found in the dams. Be sure to follow rules regarding access and prohibited zones around dam and weir walls. You’ll find these regulations online in Queensland Freshwater Fishing Regulations. While the South East has had a lot of focus on it with the rain, waters in the Burnett region and further north have been less affected. Here barra and sooty grunter will still be willing to chew in their respective waterways. If you are struggling to find fish on
size and bag limits. On a different note, if you are chasing a feed, the redclaw crayfish have been thick. • Fish’n’Bits in Toowoomba has all the gear and tips on how to chase the Cressy fish. They are an excellent store specialising in all freshwater lures and tackle. From May 1, shorter hours apply and the gates will be open from 7am to 6pm. SOMERSET CLOSEST TOWNS: ESK, KILCOY Somerset water is still quite dirty. Continuing rain isn’t helping with allowing it to clear up. Few reports have made their way to me but it sounds like the fishing is very tough. The dam level has dropped back to its old level prior to flooding so there wasn’t any freshly flooded country to fish. In a way, this is a good thing. Less dying grasses will keep the water quality better; it just needs to clear up. As a result, the edges of the dam don’t
appear to be fishing well. Schooling fish have been hard to find but I have a feeling this will change as a stronger thermocline develops. Look for schooling fish around Poly Pipe Point (northern side of Bay of Plenty), Brads Bank and Pelican Point. Hopefully they bunch up and the water starts to clear this month. I have had some awesome sessions in this lake when the water still has a bit of colour in it. Ideally, you want at least 50cm of visibility for
successful luring. If you drop in a few redclaw crayfish pots, you won’t be disappointed. Although the water level dropped back, they will still be more active than normal in the stained, nutrient rich waters. Try different depths until you work out where they are most plentiful. The stretch of water below the dam wall will fish well. Check the SEQ Water website to ensure there are no major releases before dropping a kayak in below Somerset wall. The
TOOWOOMBA
Jason Ehrlich fishability1@bigpond.com
The unsettled weather has continued and we have now had a couple of big rain events to stir things up in South East Queensland. As I write, some weather models predict more. If these eventuate expect the fishing to be tough and slow. The first major system was some time ago and the month long gap before the next big downpour allowed us a bit of time to gauge what we were in for as far as fishing goes on ours lakes. The action was steady but it isn’t all doom and gloom. Some dams were producing reasonable fishing and follow up rain events were nowhere near as impactful. While I write, some dams are still overflowing and closed to recreation
Cressbrook is a magic lake when it is full. The fish are spread out so be prepared to explore. activities but based on what happened after the previous bigger flooding event they will be open for fishing through May; that is of
SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND CRESSBROOK CLOSEST TOWN: CROWS NEST Fishing has been tough but after filling this is a dam worth visiting just for its beauty. The flooded grassy banks and old weed beds have dyed back and depleted oxygen levels in these areas should improve soon. As a result, the fish just aren’t as active. The rise in level spread them out but the water cleared quickly and a thermocline developed around 3-4m deep. This is where most of the action has been taking place. With fish spread out, lure trollers have fared well. Smaller shallow divers have produced with the old school Tilsan Bass being a standout. Some of these scattered fish have been fooled when casting blades baits and spoons but they are hard to find
in good enough numbers. Despite the water quality not being ideal, fish will still venture in to the shallows for short periods of time. Finding areas, which have better water quality can be the key. The short grassy flooded banks below the camp ground and picnic area, Deer Island, The Eagles Nest, steep edges and up the back of the major creeks and bays should all be prime spots to take a look. These fish are falling for suspending hard bodies, spinnerbaits and Spectre Vibration Jigs. While a lot of these fish are small, the shallower water can hold some very good quality bass to 50cm long. Bass have dominated catches but there has been an increase in the number of golden perch caught. Some of these fish are quite small and it’s a great sign for the future. If you are keeping them, check the
your home turf a road trip will be worthwhile. The barra action should still be reasonable allowing the average angler a good chance of boating a few. The unsettled weather and lower air temperatures have made the barra trickier to work out this year. If you miss this month, don’t rule out a winter fishing trip as the water temperatures will drop and strong thermoclines disappear. This can drive the barra into particular areas and see them holding in better numbers. To all those affected by rising waters I feel for you. I only hope that after all the stress and hardship faced you are able to get back to enjoying the simple things we all appreciate. Get out and bang a few fish or just sit back and enjoy nature while watching our calmer waters. Until next month, buckled rods from the Colonel. golden perch and bass numbers in this stretch should be excellent after the dam releases. • Somerset Fishing has their store based at the area above the day use boat ramp. The store is open over holidays and otherwise from Thursday to Sunday. Orders can also be made online via the website www. somersetfishing.com.au. They have an excellent range of gear suited to fishing for bass and golden perch.
Gary’s Marine Centre
3201 6232
217 Pine Mountain Road, BRASSALL 44
MAY 2022
Karen Ehrlich managed to find a big Cressbook bass. This fish ate a deep suspending hardbody.
