A common question: Can we go fishing in the creek or waterholes when we stay at Mt Barney Lodge?
As we are situated at the upper reaches of the Logan River within the Scenic Rim (South East Queensland), it is quite narrow and shallow so we find that any decent fish worth catching do not live this far upstream. You may find the odd catfish or eel, but nothing to brag about!
You are more likely to see platypus and the eastern long neck turtle, than get a nibble on your line!
The native Australian Bass have been known to be caught in the Logan River around Beaudesert and Rathdowney, but is not a common occurrence.
HOWEVER!
For the keen fishermen amongst us or for those who wish to just ‘dangle a line’, there are a few stocked dams in the Scenic Rim within easy driving distance from the Lodge.
Make sure you check the bag limit of each species when you plan your next fishing trip, and always check for fishing gear and net restrictions.
Maroon Dam is only a 25 minute picturesque drive from the Lodge.
This 3.5km2 body of water is stocked with Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Mary River Cod and Saratoga. A small boat can easily be launched from the boat ramp which is also popular for water sport enthusiasts, including kayaking. Or just cast a line in from the shore.
Regular fishermen at Maroon Dam recommend deeper diving lures, soft plastics and lipless crank baits, as well as live bait such as shrimp, freshwater yabbies and worms. (Fresh worms are available to purchase from the Rathdowney Store).
If you prefer fly fishing, Maroon Dam is one of South East Queensland’s best freshwater fly fishing destinations, with the best times being early morning and late afternoon.
The more favoured fishing areas are the structured areas of the dam, such as the dead timber in the water and rocky point areas along the shoreline. For more information click here.
Maroon Dam is covered by the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. So a permit is required. You can purchase your permit online at www.smartservice.qld.gov.au or from the Rathdowney Store on your way through!
About a 50 minute drive via Beaudesert, Wyaralong Dam is 12.3km2 and is suitable for kayak fishing and electric powered motor boats. (Fuel powered boats are not permitted).
Earlier in 2013 The Logan and Albert Fish Management Association held its ‘Carp Busting Fishing Competition’. Money raised during this event was used to purchase bass fingerlings to continue to restock Wyaralong Dam.
Bass has been known to be caught at the dam, but the introduced Carp is still the most common catch. The restocking of Bass and Mary River Cod into Wyaralong Dam has been limited since its construction in 2010, but is expected to increase in the years to come.
As of July 2015, No fishing permit is required. Always check with Seqwater or other appropriate government websites for updated information.
This 827ha body of water is roughly an hours drive from the Lodge.
Lake Moogerah has been stocked with Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Mary River Cod and Saratoga, although the stocking of Saratoga seems to have failed at this stage.
Some nice Bass and Golden Perch have been landed among dead timber in the water recently from boats. There are two concrete boat launching ramps, and casting a line in from the shore can also provide some pleasing results.
Moogerah Dam is very popular with water sport enthusiasts including skiing and jet skis.
For more information, click here.
Moogerah Dam is covered by the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme therefore a permit is required. You can purchase your permit online at www.smartservice.qld.gov.au or from the Rathdowney Store on your way through!
So fishing is another activity you can add to your list of things to do while staying at Mt Barney Lodge! Don’t forget to take a photo of your catch to prove how big it was …. unless it got away first!!!
