With this in mind, these aspiring historians joined forces and manifested the Kingaroy and District Historical Society. They began the search for the best location to showcase their cause. Very soon the society found the ideal place in the derelict Kingaroy Powerhouse located right in the centre of town. At the time, this iconic building was held in the custody of the Kingaroy Shire Council. In 1985, approval was obtained from Council to use the building for a museum.
A photographic record was kept of the project, with early scenes showing that the extensive restoration work required was not for the faint-hearted. However, these individuals were driven and strong-willed to fulfill their purpose and carry out their vision of the museum.
One of these society members has been a prominent figure throughout the Kingaroy Heritage Museum’s lifespan. A tall man with a dairy farmer physique, adorning an American style cap on his head, promoting ‘John Deere’ and usually clad in stubbie shorts. This man was our very own Harold Adlem.
It is now 2021, with some 36 years having passed. Harold is still very much an icon within the museum, having had such a huge part in bringing it into existence. Hardly a week goes by where he is not helping out where he can, with a wonderful store of knowledge of the region that we value so greatly.
Harold is held in such high esteem, along with the other founding people including the society members, their families and other supportive locals that played an integral part in bringing the highly acclaimed Kingaroy Heritage Museum to life. Visitors say it is one of the best heritage museums they have seen!
Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work and service to the Kingaroy Heritage Museum.
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.png00Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2021-11-26 09:49:042021-11-26 09:50:09Kingaroy Heritage Museum acknowledges Harold Adlem for 36 years of service
The South Burnett Timber Industry Museum located in Wondai turns 20 years old this November!
To celebrate, Discover South Burnett are hosting an Historical Photograph Competition portraying the region’s timber industry. The photo competition will showcase the history and evolution of the timber industry over the past 100 years in the South Burnett.
We are looking for photos that depict the historical reality of the timber industry over time and build a digitized image collection for generations to come.
Do you have photos of timber getters or bullock teams? People at work or much-loved places in the South Burnett tied to the timber industry? The photos can be artistic, gritty, smiley or candid. No matter their condition, if you have them, we would love to see them.
How to enter:
Find photos of the South Burnett timber industry over the past 100 years. All photos must be captured in the South Burnett region.
Fill in the Historical Photograph Competition Entry Form
Include a title and short description of the people and places depicted in the photograph and their relationship with the South Burnett timber industry
Submit the scanned photo, short description and entry form by emailing info@sbrc.qld.gov.au with the subject line including “Attn: Tourism Officer – Historical Photograph Competition November 2021”.
Alternatively, visit the South Burnett Timber Industry Museum at 80 Haly Street Wondai to submit your photos and entry form.
Submit all entries by 5pm Monday 22 November 2021.
Winners will be announced at the South Burnett Timber Industry Museum’s 20th Birthday celebration in Wondai on Wednesday 24 November 2021. The winner will receive a locally handmade timber bowl valued at $100.
All entries will be published in an historical photo album to be displayed at the Wondai Timber Museum.
The weather is warming up and the sun is shining. The flowers are starting to bloom! It is time to make plans for how you are going to enjoy this change of season in the South Burnett. Here are three Spring Bucket List items to get you started –
Spring Racing
Spring is when the country and country racing comes to life. Young foals, food, fine wine, and fashion. Experience racing in the country where you’ll get up close and personal with the horses, mingle with the crowd. Relax, and settle back with a great vantage point from every angle.
16th October – Wondai Race Meet
2nd November – Melbourne Cup Race day at Kumbia
2.Kingaroy & District Vintage Machinery Club Rally
TWENTY years of the Kingaroy and District Vintage Machinery Club will be on display 18-19 September as the club throws its doors open far an annual rally.
Gates open at 8.30am and the machinery parade will start at 9am.
It will feature a full range of the club’s old-fashioned tractors pulling a variety of vintage farm equipment, dating back to the 1920s. Corn threshing and a slow tractor race are just a few events lined up for the weekend. The day will also include old-time machinery displays including crawlers, trucks, cars, and bikes.
There’ll be a selection of petrol, diesel, and steam-powered machines and plenty of food and stalls. For more information https://vintagemachinery.weebly.com/
3. Garden Expo
ONE of Queensland’s most diverse garden expos returns to Wondai on the 25 & 26 September.
Visitors to the annual Wondai Autumn Garden Expo can expect everything from stunning garden concepts, small business stalls, flowers, vegies, and heaps more.
For all your gardening information contact https://wondaigardenexpo.com.
Please call into any of our Visitor Information Centres for more details or contact Council by phoning 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/6676_2018-Wondai-Garden-Festival-Resized.jpg11311697Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2021-09-16 17:03:212021-09-17 09:40:38Spring in the South Burnett
Flexible travel plans? Why not add a South Burnett seasonal event to your itinerary? Here are our top events and activities to check out in our region this winter!
June – July – Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery’s Queensland Winter Craft Festival
Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery will be buzzing during the months of June and July at the Queensland Winter Craft Festival. The annual festival brings a series of rotating workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and activities to the 1938 art deco style building. Painting, jewellery-making, paper crafts, pottery or textiles; we guarantee you will find new ways with traditional craft. Visit the Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery (in the Visitor Information Precinct on Haly Street) for details and a schedule. For further information visit https://www.kingaroyart.com.au/event/queensland-winter-craft-festival-2021/
Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 June – Wondai Country Running Festival
Queensland’s tidiest town makes the most of its position on the South Burnett Rail Trail, with an annual running festival offering five races across two days in June. The beauty of the festival is that it has an event for everyone, from an easy two km run through to the main event, a 42km marathon. Its proximity to McEuen State Forest allows for a 10km cross country run as well as a mountain bike event through the network of forest tracks. Pack your runners and sign up for your favourite distance and pace it out on the rail trail’s easy surface, in a bush setting. For further information visit https://wondaicountryfestival.com.au/
Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 August – Scots in the Bush
On the third weekend in August the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drums will be heard for kilometres around the Boondooma and Durong areas.
Scots in the Bush was introduced 10 years ago at Boondooma Homestead, to celebrate the settlement of the property by the three Scots. The Celtic festival includes pipe bands, highland games, highland dancing, clan tents and attracts around 1000 people. It will be an exciting weekend, with plenty of room for bush camping. Lots of tartans, entertainments, and beautiful food on offer. For further information visit https://www.boondoomahomestead.org.au/events/scotsinthebush/
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 August – Baconfest
Bacon us crazy this August is none other than Baconfest! Sunpork smoke off, Wine and Swine Cocktail Dinner and the Long Table breakfast are just some of the events at this year’s three day sizzling food extravaganza.
Visitors will be eating high off the hog at the popular Eat Street Market, which will be bigger and better with over 40 vendors providing bacon-themed treats. Visitors will find their 2019 festival favourites making a return, including the chocolate coated bacon, bacon jam, deep fried camembert cheese wrapped in bacon, Kingaroy Peanut Van maple bacon and BBQ pork rib flavoured nuts, and the crowd favourite pork ribs.
Special guest appearance by chef Miguel Mastre, Pin-up Pageant, Beard of Baconfest, Ration Rush, Kevin Bacon Film Festival and so much more! For further information visit https://www.kingaroybaconfest.com.au/
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/1525_BaconFest-2018-SaturdayDSB.jpg6831024Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2021-06-03 16:16:582021-06-09 12:33:35Add South Burnett’s seasonal events to your itinerary for 2021
Experience the exciting festivities and changing colours, as the temperatures cool and the region comes alive in South Burnett’s autumn.
Join the festivities at a local show
Each year in March, the annual show season kicks off in the South Burnett. These local shows play host to a variety of agricultural activities. From rodeo, stockman’s challenge, horse jumping, rides, food stalls, trade stalls and the grand parade, there is something for everyone.
Alongside the traditional pastoral, agricultural and horticultural exhibitions, you’ll find plenty of arts, crafts, and homemade wares that show off the talent of the region.
Proston, Murgon, Nanango, Kingaroy and Blackbutt will all take part in this year’s autumn show season.
An autumn road trip through South Burnett is the perfect way to see the picturesque landscapes as the colours change before your eyes. One of the most unique experiences is the Mt Wooroolin lookout, only a short drive from the centre of Kingaroy. A delight for nature lovers and photographers, there is a short window when the sunrise captures the peanut silos in the background. There are a range of walking tracks on offer, with some being very steep so wear a sturdy pair of shoes.
Take in the scene at a local Campdraft
Campdrafting is a uniquely Australian horse sport that puts the skills of both horse and rider to the test. Campdrafting involves two main stages; firstly “The Camp” or cutout yard where the rider selects his beast, separates it from a mob and works it, and “The Course” or arena, where the rider guides his beast in a pattern. Sounds intriguing!
If you have never seen a campdraft, you can catch all the ringside action on
19 March – 21 March 2021 Golden Spurs Campdraft (Proston Showgrounds)
2 April – 4 April 2021 Kumbia Charity Campdraft (Kumbia Showgrounds)
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Kingaroy_9165-website.jpg16322449Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2021-03-10 16:19:382021-03-10 16:19:40Things to do in South Burnett’s autumn
Every year travel trends come and go, with 2021 set to be one of tourism’s most significant years to date. As we slowly recover from COVID-19, we expect travel to look a little different than it did pre-pandemic.
Although nobody knows exactly what will happen, one thing is clear; we won’t be able to travel as freely as we used to…at least for the foreseeable future. To that end, Tourism Australia has forecasted travel trends for 2021.
Trend 1: Naturally wide-open and remote destinations After spending more time at home last year than ever before, we are developing a new appreciation for being out in nature. What better place to experience what nature has to offer than Yallakool Caravan Park
Abundant wildlife and idyllic bushland surrounded by rolling views are just some of the images that come to mind when staying at Yallakool Caravan Park. Situated on the banks of the Bjelke-Petersen Dam, Yallakool Caravan Park is located approximately 8km from Murgon.
Trend 2: Safety is key Perfectly located two hours’ drive north-west of Brisbane or 90 minutes west of the Sunshine Coast, the South Burnett region is the perfect destination post-COVID-19. Isolated from the large populations yet close enough for a weekend getaway.
Trend 3: Travel as a force for good Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking out experiences that are not only good for them, but good for the local community. Good news for our region as local markets continue to host the best local produce, arts, crafts and delicious homemade treats.
The Year of Indigenous Tourism has been extended from 2020 into 2021, with more travellers actively seeking Indigenous tourism experiences. Located five minutes from Murgon, the Ration Shed Museum allows visitors to connect and learn more about Australia’s First Nations people.
Trend 5: Travel to regenerate Wellness travel has been growing in popularity over the past few years, with the pandemic only increasing the desire for this style of holiday. The South Burnett boasts many retreats and relaxation experiences waiting to be discovered.
There’s always a few good
fishing options for Boondooma. Early on in the day, your best option would be
to hit the trees in either the Stuart or Boyne arms chasing Bass, Yellow Belly
or even Saratoga amongst the spindly timber. I usually start here first when
the arms are quiet and it usually pays off. I like to cruise amongst the trees
with the electric motor and cast 5/8 Bassman Spinnerbaits or soft lipless
cranks in tight to the spindly trees, let the lure sink from 3 to 5 seconds and
start my retrieve. This usually accounts for a few Bass and Yellow belly. The Goldens
particularly like lipless cranks cast tight to the structure and the Bass tend
to hit as the lure bounces over the underwater structure. If you’re after a
Saratoga, casting surface lures when the water is still is a great way to catch
one of these prehistoric fish. These techniques are a great way to fish and it
can be nail biting stuff at times, especially when you hook up to a quality
fish.
Sam with a nice bass caught from the open water
of Boondooma.
Later in the day when
the sun is up, I’d be moving out to the main basin and sounding for concentrations
of fish in the 15 to 25 foot range. This time of year the fish that sit in this
zone called the “thermocline” are a real sucker for slow retrieved or burned
5/8 spinnerbaits, ½ ounce rigged plastics and 18 gram Norries spoons. So give
this a try next time you’re out, but make sure you find some good shows of fish
on the sounder before you start casting. It pays to put the work in to find
them because you can be greatly rewarded.
Soft plastics can be deadly on Lake Boondooma
Bass as Ernie shows
Trollers are getting
some big Bass in the main basin trolling 5/8 spinnerbaits, mainly around the
Barbour’s pole area, the dam wall, Leisegangs ledge and Pelican point. Be
patient and the rewards will come.
Bait fisherman are
still recording good catches in the timbered sections of the dam, using shrimps
and worms. Silver perch, Bass, Yellow belly and Eel tail catfish are all catchable
and good eating quality.
Red claw have picked up
since the rain. Remember if the pot is empty make sure you keep moving them as
you might drop a pot on the honey hole.
BP has been the pick of
the dams as far as numbers of fish go. Sessions of 20 to 40 plus fish are not
uncommon and if you put the work in you can get some quality as well. A few
areas that have been fishing well lately are the open water straight out from
the park boat ramp, wide of the Quarry and wide of bass point. Soft plastics
rigged on a ½ ounce head have been very effective. Soft Vibes and spinnerbaits
are also a great go to lure if the fish are sitting up off the bottom with a
burn and kill retrieve.
The South Burnett dams have been producing good
fish of late
Areas not to forget are
the areas around the edges of the dam that hold some rocky structure, because
the dam is so shallow, the fish like to move up into these areas to feed most
of the year. Coming into autumn the fish with definitely be up in these areas.
Baits like spinnerbaits and blades could become a key bait at this time of
year.
A nice yellow belly caught on a 5/8 Bassman
Spinnerbait
Trollers are catching
some nice fish trolling around the main lake points of the dam, and the open
water out from the main boat ramps. Deep diving hard bodies are also accounting
for some nice yellow belly especially the more fluorescent colours.
Bait fisherman are
still getting some nice Golden perch along the rocky walls around the edges of
the dam using shrimps and worms as bait.
The red claw have been
fairly quiet this year but they are still there to be caught. Set your pots
around rocky structure for the best results. After the water influx I’m
expecting their numbers to pick up significantly.
Fishing Charters
Don’t forget that you
can book a fishing charter with me on BP and Boondooma dams. If you’d like a
great day out and all the info and knowledge to catch Bass or Yellow belly in
our two great dams make sure you give me a call on 0408658592 and I’ll be happy
to take you out for a great days fishing.
Until next time, tight
lines and bent rods.
Matthew Langford
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bass-caught-on-Boondooma-dam-feb-2020.jpg10731431Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2020-03-05 10:20:372020-03-10 15:29:51Water levels increase in the South Burnett
The festive season is a great time of year to be outdoors
with family and friends and It’s also the best time of year to be on the water as
the temps are hot, and the fishing is accessible to every angler of any ability.
If you haven’t been out yet, make sure you start planning your next trip
because this time of year is the best chance to get yourself onto some trophy
size Bass, Yellow belly from Lake Barambah and even a Saratoga from lake
Boondooma.
Boondooma
Over the past couple of months, the fish have moved into the
thermocline and are a real target for our avid trollers and casters. The 15 to
25 foot depth zone is where you will find them. The most productive areas on
the dam are the deeper sections of water around the rocky walls and the Buoy
line near the dam wall. The most productive bite time is from lunch time
through until dark when the day is at its hottest.
The key to finding a good school is using your electronics
to slowly sound over likely areas. If you don’t have a sounder tie on a couple
of deep divers or a 5/8 spinnerbait and start trolling. If you get a bite or
fish, troll around the area that you had the action. Remember to be patient
when looking for fish, as it may take a while to locate them if you’re not
familiar with the dam.
Hunter with a great
bass from Boondooma.
Lately I’ve been catching my best quality fish suspended in deep water. They have been sitting in the thermocline at 15 to 20 feet. I target these fish using a variety of baits, initially starting with a soft bait, a ½ ounce rigged soft plastic. I cast this out and begin counting to 7 seconds to let the lure sink into the strike zone. When the plastic is down to the desired depth I then start a slow roll and add a few twitches every now and then to change the swimming pattern, as the plastic glides through the water. Continue this until you get bites but keep rolling the plastic until you get a solid hook up. If this method doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to change your lure until you are happy.
Charlie with a
cracker of a Yellow-belly from the steep walls of Boondooma.
The Bass can be fussy when it comes to feeding when they are
suspended in the column. I like to try plastics first and then move to a
reaction bait. My preferred reaction baits for summer suspended fish are 12 to
20 gram spoons, spoons like the Norries Wasabi, Halco Twisties or Palms slow
blatts are all great spoons for catching suspended fish in Boondooma.
With these lures, make a long cast and let the lure sink
down 5 to 10 seconds. Once the lure is down in the zone, start a fairly rapid
retrieve with a few twitches every now and then. This is where the fish are
forced to either ignore the lure or react out of instinct to bite as the bait
zooms past. It’s a very effective method, with Bass well over the 50 mark
regularly hitting the deck.
Trollers are catching some really nice fish using deep
diving hard bodies and 5/8 Bassman spinnerbaits around the same areas as I
mentioned earlier. The key is to be patient.
Bait fisherman are catching some good numbers of Bass and Yellow
belly using live shrimp caught from the dam. Try to anchor over prominent
points in the dam in 15 to 20 feet and also try the timbered sections of the
dam.
Red claw have been a little slow but drop your pots around
the rocky banks of the dam and also just wide of the weed beds.
Lake Barambah
BP dam has been very consistent over the last two months, producing good numbers of fish of varying species and sizes. The fish are in great quantity, but it just takes a bit of moving around to put yourself onto some quality. Areas to target are the deeper water out the front of the dam wall, and the Quarry area. The fish have been sitting in the 15 to 20 ft mark and on the bottom in the same zone. I’ve been catching the majority of fish using a ½ ounce rigged plastic, with the same method as explained for Boondooma. Also heavier spinnerbait’s and Chatterbaits have been working well on the bigger fish when your focusing on the reaction bite.
A nice brace of Bass
caught from the timber at Lake Boondooma
Some big Yellow belly are being caught, but they have been a
bit quiet. The key to catching a few Goldens when its quiet, is to focus on
fishing the bottom. In this case, tie on a blade and hop it gently off the
bottom. The Yellow belly are a real sucker for a hopped blade and it won’t take
long to catch a few fish using this technique. The smaller Bass also don’t mind
this technique but it won’t be long and you’ll be in contact with some nice fat
Golden Perch.
Saratoga are a tough
species to target but have been making a regular appearance at Lake Boondooma.
Trollers are getting good bags of fish trolling 5/8 Bassman
spinnerbaits and deep diving hard bodies. Areas to target are the deep water
around in front of the dam wall, Bass point, around Lightening ridge and around
any prominent points.
Bait fisherman are catching plenty of fish just wide of the
steeper rocky banks. Don’t try and head up the back of the dam as the water
levels are low and you will get stuck in the mud.
Redclaw are still about and are coming from the steeper
banks.
Fishing Charters
The fishing of late at BP and Boondooma have been fantastic
with most sessions producing numbers of fish and some great quality. BP dam is
fishing well for anyone wanting to learn how to fish suspended fish with soft
plastics. Boondooma has been producing a great mixed bag of species, so if
you’d like to learn more about targeting a particular species, all you have to
do is ask and make a booking.
Don’t forget that you can book a fishing charter with me on
BP and Boondooma dams and many other dams in QLD. If you’d like a great day out
and all the info and knowledge to catch Bass, Yellow belly or Saratoga in our
great dams make sure you give me a call on 0408658592 and I’ll be happy to take
you out for a great days fishing. You
can also check out our website on www.australianfreshwaterfishing.com
Until next month, tight lines and bend rods
Matthew Langford
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Fishing-at-Boondooma-dam-2-Dec-19-RESIZE.png7681024Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2020-01-09 11:09:172020-01-09 11:10:43Fantastic festive season fishing
The hot weather and potential afternoon storm buildups bring on some great opportunities for big bass and yellowbelly. With the onset of summer, this weather pattern is quite common and it really brings the native fish on the bite. If you’re an avid troller, from now through to February is the best time to dust off those deep divers and head to the South Burnett’s dams to get amongst some great native trolling action.
Boondooma
When the warmer months arrive and its hot, the yellowbelly and bass like to position themselves in a zone called the Thermocline, or comfortable water, which is generally a depth of 18 to 25 feet. This zone or column of water is the water that the fish find the most comfortable, where the temperature is just right to sit in while its hot upstairs and is full of the little critters that they love to gorge themselves on. With the majority of the fish sitting in this zone throughout the dam, it opens up the doors for some fantastic fishing opportunities.
If I want to target bass, the first places I’ll look are the deep water off any prominent points in the main basin. I’ll use my sounder to sound the fish sitting in that optimal depth. When I’m happy that I’ve found a good concentration of fish, I will pull up and begin casting 3” to 4” soft plastics rigged with a ½ ounce or 5/8 ounce head. With a big long cast over the areas that I found the fish, I will let the jig head sink 7 to 10 seconds and begin a slow retrieve back to the boat with a couple of twitches mixed in. The same can be done with a 12 or 18 gram Norries spoon. Continue this technique until you start to feel a few taps on the plastic or spoon, when you feel a tap its important to keep that slow wind going unitl you feel weight on the line, slowly lift the rod tip until you feel the weight of the fish. At this point the fish will know its hooked and make some great runs back down into the deeper water. Keep your drag fairly loose so that the hook doesn’t pull on the way back to the boat. Using this method over the holiday period will account for some big bass at Boondooma.
Lake Boondooma is a great place for the younger generation to learn more about freshwater fishing.
The timbered arms are holding good numbers of bass and yellowbelly as well. In the arms they are holding very close to structure and you’ll need to get your lures in as close as you can to get a bite. Look for spindly timber, or big trees out in the middle of the arms. Lures of choice for this scenario are, 5/8 or 3/8 Bassman Spinner baits, ½ ounce jig head rigged with a 3” soft plastic and any sinking lipless Crank bait. Give your lure up to 5 seconds to sink down and start a slow wind. It’s important to make sure that you have a lure retriever with you as you WILL get snagged on the trees occasionally but if you’re getting snagged you know you’re in the thick of it.
Fishing close to structure, I use 14 to
20 pound leaders so I have a chance if a fish rubs the line through trees.
Otherwise, if I’m in open water I’ll decrease my leader size to 6 to 10 pound
as I’m less concerned about a fish dragging me through trees or any structure.
Trollers are picking up some great bass and yellow belly
trolling around the deeper sections of the dam, targeting those suspended fish.
Make sure to have plenty of deep divers handy, and some 5/8 Bassman
Spinnerbaits or any lures that dive 15 to 20 feet will be the ones that get you
onto consistent fish.
Bait fisherman are consistently getting amongst a mixed bag
of fish up in the timbered arms of the dam using worms and fresh shrimp. It may
even pay to move to the main basin and let your bait suspend under the boat in
that 15 to 25 foot range. Drifting with the wind is a great way to cover water
with your bait under the boat. Eventually it will cross paths with a hungry
fish or two.
Lake Barambah
With a similar pattern to that of Boondooma, Lake Barambah
is producing some great fishing as well. The fish are sitting in that 15 to 20-foot
range along the submerged creek bed. These fish are very willing to take
anything that is placed in front of them. Because Barambah is a shallower dam
you can target more areas and use a bigger variety of lures to catch a few
natives. The Bass are responding well to 3” soft plastics, ¼ blades and 3/8 and
5/8 spinnerbaits. Some likely areas to target is the large flat area in front
of the main dam wall, wide of the Quarry and the creek bed between the two boat
ramps.
On a recent fishing charter, we targeted the lakes bass with
a ½ jig head rigged with a 3’ soft plastic and caught dozens of bass and yellow
belly. I found that the bigger fish were tight to the drop-offs along the old
creek bed and waiting for bait to swim over. Areas like this are prime ambush
positions for native fish so don’t forget to give areas like this a go next
time you’re out.
Lane Ferling with a 48cm bass caught slow rolling a ½ rigged soft plastic.
Trollers are catching some nice bass and yellow belly
trolling wide of the quarry towards the dam wall as well as adjacent to the
steep rock wall on the left of the dam just before bass point.
Bait fisherman are consistently catching good numbers of yellowbelly and bass anchoring along the steeper edges of the dam. Best baits have been fresh shrimp and worms.
Fishing Charters
The fishing of late at BP and Boondooma have been fantastic
with most sessions producing numbers of fish and some great quality. Boondooma
has been producing a great mixed bag of species, so if you’d like to learn more
about targeting a particular species, all you have to do is ask and make a
booking.
Don’t forget that you can book a fishing charter with me on BP and Boondooma dams and many other dams in QLD. If you’d like a great day out and all the info and knowledge to catch Bass, Yellowbelly or Saratoga in our great dams make sure you give me a call on 0408658592 and I’ll be happy to take you out for a great days fishing. You can also check out our website on www.australianfreshwaterfishing.com
Until next time, tight line and bent rods.
Matthew Langford
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Dec-fishing-report-2.png960960Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2019-12-09 12:00:152019-12-09 15:01:45Warm water temps fire up the fish!
Spring is officially here and it’s the time of year that I
always look forward to. The water temps are gradually increasing and our native
fish in our stoked impoundments really spring into life and start gorging
themselves on small baitfish, which means for us anglers a great time to be on
the water particularly with the warmer afternoons.
The fish in our dams are reasonably deep for this time of
year, particularly Australian Bass, but Yellow Belly can still be caught from
the edge in the timbered arms of the dam. A few Bass have been up shallower in
the morning in about 20 ft but as the day warms they seem to be moving out into
the 30 to 60 ft range. The reason for the fish sitting so deep is the bait. The
bass are feeding on very small shrimp, red claw and massive schools of bony
bream. The large percentage of this forage for the fish is moving along the
bottom out in those deeper zones of the dam.
Damien Reardon with a Nice Yellowbelly from the Boyne River at Boondooma
If you want to target Yellow Belly the edges in the Boyne
Arm and the Stuart are producing nice fish on lipless crankbaits cast up around
the timber and the rocks.
For Bass, Blades and 20 gram spoons in 18 to 25 ft in the
morning is the best. Later in the day look in 30 to 60 ft as the bass will be
moving out off the edge to forage on the masses of bait getting around.
The afternoon has been the pick of the times to be on the
water, as the fish are responding well to the warmer afternoons. Once that
water has been getting above 17 degrees, the deeper sections along the Barbour’s
Pole area and the main lake points have been fishing very well. Fishing water
this deep is still quite easy using ½ ounce blades, spoons, Tail spinners and ½
ounce rigged plastics fished along the bottom or mid column. Leisegangs ledge,
Pelican point and the main lake points up the front of the dam near the wall
have also been producing some good fish.
The locals have been really enjoying the fishing conditions at lake Boondooma of late
Bait fisherman have been getting good catches of yellow
belly in the Boyne arm of the dam fishing close to trees and the Boyne rocks.
Most have been using shrimps and worms. It’s a good idea to use smaller sinkers
as the bite is hard to detect if you’re using huge ball sinkers. Simply tie up
to a tree drop your bait to the bottom and slowly move the bait up and down off
the bottom. It won’t be long until you get a bite.
Trollers have been getting a few Yellow belly but they have
to work hard for them. Make sure you take a tackle retriever with you as you’re
bound to get a snag or two whilst trolling.
Redclaw are quiet but still coming in around the shallow
rocky edges, soft fruits and vegetables have been the best bait during the winter
months.
Lake Barambah
Typically,
in spring, BP dam’s fish move in closer to the edge and can be caught using a
few methods. Lately, the best edge fishing methods have been Eco gear ZX blades,
Skirted Jigs and Jerk baits cast up shallow. Slower moving baits like the ones
suggested are dynamite and the key is small hops off the bottom near the edge
with the ZX blades and long pauses near the edge with the jerkbaits.
Some cracking bass have been caught at BP Dam of late
The deeper flats have also been producing lots of fish be it
bass or yellow belly. Ecogear ZX Blades fished vertical have been the best
method. Most anglers have been sounding fish in about 20ft and sitting on top
of them, Eco gear ZX blades have been the real standout as they have two small
stinger hooks attached. Drop them down to the bottom and hop them with small
sharp hops, a fish only needs to touch them and the stinger hooks will grab
them very quickly. Best spots have been the big flat out from the main dam
wall.
The yellow belly are keen on worms or yabbies as the afternoon heats up.
It’s Valuable to remember that most fish in the dam are
gorging themselves on small bony bream so it’s a great idea to throw anything
that looks like a small bait fish, so soft plastics have been another method
used to catch some quality fish. Look for steeper banks that hold some timber
or rocks as this is a likely place that fish will be looking for bait up
shallow. Out deeper try to find flats that are close to significant drop offs or
the main submerged creek line.
Bait fisherman have been getting a ton of nice fish from BP
dam. Most have been fishing along the edge and fishing worms, yabbies and
shrimps.
Trollers are catching the odd fish trolling around the main
lake points, small deep diving hard bodies are the best. Redclaw have gone very
quiet and should start popping back up as the water gets warmer.
Fishing Charters
Don’t forget that you can book a fishing charter with me on
BP and Boondooma dams and many other dams in QLD. If you’d like a great day out
and all the info and knowledge to catch Bass or Yellow belly in our great dams
make sure you give me a call on 0408658592 and I’ll be happy to take you out
for a great days fishing. You can also
check out our website on www.australianfreshwaterfishing.com
Until next time, tight line and bent rods.
Matthew Langford
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Loclas-have-been-really-enjoyning-the-fishing-conditions-at-Lake-Boondooma-of-late.png9221229Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2019-09-16 13:41:342019-09-16 13:41:37Fish are Deep but Hungry
The winter weather is now in full swing and it’s about time
too! It’s been unseasonably warm this year and the fish have been sitting
deeper than usual. It a good thing now that the cold is finally here because
the edge bite is heating up and you’ll need to pull yourself away from the
campfire for that crisp run up the dam to your first fishing spot. It’s been a
great month for fishing on our inland impoundments, especially Boondooma and
Barambah with some great reports coming from all over the dams of great catches
of native fish.
Lake Boondooma
Early mornings on Boondooma have been crisp and very still
and the best place to start your day flicking lures is on the edge. Here,
you’ve got a few options. The first option I would start by throwing jerk baits.
The secret here is to choose a jerk bait in a bright colour that is 60 to 70 mm
long and suspends when paused on the retrieve, my personal choice is the Nories
Laydown minnow. The best method is to cast
the lure to the edge and slowly roll your jerk bait down. Twitch the lure a
couple of times when you’re down to the swimming depth and repeat this process continuously.
Twitch the lure regularly and make sure you add lots of pauses in between. The
bass have been cruising shallow and close to the edge and have been smashing
any small jerk bait that has been presented as I mentioned. Always make sure you’re ready for the bite, as
the bass absolutely hammer these baits. It’s a fun way to fish but you must be
patient and move a few spots if you’re not having much luck early on.
Option number two is finding a good steep rocky edge that
has some laydown timber on it. These edges have been producing some great fish.
Both the Boyne and the Stuart arms have edges like this and it’s worth taking
some time to fish them well with lipless crank baits and spinner baits. It’s a
good idea to do this as early as you can, because the fish tend to become very
wary as the sun comes out.
Jeremy Zerk with a great Australian bass from the flats of Boondooma.
Jeremy Zerk with a
great Australian bass from the flats of Boondooma.
Another great option when the sun is well up and the day is
starting to warm is the main basin. The basin is holding some good schools of
big bass. The best spots to check are the Junction through to Pelican Point, Leisagangs
ledge and the Barbour’s Pole. Cast ¼ to 3/8 ounce blades and let them sink to
the bottom. Use a slow, hopping retrieve and let the lure sink back to the
bottom through the retrieve. Also, don’t go past tail spinners, 12 gram being
the best, cast them out and let them sink to the bottom. Use a slow lift and
pause retrieve all the way back to the boat, the fish will usually hit the lure
when it’s sinking back to the bottom.
Jeremy and Jaquie with some great fish from a recent charter on Boondooma.
Trollers are getting some good yellow belly in the arms of
the dam using deep diving hard bodies. Troll in close to the timber of the rocks
in the Boyne arm.
Bait fisherman your best chance is to fish the trees in the
arms of the dam in 20 to 30 feet of water with live shrimp, worms and yabbies.
Lake Barambah
The dam has gone a little quiet of late but that’s not
unusual for this time of year, some good fish can still be caught if you’re
persistent and hit the right areas. Unlike Boondooma, the bass and yellow belly
have been caught well out in the deeper flats of the dam. Look for flats that
are in the main basin from 15 to 25 feet. Once you locate a school in this
depth the best bait to throw of late is the Ecogear ZX 40 blade. This little
lure is very versatile and can be fished by jigging vertically or cast and
hopped back to the boat. Small hops are the secret, as the fish have been quite
tentative during the day.
There’s some nice Yellas getting around in BP
Yellow belly are still able to be targeted but you’ll need
to hit any areas that have cover for them. Look for rocky edges, submerged
trees or a mixture of both. Jig blades, tail spinners or ice jigs around any
trees or structure or cast spinnerbaits into the pockets around the edges or
any trees and your very likely to catch a few.
This nice yellow belly came on a Norries Tail spinner cast up shallow
Trollers are still catching fish but it can be a little slow
this time of year. Beware that the trees in the back of the dam are no longer
an option as the water is very shallow and you will ground the boat. Best
options for trolling are around the main lake points. Deep diving hard bodies
and blades are a good option.
Fishing Charters
Don’t forget that you can book a fishing charter with me on
BP and Boondooma dams. If you’d like a great day out and all the info and
knowledge to catch Bass or Yellow belly in our two great dams make sure you
give me a call on 0408658592 and I’ll be happy to take you out for a great days
fishing.
Until next month, tight lines and bent rods
Matthew Langford
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/June-fishing-report-2.jpg336448Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2019-07-08 13:59:002019-07-08 14:05:35Warm Winter days bring the flats to life.
The last few weeks in the South Burnett have seen the water
temps slowly drop as Winter moves in. The fish are still active and still
hungry but it pays to be smart about the way you approach your days fishing on our
dams. The edges and the shallow flats
bite has really fired up and you should be able to bag yourself some really
healthy Bass and Yellowbelly over the coming months. The great thing is this
time of year the Bass and Goldens are getting fat and healthy and a whole new
array of lures can be used to target the natives in our local dams.
Lake Boondooma
Recently, the best areas to hit are the shallow edges early
with lipless cranks and spinnerbaits, rocky or weedy edges being the best to
target. Early in the morning when it’s quiet and still is the best time for
this type of fishing because the water temps are at their lowest and the dam is
at its quietest. Some awesome yellowbelly fishing can be had at the start of
winter along the edges, so if it’s Yellas you want, this is where I would
start. Cast your spinnerbaits up to the weed or rocky edge and begin a slow
roll back to the boat.
Harry Turner with a Cracking Yellowbelly from the edge of the Stuart Arm on a 3/8 Bassman Spinnerbait.
Harry Turner with a
Cracking Yellowbelly from the edge of the Stuart Arm on a 3/8 Bassman
Spinnerbait.
Later in the morning I would be moving off the bank and
looking for active fish in 20 to 40 ft of water. When a school is located,
position the boat towards the school and cast ¼ or 3/8 ounce Eco gear VX, ZX or
Little Max blades, let the blade hit the bottom and use a slow hopping or roll
retrieve. Occasionally change it up and
use a slow roll and kill technique as the fish will hit the lure when it’s
close to the bottom, as it’s falling or just after it’s rolled off the bottom.
Later in the day (after lunch) when the water heats up, I’ve
found that the bigger bass can be caught well using Nories tail spinners, 12
gram being the best. Cast the tails spinner out with a long cast and let it
sink to the bottom, wind up the slack and slowly lift the rod tip then drop it
back to the bottom keeping contact with the lure at all times. The fish this
time of year love a bait that is falling in their face and the tail spinner
suits the bite perfectly. The fish will hit the tail spinner generally as its
falling after the lift so be on your toes for the bite.
The boys from a
recent charter with a couple of cracking Winter bass from the shallow flats of
Boondooma using 3/8 blades.
Trollers are getting some good Yellow belly in the arms of
the dam trolling spinnerbaits. Troll in close to the timber near the rocks in
the Boyne arm but make sure that you have a lure retriever handy because you
will get snagged occasionally, but your hard work will be rewarded.
Bait fisherman your best chance is to fish the trees in the
arms of the dam in 20 feet of water with live shrimp. You can catch the shrimp
using opera house pots with a bit of steak just below the Kiosk, or around the
lakes edges, so it pays to get live bait, even better when you can get it from
the dam your fishing in.
Lake Barambah
The fish have been up on the edge early when the waters cool
and I’ve been catching some good Bass and Yellow belly using ½ ounce rigged
grub tail plastics, ZX blades, skirted jigs and Jerkbaits. Look for edges with
broken rock or pebbles as these are likely edges that hold bait and fish.
As the sun gets higher I always move to the deeper flats and
target areas around points and flats, spots around the outside of lightening
ridge, bass point and the Quarry are likely places to find fish sitting out
deeper. If the regular deeper areas don’t produce it’s a good idea to sound
around the outskirts of the dam and find those fish sitting in 10 to 20 feet of
water. Once located, target them with the techniques that I mentioned for the
Boondooma flats. Blades and tail spinners are the go to lures to use when the
fish are sitting out deep. Both dams are reasonably similar but sometimes it
does pay to experiment with your lure selection. The bass are getting bigger,
models of up to 45 cm have been caught recently off the edges and out on the
flats.
The Author with a big fat Bass taken wide of Bass point on a skirted jig.The Ecogear ZX 40 is a real standout when the water is cold and the fish are close to the bottom
Trollers are getting some nice yellow belly of an afternoon
but be very wary the water is starting to get shallow. Try to stick to the
middle of the dam and create a troll run from the quarry to bass point.
Bait fisherman have also been having some success, they’ve
been catching mixed bags of Yellow belly, silver perch and bass from the edge
of the dam. Drop your bait to the bottom and slowly jig the bait, if your first
spot doesn’t produce don’t be afraid to move several times until you know
you’re sitting on some active fish.
The red claw are still around but you’ll have to put in the
effort for a feed, target rocky edges or spindly timber and use soft vegies for
bait.
Fishing Charters
Don’t forget that you can book a fishing charter with me on
BP and Boondooma dams. If you’d like a great day out and all the info and
knowledge to catch Bass or Yellow belly in our two great dams make sure you
give me a call on 0408658592 and I’ll be happy to take you out for a great days
fishing. You can also check out our
website on www.australianfreshwaterfishing.com
Until next time, tight lines and bent
rods.
Matthew Langford
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/fishing-report-may-2.jpg336448Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2019-06-03 13:04:052019-06-14 07:18:30Cold mornings and Big Natives in the South Burnett.
It’s been an interesting month of fishing in the two impoundments
of the South Burnett. With the cooler weather setting in, there’s been a lack
of consistent fishing as the water and season changes. As I write, the fishing
has improved somewhat, over the past few days and captures of good fish in both
BP and Boondooma dams are being reported. The water temps are slowly starting
to lower but constant warmer afternoons have started to make the fish bite well.
It’s been a very warm month with only a few mornings cold enough to pull on the
jumpers. The fish seem to be somewhat quiet in the mornings but as the day
warms, the fish have been biting.
Boondooma
Boondooma has started to pick up, the bigger Bass and Goldens
are starting to be caught on a variety of techniques as the fish begin moving
up shallow and sitting on the flats. The last month has seen some inconsistency
but some good fish are starting to be caught. The great thing about Boondooma
is that you can catch fish fishing many different areas, covering a variety of
techniques.
In the mornings, when its cooler, I like to head up the arms
of the dam and fish the edges as this seems to be the best option for those feeding
fish early in the morning when it’s cool. I’ll cast a 3/8 Bassman spinnerbait
or a lipless crank to the edge, let it hit the bottom and slow wind it out. The
fish tend to move up on the edge during the night and will generally feed until
the sun hits the water and starts to warm. This can be a great way of catching
some big fish early, especially if you’re up in the timbered arms and there’s a
lot of structure near the edge that you’re fishing.
Another option is fishing the many weed beds that line the
edge of the dam, Jerk Baits are a great option here. Cast the Jerk Bait up to
the weed edge and crank it down a couple of winds, pause it and then begin a
series of twitches as you wind. Remember that fishing close to the weed, you
will come in contact with the weed regularly, so just give the rod tip a quick
flick to get the Jerk bait free. Be patient with this technique as the Bass
sitting in the weed pockets will eventually come out and hit the Jerk Bait
hard. This is also a great option for catching some big Yellow Belly, particularly
in the afternoon when the water is warm.
Lake Boondooma is
currently at 32% (Image taken from Sunwaters website)
Mick Johnson with a
good bass caught on a skirted jig.
Matty Johnson with a
nice Saratoga from the Boyne arm.
After the sun has been up for a while and the day starts to
warm, I always move out to the deeper sections of the dam and target the
schooled fish sitting out on the flats. Sound around until you’ve located a
good showing of fish, generally this time of year I’ll be searching around the
15 to 25 foot mark. When a school is located you have a few options to cast at
the fish to entice a bite. ½ rigged plastics, tail spinners, blades,
spinnerbaits and soft vibes all have their place out on the flats and it’s just
a matter of trying a few baits until you have one that you’re consistently
catching fish with.
Bait fisherman are still catching good numbers of fish up in
the timbered arms tying off trees and fishing with live shrimps and worms as
bait. Bait can be purchased at the kiosk and if you want the best bait, you can
catch shrimp in the weed around the dam edges with opera house pots.
Trollers are picking up some good fish trolling around the
weed edges and along the rock walls up near the dam wall and in the timbered
arms with spinnerbaits and deep diving hard bodies.
Lake Barambah
Fishing on BP has slowly been improving with some nice
catches of Bass and Yellow belly coming in, particularly during the warmer
afternoons. With the warmer afternoons and the cold morning the fish have
generally been staying out deep in the 10 to 15 foot zone.
Depending on the day, if it’s cool in the morning, I will
target the edges with spinnerbaits, blades and tail spinners. It helps if the
edges have spindly timber mixed in with weed, as the fish tend to move up and
feed around this structure early in the morning.
Bp dam is currently
at 8% (Image taken from the Sun water website)
Later in the day, especially if it’s warm, I will move out
deeper and target those fish sitting in the deeper flats of about 20 feet. The
fish have been spread out over the flats next to Lightening Ridge, Bass Point
and wide of the Quarry. The best way to target the fish out deep is using
blades, tail spinners and soft vibes. Sound around these areas until you have a
good show of fish on the sounder, then go through the above mentioned lures
until you find one that gets you onto a couple of fish and stick with it. Make
long casts and make sure the lure stays in contact with the bottom regularly.
Use either a hopping retrieve, or a dead slow roll along the bottom. Persist
with this long enough and you will eventually get a bite.
The bass have still
been sitting in that 10 to 15ft zone but will soon move to the bottom or up on
the edge as the water cools. (Image taken from a GARMIN sounder)
Trollers are picking up some nice bass trolling deep divers
and spinnerbaits along the bottom in 12 to 14 feet over the above mentioned
areas.
Bait fisherman are picking up some nice catches of Bass and
Goldens in the timber on shrimps, worms and yabbies.
Red claw are still coming in with some nice catches being
taken from the rocky areas of the dam as well as some nice catches in the bays
with weed coming out from the edge.
Fishing Charters
Don’t forget that you can book a fishing charter with me on
BP and Boondooma dams. If you’d like a great day out and all the info and
knowledge to catch Bass or Yellow belly in our two great dams make sure you
give me a call on 0408658592 and I’ll be happy to take you out for a great days
fishing.
Until next month, tight lines and bent rods
Matthew Langford
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/fishin-report-april.2.png960752Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2019-05-21 12:14:452019-06-14 07:21:38Cooler water patterns begin at BP and Boondooma.
March 8 was International Women’s Day, a celebration of women’s achievements and progress. It’s a day for all us to celebrate the things we and our female friends, colleagues and the women who inspire us, have done and will do on behalf of women.
An inspirational story that celebrates successful women in the South Burnett includes that of local lady Tiny Kenyon from Hidden Gold Homestead. Tina’s story of heartache to happiness featured in f-magazine last week; a magazine celebrating female success.
Tina and her husband Clint own and operate an agri-tourism business in the Moffatdale region. They offer visitors the chance to experience ‘health, growth and happiness’ on their farm by allowing them to interact with the animals and explore what it means to grow food the way nature intended. For more information on Hidden Gold Homestead call 4168 4784 or to read the full editorial click here.
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hidden-Homestead-F-Magazine-1-of-1-925x425.jpg425925Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2019-03-11 15:54:362019-06-14 07:22:19Celebrating successful women in the South Burnett
Legends of the South Burnett – Boxing Legend: Arthur Cripps
When you think of boxing one name comes to mind… Muhammad Ali. Well sorry to disappoint but there was another boxing great who came from the South Burnett… Arthur Cripps.
Born in 1879 Arthur Cripps started his sporting career playing rugby. He played in one game for Queensland – a “dramatic” 25-11 win over New South Wales in 1901 (see even back in the early 20th century Queensland were beating New South Wales!) But footy just wasn’t meant to be for Arthur who turned to professional boxing in early 1902.
Arthur was trained by “Big” Jim Austin, who was said to be one of the cleverest trainers of the time. He claimed that because of this training he never suffered a black eye or bloody nose.
In 1903 Arthur Cripps claimed the Australian Middleweight crown. He would then win this title on and off between the years 1903 to 1909.
A property at Broadwater (Nanango) brought Arthur, his wife Mary and their daughter Violet to the region to begin a farming life. Arthur held boxing fund raising activities and assisted many young men in gaining expertise in the boxing arena such as Bill Ewart of Nanango.
In 1916 at the age of 35 (which was not the norm as the average age of men enlisting was 26) Arthur enlisted as a driver in the Engineers. This grabbed the attention of Australians with newspaper headlines reading “Arthur Cripps gone to the front!” (16 May 1917). He also made headlines again upon his return in August 1919.
After the war Arthur returned to Nanango where he was the Post Office Hotel Proprietor, Chairman of the local football club (1923to 1925) and Director of the Dairy Company (1923). However, before his daughter Violet was 21 years old he decided to move the family to Brisbane.
In 1934 Arthur Cripps passed away.
A mild-mannered man – a home lover – an ace high husband and father – and a wonderful glove fighter!
Arthur Cripps with his wife Mary and daughter Violet (dress in white with pig tails)
Arthur Cripps dressed in his army uniform
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Arthur-Cripps-1.jpg402200Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2017-03-21 01:28:472017-03-21 01:28:47Legends of the South Burnett
The silly season has been and gone and the crowds have converged on our two great South Burnett dams. It’s the best time of year to be on the water as the temps are hot, beers are cold and the fishing is accessible to every angler of any ability. If you haven’t been out yet, make sure you start planning your next trip because this time of year is the best chance to get yourself onto some trophy size native fish from Lake Barambah and Boondooma.
Boondooma
Over the past couple of months, the fish have moved into the thermocline and are a real target for our avid trollers. The 18 to 22 foot zone is where you will find them when you’re out in search of some fish. The most productive areas on the dam are the deeper sections of water around the dam wall and the Buoy line. The most productive bite time is from lunch time through until dark when the day is at its hottest.
The key to finding a good school is using your electronics to slowly sound over likely areas. If you don’t have a sounder tie on a couple of deep divers or a 5/8 spinnerbait and start trolling. If you get a bite or fish, troll around the area that you had the action. Remember to be patient when looking for fish, as it may take a while to locate them if you’re not familiar with the dam.
Corey with a 50+ cm Bass caught on the Troll
Lately i’ve been catching my best quality fish suspended in deep water. They have been sitting in the thermocline at 20 feet. I target these fish using a variety of baits, initially starting with a soft bait, a ½ ounce rigged soft plastic. I cast this out and begin counting to 7 seconds to let the lure sink into the strike zone. When the plastic is down to the desired depth I then start a slow roll and add a few twitches every now and then to change the swimming pattern, as the plastic glides through the water. Continue this until you get bites, but keep rolling the plastic until you get a solid hook up. If this method doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to change your lure until you are happy.
The Author and Ken Mills with a mixed bag from Boondooma.
The Bass can be fussy when it comes to feeding when they are suspended in the column. I like to try plastics first and then move to a reaction bait. My preferred reaction baits for summer suspended fish are 5/8 Bassman spinnerbaits or a 3/8 Bassman mumbler/chatter bait.
With these lures, make a long cast and let the lure sink down 5 to 10 seconds. Once the lure is down in the zone, start a fairly rapid retrieve with a few twitches every now and then. Chatter baits and spinnerbaits are great baits to get a ‘reaction bite’. This is where the fish are forced to either ignore the lure or react out of instinct to bite as the bait zooms past. It’s a very effective method, with Bass well over the 50 mark regularly hitting the deck.
Trollers are catching some really nice fish using deep diving hard bodies and 5/8 Bassman spinnerbaits around the same areas as I mentioned earlier. The key is to be patient.
Bait fisherman are catching some good numbers of Bass and Yellow belly using live shrimp caught from the dam. Try to anchor over prominent points in the dam in 15 to 20 feet and also try the timbered sections of the dam.
Red claw have picked up in numbers. Drop your pots around the rocky banks of the dam and also just wide of the weed beds.
Some nice Red Claw have been coming out of Boondooma of late.
Lake Barambah
BP dam has been very consistent over the last two months, producing good numbers of fish of varying species. The fish are in great quantity but it just takes a bit of moving around to put yourself onto some quality. Areas to target are the deeper water out the front of the dam wall, wide of bass point and off any main dam points that hold deeper water of about 20ft. The fish have been sitting in the 15 to 20 ft mark and on the bottom in the same zone. I’ve been catching the majority of fish using a ½ ounce rigged plastic, with the same method as explained for Boondooma. Also heavier spinnerbait’s and Chatterbaits have been working well on the bigger fish when your focussing on the reaction bite.
Some big Yellow belly are being caught, but they have been a bit quiet. The key to catching a few Goldens when its quiet, is to focus on fishing the bottom or the many weed banks that encompass the dam. In this case, tie on a blade and hop it gently off the bottom or out of the weed. The Yellow belly are a real sucker for a hopped blade and it won’t take long to catch a few fish using this technique. The smaller Bass also don’t mind this technique but it won’t be long and you’ll be in contact with some nice fat Golden Perch.
The Author, Dave and Kiel with a mixed bag from a recent session on BP.
Trollers are getting good bags of fish trolling 5/8 Bassman spinnerbaits and deep diving hard bodies. Areas to target are the deep water around in front of the dam wall, Bass point, around Lightening ridge and around any prominent points.
Bait fisherman are catching plenty of fish tying off the trees up the back of the dam using live shrimp.
Redclaw are about and are coming from the steeper banks with scattered timber.
Make sure you book your camp site for the 2017 Boondooma Dam, Yellowbelly fishing comp being held on the 11th and 12th of February. $20 entry for adults and $5 for juniors (16 years and under). There are live and dead weight divisions with prizes for Bass, Yellow belly, Silver and Spangled perch. There are thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs, with food and drinks available at the event. It’s one comp you don’t want to miss. Call Lake Boondooma kiosk to make a camp site booking on (07) 4168 9694.
If you’d like to keep in regular contact with what’s happening on the dams don’t forget to like the Yallakool and Boondooma dams Facebook pages.
Until next month, tight lines and bend rods
Matthew Langford.
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BP-session.jpg8401379Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2017-01-09 02:16:352017-01-09 02:19:10Fun, Festive Season Fishing
Another sensational month of fishing has gone by since my last report and the edges have really come alive with some cracking fish caught at BP and Boondooma dams. It’s a great month to be out on the water as the temps are comfortable and the fishing is red hot. No matter what type of fisherman you are the dams in the South Burnett Region have something to offer you.
Boondooma
Boondooma is a well-known big bass fishery and this month has seen it really live up to its name. Good numbers of big bass and yellow belly have been caught all around the dam using a variety of techniques.
If you’re a keen lure fisherman the best place to start is on the edge, look for rocky points or weedy edges with a bit of structure and you’re sure to pick up a fish or two casting lipless cranks or spinner baits. I like throwing a Bassman spinner-bait 3/8 in Olive colour tight to the edge, let it sink to the bottom and use a slow wind back to the boat with a couple of rod shakes in between to entice a strike. In the warmer months the fish really respond well to a reaction lure so keep that in mind when casting to a bank. Mix up your casts and retrieve speed and adjust to what you’re getting your bites with. I like to ‘Burn’ or quickly crank a lure back occasionally to really get them to hit aggressively. If you’re doing this hold on to your rod cause the bite is usually hard and fast. Some cracking Golden Perch and Bass have been caught over the last month from the edge, so it will pay to start this way early on your day out.
The Author with a beautiful coloured golden from the edge at Boondooma.
Daniel Brooks with a couple of nice bass from the edge using Bassman Spinnerbaits
The best way to keep catching quality is to move deeper as the day starts to heat up. The bigger bass have been caught out on the flats of the dam later in the morning as the wind starts to pick up, areas such as the junction through to pelican have been productive, as well as Death Valley the Barbour’s pole and Leisagangs ledge. Make sure to check with the kiosk if you’re unsure of the names of areas of the dam and they will be sure to help out. I like targeting the areas just wider of the flats as they start to drop off into deeper water. I’ve been finding the fish have been sitting on these ledges and are usually more willing to bite. Ambush points like this are great for our predatory bass, so keep this in mind next time you’re on Boondooma.
Patrick Conduit with a couple of big bass from the deeper flats of Boondooma using Tail Spinners
The best techniques on the flats and ledges have been Nories tail spinners in 12gram in Gold colour, ½ ounce rigged plastics in darker green or florescent colours, 5/8 ounce spinner baits rolled slowly along the bottom and ¼ and 3/8 ounce blades hopped or slow rolled along the bottom in silver or gold colours.
Bait fisherman have been bringing in consistent catches of yellow belly, bass and eel tail catfish fishing in the timbered arms. Best baits have been live shrimps, saltwater yabbies and worms jigged off the bottom.
Trollers have been starting to pick up some good numbers of Golden Perch trolling up in the arms of the dam using deep diving hard bodies. Make sure you have a lure retriever hand as you’ll be bound to get caught up in the timber eventually and this device will save you money.
Red claw have just started to pick up a bit with the consistent warm weather around the rocky edges using rockmelon, pumpkin and dog biscuits.
Lake Barambah
BP dam has really been making the customers happy with the Bass coming up from the deeper flats and creek beds to feed heavily on the edges. Most anglers have been reporting some great sessions and some cracking Bass and Yellow belly amongst them. The fish aren’t afraid to hit anything that resembles a bait fish. The consistent warm weather can be thanked for this ‘Reaction Bite’ and it’s only going to get better and better the further we move towards summer.
The Author with a good golden from the Flats of BP
The best methods for getting amongst the action is to look for a good rocky edge, position yourself about 40 to 50 meters from the bank and cast towards the edge, let the lure sink to the bottom and start a slow consistent wind. I’ve found the best techniques have been lipless cranks, spinner baits, tail spinners, ½ ounce rigged plastics, jerk baits and blades cast up near the edge. Realistically, if you throw your favourite lure to the edge long enough it’s bound to get smashed by a hungry bass or yellow belly, the fishing is just that good at the moment. Likely areas to target are all over the dam from the dam wall all the way to the timber right up the back, just look for a rocky edge, sit out wide and cast towards the bank, it’s truly that simple.
Trollers are having the same luck by trolling the edges of the dam with deep diving hard bodies, most trollers won’t have to go far before hooking up with a fish or two.
Bait fisherman are in much the same boat with fish coming from most locations close to the bank using, live shrimp, salt water yabbies and worms fished closed to the bottom.
Red claw are also on the comeback as the water warms considerably.
Dam news
Next time you’re out at one of our dams in the South Burnett, keep in mind the brand new luxury cabins. I recently had the privilege of staying in one of the cabins and they were just fantastic. They were comfortable and a great way to relax after a hard session of fishing. They are fully furnished, have two bedrooms and can comfortably sleep up to 6 people and cost $150 per night. Also don’t forget that the festive season is coming upon us so don’t forget to book your site at YallaKool or Boondooma.
Until next time, tight lines and bent rods
Two nice bass caught by the author and Corey from the edge
Matthew Langford
https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Fishing-report-5.1.16-7.jpg9201379Samantha Beaumonthttps://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Discover-South-Burnett-RESIZE-300x185.pngSamantha Beaumont2016-10-05 00:07:272016-11-01 01:52:47SOUTH BURNETT BOASTS HOT EDGE BITE!
