Mount Isa fishing...

[Fishin_Dan]

Well I'm still in Ayr, but thanks to Larry, it seems I'm destined not to catch a fish here (Or get out to try one easily!). Turns out the rent-a-car doesn't like mud as much as my cruiser ::)

Anyway...

I'm heading to Mount Isa for a couple of days in a few weeks for work, and heave heard that there are Barra in Lake Moondarra, and Sooties in the Leichardt River. Just after some info from anyone that knows Mount Isa's fishing... Any bits of info will help!

I'll be land based, and chasing either species suits me fine. For the barra I will be fishing a 4000 size spinning reel with 15lb Penn 10X (A bit light I know, but it's all I've got!), and for the Sooties will be using a 2500 spinning reel with 6lb braid.

Does anyone know if there are any Fishing Guides for Lake Moondarra?



Cheers,
Dan

[goddy100]

No guides on the dam, or anywhere in the area for that matter. Your best bet for a land based barra is in the evening at transport bay. When you go to the dam, you turn right and you will see a picnic area with bbqs, table etc. Fish of the points that jut out into the water. They will be getting rain of "Larry" so if the water is dirty, you will be out of luck.
If the spillway is over, you can walk across the dam wall, climb over the rocks and fish there, as long as it is not too far over (no more than say 30cm). Fish o the dam side, barra school up there feeding on the baitfish going over. Or you could try below the spillway. If it is going over, just follow the crowd.
As for sooties, you will need a 4wd and really, local knowledge. And with the weather the way it is, you will be lucky to get to the Isa, let alone the fishing holes.
But if things dry out, your best chance for a sooty would be East Leichhard Dam, get a local to draw you a map or give directions.
PM me and I will give you some local contacts if you like. Would show you around myself, but I just moved to Townsville.
Goddy

[Mak579]

Dan,

The roads are currently cut around the Isa due to rain from Larry.

Should clear up quiet quickly but check with RACQ before you head off.

Safe Travels

Matt

[Gorilla_in_Manila]

Hi Dan,
Fitzy has a bit of info here:
http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Moondarra.htm

If the fish aren't biting, might be interesting to visit the fish breeding facility of the stocking group.

Good luck.
Cheers
Jeff

[The_Walrus]

Spent a week there for work alas no time for fishing.

Visited Moondarra dam and it certainly looked like a nice piece of water.

A one week fishing trip to Mt Isa has been added to my list of places to fish. ::)

Luc

[TinarooTriumph]

Throw some pots in at Moondarra if you got any, if you know what your doing you will get heaps of claw'.