Fishing

Bass to Barra Trail

The Bundaberg, Coral Coast and Country region is a great place to visit - for anyone with a passion for fishing. You can choose from freshwater, estuary and river fishing, offshore and reef fishing, fly fishing and so much more! From stocked impoundments to miles of isolated beaches and 5 river systems - even the amazing fishing of the Southern Great Barrier Reef - the choice is yours no matter what the weather or time of year. Fish from the beach or banks, take your own tinny, or try one of our region's professional charter operators for the ultimate experience! Read on and discover an a-bund-ance of new places to wet a line!

Reef and Offshore Fishing

Bundaberg charter operators can take you out to the magic of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Prized red emperor and line-burning Spanish mackerel are both regularly taken by anglers in this region. Fishing from the Town of 1770 offers you the closest access to the outer reef. Bustard Head has great fishing options with four exposed rocks stretching more than three kilometres out to sea.

 

Inshore Reefs abound in our region, like the Woodgate Artificial Reef, the Four Mile Reef, the Cochrane Artificial Reef and many more. Some of these are man made and attract the whole food chain from coral trout to small marlin. And don't forget about some of those magic places way offshore - like Cato Island - that you'll only ever access with a local charter for that once-in-a-lifetime angling experience.

Estury and River Fishing

The Burnett River flows right through the heart of Bundaberg and has a network of creeks on the north side of the Burnett Delta called Skyringville - a great place to explore with your tinny. Historic Kirby's Wall is an ideal structure for silver bream anglers, and an extremely good fishing spot right in the middle of the river. The rocks near the Tallon Bridge and walkway below Queen's Park are other handy areas and easily accessible.

 

The Elliott River is beautiful area with large stretches of clean white sand, ideal for spending a day with the family. Quite a few fishing options are available here - including many snag-free areas where children can enjoy fishing without parents having to worry about snagged lines.

 

The Kolan River offers a range of fishing experiences - from fast-flowing deep holes after summer rains, rocky cliffs and outcrops around Avondale, to large sand flat areas with deep channels throughout at Miara. The mangrove line is a proven successful spot and opens into a wide, sandy estuary mouth.

 

Baffle Creek is one of the few river systems remaining in southeast Queensland still in a relatively pristine state. This river can offer some amazing unspoilt mangrove stands and an incredible wild life show - as well as renowned fishing!

 

The Burrum River is one of the region’s biggest with the Gregory, Isis and Cherwell rivers all joining in the flow. Extensive sand flats, channels and mangrove-lined banks offer the angler a piscatorial smorgasbord of fishing and crabbing options! Here you can explore sand flats, tricky snags, rocky outcrops and tough mangrove creeks within the system. Base yourself at Woodgate and head down to Walker's Point.

Freshwater Fishing

Lake Gregory is the closest freshwater storage lake to Bundaberg surrounded by the Elliott State Forest - just off the Bundaberg - Childers Road.  

Self-Tour Permits

Cost - $35.00 per year or $7.00 per week or $31.50 yearly discount.
* 10% discount on the yearly applies to all holders of the following entitlement cards: Queensland Government Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card and Repatriation Health Care Card (for all conditions - gold card).
One permit covers all 29 impoundments throughout Queensland.

Permits can be organised on-line throught the Queensland Governments Smart Service Website or through any Australia Post Office throughout Queensland (cash or cheque accepted, EFTPOS available in most outlets). There are a small number of outlets in the vicinity of each of the impoundments where you can obtain your permit. Check with the QFS for details before arriving at the impoundment.

Any person fishing in the specific stocked impoundment needs a Stocked Impoundment Permit. The scheme applies only to the taking of fish using a fishing line or set line. People under 18 years of age are not required to hold a Stocked Impoundment Permit. Permits may be issued to an individual or a married/de facto couple (provided that both people sign the application form). These arrangements accommodate families fishing on the 29 impoundments throughout Queensland.

Dams requiring permits in our region:

Cania Dam, via Monto
Cania Dam Fish Stocking Association Incorporated
PO Box 259, MONTO, QLD 4630.

Isis Balancing Storage (Lake Gregory) via Bundaberg
Bundaberg Sports-fishing Club. Incorporated
Fish-stocking Committee
PO Box 754, BUNDABERG, QLD 4670.

Lake Monduran (Fred Haigh Dam) via Gin Gin
Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association
PO Box 220, GIN GIN, QLD 4671.

Wuruma Dam via Eidsvold
Wuruma Dam Fish Restocking Association
PO Box 69, EIDSVOLD, QLD 4627