Lake Lenthall, Queensland, Australia.

[Big_unit]

Plenty of fish are still being caught and released at Lake Lenthall although catch rates are slowing, even with the Lake being at 65% capacity and the water temp is varying between approximately 23 to 25 degrees celcius. Its worth the drive to check out the landscaping and other improvements such as the boat ramp extension, picnic tables & rotunda which have been done by Wide Bay Water Corporation. The Dam is undergoing some huge changes in preparation for the expected water level increases. The viewing platform over the spillway has been refitted to comply with safety requirements and gives a great outlook over the Dam.

Casting hardbody lures and soft plastics have been successful around the lillies with the odd fish still taking spinnerbaits down deep in various places around the Lake. A rare & very spectacular 590 mm Saratoga, was taken on fly near the wall by an ecstatic South Australian visitor. Landbased fisherfolk using earth worms & some secret baits have recorded good catches of Eel tailed Catfish / Freshwater Jewfish, with fish up to 480 mm being taken in shallow water. Other notable landbased catches include a 670 mm Barra off the boat ramp by an 11 year old boy ( his very first Barra ) and B*** ranging from 280 mm to 460 mm from the foreshore around the recreational grounds. Paul Dolan from Fraser Coast Sport Fishing Charters is having great success with clients taking both B*** & Barra on lure and fly.

Easter weekend saw good numbers of boats on the water ( 38 vessels on Easter Sunday ) with most fisherfolk recording good catches of B***. Its that time of the year when the Barra are shutting down with the colder weather setting in, although some anglers have experienced some red hot sessions. It is great to see so many people practicing catch and release, and with this we will see the Barra reach that elusive metre mark next summer. The unofficial Lake record stands at 940 mm by a Japanese client on a Fraser Coast Sport Fishing Charter. Other visitors to Lake have boasted of catching and releasing Barramundi up to 910 mm.

Fraser Coast Sportfishing

Ill take this opportunity to remind everybody that access to the Lake is only permitted through the access gates, you can not access Lake Lenthall from any other point. Camping in any form at Lake Lenthall is not permitted. Construction & clearing works are still underway. 6 horse power engines are the maximum allowed on the Lake at present. Boats with motors larger than six horse power but which also have electric motors are not exempt unless the outboard motor is completely removed. Visitors wishing to fish are also required to have & hold a current SIP ( Stocked Impoundment Permit ). WBWC Rangers are active on site 7 days a week, and are working with other government agencies to ensure regulations are complied with.

Currently we have a commercial Eel trapper working the Lake and to date ( 12 days ) he has trapped over 1.6 tonnes of live Long finned Eel. They are exported live to China where they are a highly sort after delicacy. The Eels are believed to heavily target our Barramundi and B*** fingerlings.

The Fraser Coast Fish Stocking ***ociation will be releasing 4000 Barramundi fingerlings into the Lake in the near future.

Go on get out there

James Matts - Ranger Lake Lenthall

[FishingLTJ]

Nice write up, thanks for sharing the information!

[SUNNYZHUANG]

thank you for sharing

[Big_unit]

No worries fellas, Lake Lenthall is a really nice place - lots of excellent sportfish - Barramundi, Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, heaps of wildlife like Brolga's, Dingo's, Jabiru's, Wedge Tail Eagle's, Sea eagle's, Whistling Kite's, Pelicans and absolutely awesome scenery.

Cheers
James

[Big_unit]

Lake Lenthall is located near Hervey Bay and world heritage listed Fraser Island. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, 123 kilometres in length and containing some very diverse environments such as natural pure fresh water lakes and exotic rainforests with all manner of Australian wildlife making it thier home. One of the most exciting parts of Australia to come and visit, there is something truly spectacular everywhere you look.

Cheers
James