EXPERIENCE THE UNTOUCHED PARADISE OF LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND
Keen for a spot of fishing but don’t have a boat? No worries! Check out these 6 spots to go fishing in the Gladstone Region without a boat.
Auckland Creek
The districts estuarine paradise starts at Auckland Creek Inlet, which runs along East Shores Precinct and the Gladstone Yacht Club. The creek has a number of jetties, wharves and other structures, making it a magic spot to throw in a line. Incoming tide is especially good, and you can expect to catch Bream, Mangrove Jack and Barramundi. Locals recommend using live bait as they work best, and it never hurts to have a cast net handy when schools of prawns are near.
Not just a perfect camping destination, Lilley’s Beach also offers some hot spots for the fishing enthusiast. The beach is ideal for catching Summer and Winter Whiting, Flathead, Bream and the odd Mackerel. If you’re chasing whiting then trying fishing when the tide is outgoing or incoming and target the gutters which line the beach (i.e. the spots where there are small breaking waves 40-50m offshore). For bait use yabbies, small prawns, slivers of fresh squid or beach worms (which can be found on this beach).
Please note: A permit is required to drive on this beach. Click here for more information and to purchase one.
Benaraby Bridge
Benaraby Bridge has proven very successful with good numbers of Bream, Flathead, and Barra on the downstream side. Upstream has an assortment of Mangrove Jack and Queenies ready to catch. One of the largest free camping area is located on the southern bank of the Boyne River and has basic facilities available. Baits recommended are prawns, squid and herring.
Wondering how to get there? Head along Gladstone Benaraby Road and just after the Caltex Service Station, you will find Benaraby Bridge.
NRG Power Station Hot Water Outlet
This spot has been a favourite haunt for decades, as the Barra in mid-winter love to sit in the warm water which has been heated by the power station. Here, there are many ways of catching a fish; from surface lure through to deep divers or hard and soft bodied lures. Dead baits such as squid, mullet, herring and hardy heads are excellent, but make sure your knots and tackle are good because there are some HUGE fish pulled in at this spot. This fishing spot is also affected by the tide, with the incoming tide moving the warm current upstream away from the suggested fishing zone.
Access: Follow Hanson Road towards the NRG Power Station and take a left turn before the bridge.
Lake Callemondah
Situated directly behind the Transfer Station off Blain Drive, Lake Callemondah is one of the local’s secret spots to fish. The Lake is fed by Police Creek and has been stocked with barramundi, along with some other species. The lake is ideal if you are wanting to learn how to catch a BIG Barra using lures.
Framed by the rugged peaks of Mt Castletower National Park, Lake Awoonga is situated a short drive from Gladstone, making it the perfect spot for a great day out. Cast a line from the banks of the lake to try your luck at catching a world-famous Barra. Gladstone Area Water Board have released six unique ‘Pink Tagged’ Barramundi into Lake Awoonga, worth $1,000 each if caught! To be a valid winner, entries must be made via the ‘Track My Fish Lake Awoonga’ mobile app.
Wondering how to get there? Head to the junction of Gladstone/Benaraby Road and the Bruce Highway – the exit to Lake Awoonga is signposted to the left.
TIP: Always check tide times before starting your fishing adventure!
For more information on fishing in the Gladstone Region, click here.