TIME FOR BARRA
The Queensland impoundments have provided some fantastic barra fishing for anglers over the past few decades. Many have caught that magical "metrey" fish in dams including Awoonga, Callide, Monduran, Peter Faust and Kinchant.
In most dams, the good times are offset by quiet periods which can last for years. Achieving some stability in the fishery is a hot topic when anglers meet. There is no shortage of views on how to do this, some backed by science and others little more than wishful thinking.
Anglers are not alone in seeking some stability. Spare a thought for the guides, caravan parks, tackle stores and other businesses that struggle when the fishing goes quiet. Today there are no houseboats on Awoonga yet only a decade ago the fleet was booked well in advance.
As most dams have now moved through several cycles of boom and bust there is a better understanding of how these manmade waters "work". In the first part of this article we explore the reasons why lake barra dams can be inconsistent. Then we discuss the implications for anglers.
BARRAMUNDI
Barramundi spawn in the saltwater and immature fish migrate up to the freshwater wetlands to grow out. At three to five years fish return to the saltwater to breed. Barra rely on wetlands and swamps, good wet seasons and free access up and down a system
