Find them in fresh: your Gladstone inland fishing guide

Head west of Gladstone along the Dawson Highway, and you’ll come to a town called Biloela. This is where your fishing adventure begins,, at Lake Callide. 

You don’t necessarily need a boat here, but it never hurts. The banks of the lake stretch on for kilometres, so if you don’t mind standing next to a few cows then the fishing spots are endless. 

Keep an eye out for gentle sloping banks and shallow water fishing, which will be your best bet on a warm day to snag a big silvery barramundi. If you’re on the windblown side of the lake you’ll increase your chances again as the water becomes more oxygenated and that means hungry, active fish.

Have a taste for redclaw? Sample Lake Callide's version of takeaway and throw in a couple of pots with a potato as bait. Sink it in a deep hole and come back later to collect your catch. It’s that simple. 

Dawson River

Saratoga is one of Australia's oldest fish species. And you'll find them in the waters of Dawson River. 

Two great places to freshwater fish on this river are Moura and Baralaba. Both host annual fishing competitions too, which is a great sign of what you'll be reeling in while you're here. 

Saratoga naturally eat frogs, boney bream, prawns and crayfish (pretty much anything smaller than it) so make your tackle choices wisely to imitate their favourites. These fish can reach over three kilograms on a good day so bring your heavy gear and get ready to flex.

You'll want a boat for this adventure, which can be launched from the Baralaba boat ramp. Cruise up and down the river using your sounder to find holes and structure. They might hide jewfish, sleepy cod, perch or bream. Be prepared for anything.

Baffle Creek

Halfway between Gladstone and Bundaberg is Baffle Creek, which is home to some giant mangrove jack - if you can get off the beaten estuary and find somewhere a little wild. 

Head south along the M1 from Gladstone and turn left towards Miriam Vale, then follow that road until you see the sign for the turnoff to Baffle Creek. It's about another hour drive to your destination; but it's worth it. 

Bring your heavy line (30 pound plus) and get ready to reel hard and fast, because jacks will run away and hide in the mangroves which can snap your line.

For lures, it depends on the day; ask a local or experiment but remember, patience is the key. You'll need to cast right up against the mangroves for the best chance to hook a jack. 

Want to take a break from the fight? Chuck in a mud crab pot and you’ll be generously rewarded in Baffle Creek. 

Lake Awoonga

Lake Awoonga is nearly every angler's first choice in Gladstone, and one of the best places to fish in the Southern Great Barrier Reef region. 

It's the Mecca of lake fishing; where you'll find barramundi stretching over a metre, huge mangrove jack and plenty of saratoga that'll bring their best to the battle. 

Getting here is simple, just head 30 minutes southwest of Gladstone along State Route 50. This lake is massive, and you’re going to need a boat and a winch to reel in the barramundi. 

There's also plenty of watersports, kayak hire and picnic areas, so you can bring the whole family and cook up your catch at the end of the day. 

Keen to experience Queensland's best fishing? Head to Rockhampton, our unofficial barramundi capital; cast your line at these best spots in Mackay; explore Hervey Bay or test your strength with marlin fishing.