Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER

Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER
HomeSportRiver turns up the heat

River turns up the heat

This week we definitely saw a change in the season with the first downpours hitting the sunny coast. Offshore before the winds things were certainly showing good signs with some solid cobia and yellowtail kingfish coming off various wrecks in the region. We also have had some great entries into our September snapper comp so please keep up the great work!

Out wide mid week the charters hit the double island reefs and came up trumps with snapper, pearl perch, cobia and other reefies including tuskies and sweetlip. This area also holds amberjacks so if you want to try jigging of any kind these fish will fight all the way to the boat and on light gear you really get your arms stretched. The Shimano Wonderfall jigs are excellent jigs for this style of fishing so be sure to grab some while we have them as jigging becomes more popular.

North reef was also a popular destination for snapper and pearlie anglers with most fish sitting around the low to high 70cm mark. These fish love soft plastics and it is no secret that snapper love grub style plastics. The Gulp 6 inch grub is a classic snapper plastic with lots of scent and great tail action. Pair these with 6/0-7/0 jigheads in the 3/8th-1 1/2oz range and see what you can catch.

The surf fishing has been producing a mixed bag of whiting and small bream as well as dart and the odd sandy flathead. Fish light with 10ft 6kg setups for these fish and use small mullet, pipi and beach worm as bait. The river mouth and rock groynes are the best spot once the swell drops and is safe to do so.

With the wild weather the focus has shifted to the river and there has been something on offer for most. The Noosa River has become popular and the species list has been very broad. The recent rains will certainly push the bait and the fish down towards the mouth so efforts should be concentrated around this area. Also the mud crabs will be on the move so come and pick up on our 4 pot deal and ask us where to go. For those of you who use lures then heavy vibration lures are the go. For soft plastic anglers then 3-4 inch paddle tails with heavy scent like Keitech and Squidgy prawns loaded with scent will do the damage on the bream, flathead and even the odd school sized jewfish. Bait anglers will do well with whole fish baits and cut pilchard baits allowed to gently drift in the current.

Freshwater will be quieter as Lake Macdonald is now overflowing from the big dump of rain. This will see the fish adjusting to the cooler water which is nutrient rich so they should be feeding hard as of next week. Borumba is under 90% capacity and did not receive as much rain so is more stable. For most anglers vibes and spoons will get the job done on the bass. Larger slow troll lures like Samaki redic and RMG will get the bite if working the edges and drop off’s for a yellow belly. While the dams settle into their new levels be sure to try and areas where water flows into it. Often fish will move into any areas of current looking for a feed and will often stay in this area after the rains have gone.

Now for all the latest information log onto www.fishingnoosa.com.au for up to date bar and fishing reports, don’t forget to drop into Davo’s Tackle World, Davo’s Boating and Outdoors in Noosa and Davo’s Northshore Bait & Tackle in Marcoola for all the right equipment, bait and advice to get you catching. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and remember Tight Lines and Bent Spines!

Digital Edition
Subscribe

Get an all ACCESS PASS to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription

New regional arts program

As part of the state government’s Time to Shine plan, a 10-year strategy to boost our vibrant arts scene, the new Regional Community Arts...
More News

Volunteer grants on offer

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, is inviting local volunteer organisations to submit Expressions of Interest for the Australian Government’s 2025–26 Volunteer Grants...

Residents recognised

The annual Australia Day Honours List celebrates the very best of the Australian spirit and I congratulate Noosa’s residents who received recognition in 2026...

How to stay safe during a rural escape

For many people, a rural getaway is the ultimate way to switch off, swapping city noise for fresh air and slower days. From outback...

Cleaning up Noosa

Clean-Up Australia Day is Sunday 1st March this year and brings together people who are interested in maintaining our beautiful parks and streets, waterways,...

Why Tourism Noosa uses digital marketing

Why Tourism Noosa Uses Digital Marketing and What It’s Designed to Protect Discussions about tourism and marketing can sometimes feel polarising, particularly in a place...

Step into the heart of small-town Louisiana

Noosa Arts Theatre (NAT) is thrilled to present Steel Magnolias, a heartwarming and powerful drama set entirely within the walls of a small-town beauty...

The power and the passion

A film documenting how the correct choice of plants and use of water can change the Australian landscape premieres in Gympie next month. Rehydrating Australia...

Murderers and victims mostly men, report shows

The Australian Institute of Criminology this week published its (AIC) Homicide in Australia 2024–25 report provides an overview of national homicide trends and emerging...

New leaders

On Wednesday, the 2026 Senior Leaders of Good Shepherd Lutheran College were officially commissioned during a special Installation and Commissioning Service, a proud and significant...

Measles alert

Health authorities have issued a public alert after a confirmed measles case visited multiple locations on the Sunshine Coast, including wards at Sunshine Coast...