The Gladstone Area Water Board management and staff are to be congratulated for the provision and ongoing maintenance of this world class fishery.

Lake Awoonga has earned its spot at the top of the world’s top 10 sport fishing impoundments. With lessons learnt from earlier stocking programs at other locations, Awoonga, with its ideal topographic and climatic conditions, can facilitate extraordinary growth rates for its staggered release of around 3,000,000 Barra. Many fish of around 30kgs and above the magical 1.2m mark are now being encountered in Lake Awoonga. The lake has also now proven itself as an all season fishery. Winter catch rates of over 80% have been recorded by us this season, using refined techniques developed over the last 7 years fishing Awoonga; winter Barra require subtle changes in presentation as they can be less aggressive. Timing and location also require special consideration to maximise catch rates.

To further enhance your chances and learn the correct techniques required to boat one of these iconic fish, we suggest you consider employing the services provided by Jason Wilhelm's BARRA MADNESS Ultimate Barra Fishing Charters www.barramadness.com Jason is one of Australia’s top sport fisherman and with his impressive list of accomplishments requires no further introduction. Package deals can be arranged and bookings must be made early to secure your favorite times.

Lake Awoonga is a recreation area with first-class facilities - picnic shelters, barbeques, playgrounds, landscaped walking trails, boat ramps, toilets and disabled parking. Framed by the rugged peaks of Mt Castletower National Park, Lake Awoonga is 30 minutes drive from Gladstone or Boyne Island/Tannum Sands and only minutes from the Bruce Highway.

The Lake supplies the water for industrial and domestic use in the Region as well as being open for fishing all year round. Limits only apply in the closed season in the months of December and January. The largest barramundi caught in Lake Awoonga to date weighted in at 29.8 kilograms!

Lake Awoonga is a wildlife sanctuary - home and haven to a variety of birds and animals, including wallabies and turtles. Around 25% of Australia's bird species can be found in the region. Also playing a vital role in the health of the Lake Awoonga area is the 150 terrestrial species of plants. Ranging from vine thickets and rainforests to tall woodlands and grassy woodlands, there are also 47 confirmed species of aquatic plants such as ribbon weed, hornwort and sedges found in the shallow water areas. Aquatic plants provide food and cover for animals, stabilise the river bottom against erosion and recycle nutrients.

In the Lake Awoonga Recreation Area, you can fish for barramundi (and other fish) all year round, go swimming, bushwalking on one of the landscaped walking trails or explore the beauty of Lake Awoonga by boat, sailing, canoeing or skiing.