Maroochy offers some of the best beach and off-shore fishing action in Australia. Even if you don’t tag the ‘big one’ you may still be lucky to sight the majestic Humpback Whale which can be seen from shore at certain times between July and October. Although weighing up to 50 tonnes, they can almost leap clear of the water in an awesome display of power!

You will require a council permit at the following dams.  Please note that some local councils require a permit even if the dam under their control is not stocked.

• Baroon Pocket Dam (onsite registration)

You don't need a permit to fish in freshwater rivers or tidal waters.

Brief guide to recreational fishing rules and regulations for Queensland

Fishing spots:

The freshwater impoundments in the hinterland ranges are stocked with feisty Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata), golden perch or yellow-belly (Macquaria ambigua) and one of the best freshwater sport fishing targets, the southern saratoga (Scleropages leichardti). The upper reaches of the coastal river systems (Maroochy, Mooloolah and Noosa Rivers) also offer great wild bass opportunities. Throw the chance of a mangrove jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) in to the mix, and drifting the upper reaches of our magnificent rivers can deliver a great day of angling.

The Mooloolah River is a relatively small meandering river and is our major commercial port because of its protected entrance. It offers excellent bream and whiting fishing in its middle reaches, and is renowned for bream on lures around the many pontoons, pylons and other structures found along the lower reaches. The best thing about the Mooloolah River is it offers one of the safest entry points to our plentiful offshore reefs.

The Maroochy River is a bigger river system but is much shallower, particularly the lower reaches. However, the deep holes that dot the river generally offer exceptional fishing. The most famous of which is the Cod Hole just south of the Maroochy River Bridge. This river provides the perfect playground for dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) and sand whiting (Sillago ciliata) in the shallows; and mulloway (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) in the deep holes and around the river mouth. The Maroochy is also renowned for the abundance of mangrove jack in its tributaries and rock bars, as well as great land-based fishing from both the northern and southern shores of the river mouth. Good catches of golden, silver and giant (GT) trevally and tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) are a regular occurrence.

Here is a short listing of some of the best fishing places around on the Sunshine Coast.

Lake Baroon (Baroon Pocket Dam)

Ewen Maddock Dam

Lake MacDonald

Lake Borumba