Fishing and Camping at Lenthalls

[NormC]

I’m planning a trip to Lenthalls towards the end of this month. Hope to stay 2 or 3 days. I understand the nearest camping is at Wongi State Forest, about 15 KM away. Does anyone know of any security problems in the campground? We will be leaving the camp unattended for long periods and would like everything to be still there when we get back.
I rang the EPA. The person I spoke to said she is not aware of any problems, but would only know if they are reported.

I think I read a while back that there were problems at Lenthalls when people used to camp there.

For gear, I’ve got a Shimano Bass Raider rod with a Citica Baitcaster spooled with 10 lb braid. I also have a Shimano Barra Magnum with a Curado baitcaster spooled with 30 lb braid (used for heavy barra fishing at Awoonga; though I haven’t yet got that 1M+ barra with it yet). I’m figuring the lighter rig will be my main weapon at Lenthalls. Good for bass and the smaller barra. Will just have to take my chances if I manage to hook a big barra. Does that sound right?

Is there much timber in Lenthalls that will warrant a heavy leader, or will 20 lb be heavy enough?

Any tips for a Lenthalls virgin would be appreciated.

Thanks
Norm C

[Davey]

Hi Norm,
I can't tell you about the camping, however just recently the dam has had security gates installed and a guard put on.
Open hours are 6am to 4pm.
Motors over 6hp won't be allowed on the dam.
I didn't see too much timber at all apart from a few snags here and there.
The fishing is mostly weed beds with early and late surface bites. (a bit of an issue when you note the fishing hours allowed.
Hope that helps
Dave

[NormC]

Thanks Davey. Yes, I'm aware of the restrictions. I'll run on my electric on the dam and will just have to put up with the restrictions. So casting to the edge of the weed beds or trolling along them seems to be the go at Lenthalls? Possibly try some surface poppers if there when the gates open?

[lenthals_barra]

Hey normc,
i havnt camped at wongi b4 i wouldnt really know ay. alot of people hav been camping on the bank of harwood and doongul creeks and i know a few of them hav been told 2 get out by a local ranger i know. i think they may of even got fines for it. i fished lenthals today i got 3 bass on a small koolabung fizzer b4 the sun came up 2 much, got 4 more on jackal mask vibes and then put on a gold 10cm diver halco scorpian n landed 2 barra n lost count of how many i dropped. hooks just wouldnt stick today! caught fish till bout 10.30- 11 then just went home. wind has been full on lately. yeh sorry i couldnt help u with the camping but maybe ill help u catch a fish.

[Feral]

I am looking at a trip to Lenthalls mid February, can anyone tell me where the nearest cabin style accomodation is? Want a bit of comfort, and access to power for recharging batteries etc etc.

[WHITTO]

As far as I know Feral, Your best bet will be a Motel in Maryborough that can cater for a Boat, Some one else Local may have more information, Cheers Whitto

[bigdan123]

burrum town c/van park right on the burrum river
between torbanlea and howard on the old hwy

Dan

[Feral]

Thanks Dan,
Got onto them this morning, unfortunately they currently only have one cabin available, renting the other to a bloke who is building houses locally.

As there is probably 6 or 7 of us going choice is either have to draw straws to see who camps in the tents! or go a bit further afield. Would like to give the locals the business though!

[Why-ting]

We camped at Wongi from the 2nd - 5th and had no problems. We were the only ones there on the first day and about 4 camps when we left. Showers are cold but better than nothing. I think its $4.50 p/p per night.

There is a little bit of timber in the dam and most of it is just under the surface so be careful. As for yor 10lb gear i had a couple of barra put me into the sticks and lillys on 16lb but 10lbs is plenty for the bass.

Squdgie 80mm and 100mm in gold and gary glitter worked for me dropping them down the front of the weed and snags for the barra. Bass were smashing spinnerbaits with white skirts. We rigged these with small stinger hooks about 30mm behind the main hook. Hardly missed any after that.

Hope that helps.

Cheers Nick

[NormC]

Thanks Nick. What was the road into Lenthalls like? I'm told it is very rough at the moment from the heavy traffic associated with the work under way at the dam. A bloke who was driving trucks for a fuel contractor said his company had pulled out of the contract as thy had destroyed 2 trucks on the road.

My concern with the road is that I use a fold up aluminium trailer for the boat (carry it on the camper draw bar). It has no suspension to keep the weight down. If the raod is as bad as I've been led to believe, it will be a slow trip with the boat.

[Why-ting]

The road in is pretty bad. We put carpet over all the rollers and skids on steves trailer. He went for a day trip on boxing day and 1 of the rollers melted into his gel-coat. We had a fair load in the boat when we went up last week and this sort of helped. We found that going at 20km/h was rougher than going at 60ks as you get on top of the rutts. Also maybe Loc-tite you nuts on as Steve lost a few on his first trip from all the bouncing.

Hope that helps but doesnt scare you too much

Cheers Nick

[Feral]

I've booked at Barrum River Van park from the 15/2 to 20/2, one cabin, one powered site. Gunna be at least five of us there, 3 boats. Should be a great trip!

Got my mate looking at my old 6hp to try and resucitate it, otherwise one of the boats will have to be electric only. (got a couple of 4's between us) Can always tow the other boat if the fish are far away from the ramp.

[bigdan123]

went to lenthalls today to pick up catch record sheets and found out from the guard that ALL boats with a motor larger than 6 hp WILL be turned away.(it dont matter if you have an elect or not) orders from the CEO WBW.
any boats that launch through private, forestry or anywhere else in the dam will be prosecuted.


Dan

[Feral]

any boats that launch through private, forestry or anywhere else in the dam will be prosecuted.


Dan

removed by me. Subject is hot enough!

[lenthals_barra]

im just a little interested in how paul from fraser coast sportfishing will get on with the 6hp limit???? he takes charters out on the dam and has a 50hp on his boat. i know he is an ausfisher so can u answer me on this paul??? how do u get on? its really sad 2 see it has had 2 come to this. atleast i havnt seen anyone going flat out around the dam lately (except those water police in the patrol boat!!!)