What happens when a dam rises? (Fitzy)

[the_matrix]

Paul,
Yep, your on the right track.
With the build up to the wet, the most noticable change is water temp, so that would certainly be a trigger.
The physics of the moon would be another. Firstly, Barra can see the full moon, and secondly, the influence it has over water movement.
You may find it hard to believe but there would be SOME tidal influence in dams like Prossy and Awoonga. It may only be a few centimeters..........but its there.

September through to November would see the fish build up condition for the hard task ahead. (temp rise would trigger)
Then as the fish roe up, combining those other factors would lead fish to the dam wall.

In Prossys case at present, obviously the big influx would have them searching for the way out. The tidal influence would direct them.
Because there is so little data on impoundment Barra, I cant explain why the bigger fish dont all do it. Maybe they dont all roe up?
Maybe they have tried unsuccesffully too many times?
But, when a dam breach's, there is evidence supporting that big numbers of fish go over the wall. (Tinaroo is an example)

Going off the Fitzroy river tagging data, there may only be ONE singular flood event a year where the Barra can breach the causeway.
You probably guessed it, they dont miss out.
Even though they are saltwater fish, the same rules apply to an extent to hatchery fish. They are still Barra.

Also a particular waterway/causeway in Gladstone that has been stocked has proven (to me at least) the last two summers in a row that the Barra are right up against the wall waiting for their chance. Those fish are no different to Awoonga's.

Its what Barra do.................. inherant genetically.
Pretty amazing really, when you think about it.
Cheers
Jas

[Dicko]

Some good info in that lot, thanks boys.

Looking forward to heading down to Faust this year seeing the tide has come in a bit, hopefully it'll rekindle the fishing up in the timber

Just checked sunwater & it's at 34%, that 'd be about the highest it's been for the last 4 or 5 years I think.

[Stumpthumpa]

I agree, very interesting stuff, thank for all the information.

[the_matrix]

Just to add to the above string. talking to a couple of mates yesterday who fish Faust regularly, two locals fished Faust when the water was rising and in one big session landed 46 Barra, 16 over a metre!
I'll give you one guess where they were fishing.

Yep..........near the dam wall.
Jas

[Mak579]

Apologies to the regulars for bringing up an old post but heres what I experienced after visiting faust a couple or so weeks ago.

The first thing I noticed was the temperature, the water was quite cool, the fish were in the shallows. Secondly the water was dirty and I failed to find any dirty/clear interface.

Fishingwise, the fish were found around the dam wall, as well as up the creeks and tributries where water was still incoming.

The fish I found weren't overly aggresive, but fought quite hard once hooked and were very healthy.

The dam still appeared unsettled and I'm sure will continue to change until things normalise, can't wait to get back.

Once again, thanks to those who contributed, you guys were spot on.

Cheers
Matt C