Lake Monduran’s water level has stabilised and the barra fishing is back on track.

When the water level in any stocked impoundment are on the rise, or on the decrease, it always makes the fishing a little harder. The barra sense the fluctuation and change their normal behaviour patterns, which can put them off the bite.

The post flood fishing has been the best we’ve had this season so far. On a recent charter I had clients hook up to 14 barra and boat 8 of them, all around the 65cm mark, in a great little session.

Recently, on a reconnaissance trip I came across a large number of barramundi schooled up under a patch of lily pads in only 1-2m of water; a spot I have not fished for many years. Finding these barra isn’t an easy task and is only a result of many hours scouring my side imaging sounder, which is the ultimate barra hunting tool. Once you find where the barra are holding up, it’s then a matter of getting them to bite and this little spot has produced between four and eight barra per session over the last month for my clients.

Suspending lures have been the standout performer. I had a young client on charter that made a beautiful cast in against a section of lily pads, only to get his line tangled. While we were untangling his line, a barramundi came out from underneath the lily pads and smashed his lure. The Jackall Squirrel would have been suspending in front of that lily pad for at least a minute before it got nailed. I generally pause my lures for around 10-20 seconds but it goes to show that a longer pause time may just get you the result you desire.

May is one of my favourite months to fish with its moderate to warm days, beautiful sunsets and high barra activity; barra feed a bit harder before the cold arrives and water temperature drops. Early morning and late afternoons have been great bite times just as the sun is rising and setting.

For all the latest up to date fishing information you can contact me on 0410 599 147. Check out our website for low season deals on accommodation and camping sites at www.lakem.com.au and don’t forget to drop into our fully stocked store for all your tackle needs with up to the minute information on where and how to find one of these iconic fish.

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Lochie Beil with an average-sized barra for this month.