Lake Lenthalls is situated 30km northwest of Maryborough, along the Bruce highway. This Lake is one of the most pristine bodies of water available along the Bass to Barra trail. Primarily used as a water supply dam for Hervey Bay, restrictions have been implemented to ensure water quality is of the highest standard.

What makes Lake Lenthalls such a remarkable fishery is mainly the abundance of lilies, weed beds, rocky edges and timber structure. The Fraser Coast Fish Stocking Association works hard to make sure the lake continues to produce unreal angling opportunities. Australian bass are the most predominant stocked species caught, although barramundi are on the rise and becoming an attraction to the dam. Along with bass and barra, the dam is stocked with yellowbelly, silver perch and saratoga have also been reported as by-catch. As with most impoundments, a Stocked Impoundment Permit will be needed to fish here. SIPs can be purchased online or at tackle stores.

Access to the lake is along an unsealed gravel road, so a suitable vehicle is necessary. Most family SUVs will handle the road in good weather, but sedans might find it treacherous. Lake opening hours are 6am-4pm daily. Powered boats are restricted to 6knots and no wash across the entire lake. Skiing is also prohibited to ensure the water quality. The low boat traffic is great for kayak and canoe anglers.

Camping at the lake is a relatively new feature – previously the only camping nearby was at the Wongi State Forest Park. The Wongi State Forest Park is only 10km away and serves as a great backup when lakeside camping is full. As the lake is primarily a supply dam, there are also some camping restrictions to adhere to. Maximum camping capacity is eighteen people, no fires are allowed and there is no drinking water on sight – you must bring your own. However, there are picnic tables, toilet blocks and a cold-water-only shower. These restrictions keep the lake in immaculate environmental condition, provide a phenomenally serene camping area, and make it an ideal getaway spot.

You don’t have to paddle far to come across areas screaming to be fished. This makes an ideal kayak dam. Being a comparatively shallow dam, the surface fishing can be the best around. Casting small to medium sized poppers over weed beds will quickly show hungry bass and barra. Don’t be afraid to send lures right into the vegetation. Frog lures dragged and hopped across lily pads are great fun and will usually result in a barramundi strike. The access hours will restrict surface fishing slightly because the best surface bite is generally dawn and dusk. Don’t let this deter you, especially on overcast days. Getting out there and pushing to a spot when the sun is low is well worth it to see some crazy surface action.

Once the sun is higher, try shallow diving lures tight up against the vegetation. Minnow type divers with a tight shimmy action do well with barra, but if the fishing seems a little slow, try something different. Lipless crankbaits are a great all-round lure and appeal to all the species stocked in the lake. There are many different types of structure at Lenthalls and it’s an ideal arena to try new things. Spinnerbaits and vibes around the timber, both standing and sunken, are a good, reliable approach to tempting big fat bass all year round. Yellowbelly and silver perch are partial to a well presented lure, aimed at the resident bass, and can keep the fishing exciting. You never know what’s going to bite in such a diverse dam.

Lenthalls also provides great flyfishing action for beginners and experts alike. With plenty of structure easily seen above water, the need for a sounder on your vessel is minimal compared to other lakes. Being such a well-stocked and diverse fishery, paired with tranquil camping, Lake Lenthalls is a great spot to get away and focus on the simple things in life. This dam is a kayaker’s dream, and you’re sure to have a great time. 1 This beautiful bass is one of many that can be found in the weedbeds at Lake Lenthalls.

2 Bass are everywhere at Lake Lenthalls.

3 You can hop out of your kayak and enjoy the pristine views.

4 Look at this cracker bass!

5 This bass is even bigger.

6 Spinnerbaits and vibes around are a good, reliable approach to tempting big fat bass all year round.

7 Australian bass are the most predominant stocked species caught, although barramundi are on the rise and becoming an attraction to the dam.

8 Frog lures dragged and hopped across lily pads are great fun and will usually result in a barramundi strike.