We all know Mackay boasts a rather impressive raft of fisheries. Offshore anglers have access to the reef, as well as the islands around Seaforth, and further north, the Whitsundays.
Then take a wander west of the coast, and you’re greeted by three magnificent bodies of water – Kinchant, Teemburra and Eungella dams.
The dams are maintained by Sunwater. The Sunwater team LOVE to see the dams being used for recreation, and plenty of it. Kinchant sees boats of all shapes and sizes every weekend. From sailors and fishos, to the Mackay Powerboat Club who run practices sessions, and sometimes competitions on the dam. A sight (and sound) to behold!
Further west sits Teemburra, a dam chocka block full of trophy size barra. One of the more successful local anglers is Brendan Polard, one of the members of the Casting Cowboys. While the Teemburra barra can be caught a variety of ways, Brendan loves chasing them on surface lures.
The last (but certainly not least) dam on the Mackay list is Eungella. It’s a beautiful spot, surrounded by ancient rainforest and lush green banks. Campers have the luxury of newly renovated warm showers and toilets, as well as being able to have a fire on absolute waterfrontage. Pretty good if you ask us! Eungella is also home to a few good sized barra, but the species everyone come to target is the Sooty Grunter. There are so many XL Sooties in the dam, that the fishery plays host to the World Sooty Grunter Championships.
Sunwater’s website has details on all three of these magnificent waterways. They also regularly update the conditions of each dam online, so it’s worthwhile having a look, before you make the drive out.
