Peter Faust Dam fishing spots, Proserpine

Peter Faust Dam, or Lake Proserpine, is one of Queensland’s best stocked barramundi impoundments.

Built in 1990 on the Proserpine River, the dam is located 30km north-west of Proserpine.

The lake spans 4350ha with an average depth of 12m.

Anglers here can catch barramundi, saratoga, sleepy cod, sooty grunter, spangled perch, eels, and redclaw crayfish.

Barramundi over 1m are common, along with large sooty grunter.

Redclaw numbers can fluctuate.

Due to angling pressure, the barramundi are sometimes “educated” and can be challenging to catch—but not always.

Warm weather is ideal for fishing, though some catches are made during cooler conditions.

Large floods can help barramundi migrate over the dam wall, and a few survive, making their way into the Proserpine River—a good spot for barramundi fishing.

How to Fish Peter Faust Dam

Strong south-easterly winds can be an issue, so choosing the right weather is essential.

While most anglers aim for large barramundi, redclaw fishing is popular, and some sooty grunter reach impressive sizes.

When the south-easterlies blow, try fishing in the submerged trees along the western shallows, where big barra often rest close to the trees in shallow water. Approach quietly.

In open water, seek out bait balls.

Heavy tackle is recommended, typically using 15kg to 25kg braid. Use a 40kg fluorocarbon leader about 90cm or more in length.

Choose strong split rings and 6x rated treble hooks.

For fishing near timber, keep the line short while casting or trolling to avoid losing fish after hookup.

Weedbeds near many lake points are also worth targeting. Fish the weedbeds by working lures from deep to shallow, using a slow retrieve.

Large, hard-bodied suspending minnow-style lures and soft plastics are effective.

When using soft plastics, attach a stinger treble securely to the tail for the best results.

On the surface, dog walkers and frogs are generally more successful than poppers.

Night fishing is also productive, and surface strikes offer a thrilling experience.

There is no camping at the dam; the nearest accommodations are 2km away.

QLD dam water levels
Qld stocked dam permits
QLD fishing regulations
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