Barkers Creek Reservoir Fishing

Barkers Creek Reservoir Fishing

Fishing Areas and Conditions

• Weed beds can limit casting from the bank. When water levels are high enough, anglers can cast beyond them.
• Some fish are more active at dawn and dusk. In the early morning, trout may be seen taking insects at the surface.
• Cast toward visible structure for redfin, golden perch and Murray cod. Deeper holes and rock ledges are also areas to target cod.

Rigs, Bait and Lures

• From the bank, long-casting metal lures, vibes and spoons can reach water beyond the weed beds. Heavy metal spoons are prone to snagging here.
• For trout and redfin, use a light 1–3 or 2–4 kg rod with a 2500 reel, 4–6 lb braid and a leader. A simple cast and slow retrieve can be effective.
• For redfin, cast curl-tail, minnow or paddle-tail soft plastics on 1/8–1/20 oz jig heads toward visible structure. Retrieve slowly with lifts and pauses. Shallow-diving hardbody lures, blades, vibes and spinners are other options.
• For golden perch, slowly retrieve or jig dark curl-tail or paddle-tail plastics on 1/8 or 1/4 oz jig heads along structure. Soft vibes, blades, lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also options.
• Troll diving lures and minnow imitations at different depths, or drift nymph flies for trout.
• For trout on bait, suspend mudeyes, live minnows or dough bait beneath a float. Scrub worms or yabbies can be fished on a running sinker rig with a small hook and pea-sized sinker.

Access and Hazards

• In 2019, the reservoir was opened to kayaks, canoes and boats with small electric motors. Check with local authorities to confirm current access rules.