Maroon Dam
by Ross W.
Approximately 1.5 hours from Brisbane and situated 25km south of Boonah lays one of South East Queensland's best freshwater fly and surface fishing destinations. The absence of Bony Bream (forage species) has lead to stocked species feeding on insects and crustaceans. Lake Maroon is a small impoundment having a surface area of 350ha and an average depth of 9.6 metres. It lays close to the base of the Great Dividing Range on Burnett Creek, a tributary of the Logan River.
Stocked species include Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Saratoga, Mary River Cod and the most popular target here, Australian Bass.
There is no camping allowed at the lake but there are some campgrounds within a few kilometres.
Skiing and swimming are also permitted on the dam.
Getting there
From Brisbane you can go down along the New England Highway (turn off just before Ipswich) and turn on to the Boonah-Fassifern Road and go to Boonah. In Boonah turn on to the road to Rathdowney and proceed along this to the Maroon Dam turn-off
Another alternative is to travel through Beenleigh and follow the road to Boonah. Another and some argue the best way to get to Maroon is to travel to Rathdowney. Just past Rathdowney there is a right turn with a road sign pointing to Boonah. Follow this road for about 20km just past Maroon village turn left down Burnett creek Rd. Travel 4km until you come to a sign marked POINTRO CAMP and takes a right turn to the campsite.
Launching
Can launch at the boat ramp as per the map. There is plenty of space beside the official boat ramp to launch and kayaks and other light craft.
Facilities
Near the boat ramp and in the recreational area near the dam wall you will find:
- BBQ's - Wood and Electric
- Toilets
- Shelter Sheds with picnic tables and benches
- Telephone
Camping
Pointro camp (Phone: 07 5463 6209) is a privately owned site overlooking Lake Maroon and is located at 532 Burnett Creek Road. There are eight public camp sites in the eastern half of the property on the highest part, where the ground is fairly flat which are suitable for under-canvas tent-style camping only. NO CARAVANS are allowed by Council Regulations. Access to the dam, from the camping area, is provided by a track to the north-east, for fishing, boating and skiing. Public campers cannot use the road through The Manor to access the dam. It cost $6 per night and the money can be paid at the main house (if anyone is home) if not set up your camp and pay later. There is a amenities block, BBQ, and canoes are available for hire at the house. The nearest shop is 20km away so you will have to bring all food, fuel, and drink.
Permits
A Stocked Impoundment Permit is required to fish this lake (and covers 29 dams in total). The permit cost is $35 per annum and can be purchased on-line at Smart Service Queensland.
Summary of the SEQ Water Fishing Rules can be found here.
Fishing
Maroon is best known for its surface fishing, the absence of bony bream in the lake means that the fish will come to the surface to feed .The fish in the lake feed on insects, crustaceans and frogs and the best times to catch fish are in the evenings and early mornings. Fly fishing and lure fishing with surface poppers are the most exciting forms of fishing in the lake and bass can be seen in the dim light with their fins just sticking out of the water. Later on in the morning the ski boats come out and the fish go off the bite so get in early to catch some quality bass.