Yabba Creek & Borumba Dam
Yabba Creek and Borumba Dam are widely regarded as world-class freshwater fishing destinations, not because they’re flashy, but because they consistently produce quality fish in a setting that feels untouched and demanding.
Yabba Creek is a winding freshwater creek in southeast Queensland, flowing through forested hills, farmland, and pockets of subtropical bush before feeding into Borumba Dam. The water is usually tea-coloured from tannins, with sandy and rocky beds, fallen logs, and deep shaded pools.
Quick Facts
- Yabba Creek supports populations of the Australian lungfish and the Australian Arowana "Saratoga"
- Yabba Creek flows into Lake Borumba and the Mary River, home to several threatened species
- The world record for the largest Mary river cod ever caught was 23.5 kg and 1.2 m
Fish caught in Mary River Catchment
Australian Lungfish
Neoceratodus forsteri
Fully protected — must be returned to water if caught.
Australian Bass
Macquaria novemaculeata
Min 30 cm & limit 2 per person.
Mary River Cod
Maccullochella mariensis
Fully protected — must not be taken. Return immediately if caught.
Southern Saratoga
Aussie Arowana
General freshwater possession limits apply.
Spangled Perch
Leiopotherapon unicolor
General freshwater possession limits apply.
Golden Perch / Yellowbelly
Macquaria ambigua
Min 30 cm & limit 10 per person.
Silver Perch
Bidyanus bidyanus
Min 30 cm & limit 5 total perch (max 2 silver perch).
Sooty Grunter
Hephaestus fuliginosus
Min 28 cm & combined limit 10 with other grunters. ⚠️ Do not return to water in the Mary River catchment.
Freshwater Garfish
Hyporhamphus spp.
No size limit, combined limit 50 per person.
Catfish
Tandanus Vandanus
Min 35 cm & combined limit 5 with other freshwater catfish.
Eel-tailed Catfish
Tandanus tandanus
Min 35 cm & combined limit 5 with other freshwater catfish.
Short-finned Eel
Anguilla australis
Min 30 cm, combined limit 10 per person.
Bony Bream
Nematalosa erebi
General freshwater possession limits; max 20 per person.
Mouth Almighty
Glossamia aprion
General freshwater possession limits; max 20 per person.
Freshwater Mullet
Myxus petardi
General freshwater possession limits apply.
Tilapia
Oreochromis mossambicus
Introduced pest — must not be returned to the water.
White-throated Snapping Turtle
Lochromis dickcus
Fully Protected — must be returned to the water.
Mary River Turtle
heochromis lambicus
Fully protected, must be returned to the water.
Redclaw Crayfish
Cherax quadricarinatus
Native to northern Australia; rules can differ outside natural range.
Freshwater Prawn
Macrobrachium australiense
Recreational limits apply.
Freshwater Shrimp
Caridina spp.
General freshwater possession limits apply.
Freshwater Mussels
Velesunio spp.
Native freshwater invertebrates — rules can vary by area.
Extremely Rare Catches
Jungle Perch
Kuhlia rupestris
Extremely rare in freshwater systems.
Bullrout
Notesthes robusta
Venomous spines — handle with extreme care.
Sleepy Cod
Oxyeleotris lineolata
Secretive and uncommon native species.
Aquarium-Style Species Found in Yabba Creek
Small natives often seen in clear runs, weed edges, and quiet pools. Always check current QLD rules before keeping any fish.
Australian Smelt
Retropinna semoni
Small silvery schooling fish in slower water; often in large numbers around structure.
Eastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Common rainbowfish type in SEQ systems; look for schools along weedlines.
Pacific Blue-eye
Pseudomugil signifer
Tiny schooling fish in calm margins and shallow weed; flashes blue in sunlight.
Empire Gudgeon
Hypseleotris compressa
Colourful native gudgeon—often under shade, around structure, and slow edges.
Flathead Gudgeon
Philypnodon grandiceps
Bottom-hugger found over sand and leaf litter; sits still then darts quickly.
Oxleyan Pygmy Perch
Nannoperca oxleyana
Threatened species — do not take. If caught accidentally, release immediately and unharmed.
Mosquitofish / Gambusia
Gambusia holbrooki
Invasive pest fish — harms native fry. Must not be returned to the water.
Quick, practical guidance for a safe trip — plus the key “do’s and don’ts” for protected and noxious species.
Protected Species (Do Not Take)
Protected- 🐟Mary River Cod — fully protected.
- 🐟Australian Lungfish — fully protected.
- 🐢Mary River Turtle — fully protected.
- 🐢White-throated Snapping Turtle — fully protected.
General Fishing Rules
Good practice- ✅Follow size & bag limits for each species.
- 🎣Use only legal methods and gear.
- 🧵Never leave lines unattended.
- 🗑️Take all rubbish, hooks, and line home.
- 🚫Do not move live fish between waterways.
Simple creek setups: fish structure, go light, and fish low-light windows (dawn/dusk).
Australian Bass
- 🧰Rod: 6’6–7’ light/med spin • 6–10 lb braid • 4–8 lb leader
- 🪝Lures: 45–60mm hardbodies, small plastics, spinnerbaits
- 🦐Bait: shrimp/yabbies (where legal), worms
Golden Perch
- 🧰Rod: medium spin • 8–12 lb braid • 10–14 lb leader
- 🪝Lures: plastics, 1–3m divers, vibes (deep holes)
- 🦐Bait: shrimp/prawns, yabbies (where legal)
🧰 Quick Kit Checklist
Grab these and you’re covered.
- 🪵Structure first: cast tight to timber/undercuts.
- ⏸️Pause = bites: twitch–pause, let plastics sink.