Organisers have allayed concerns for boats in the lake with water levels hitting about 23 per cent.

With only 11 days to go until the action kicks off for the fishing classic, organisers have turned their attention to boating and competitor safety.

The Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group has offered some tips and advice to ensure competitors enjoy a safe boating experience.

“We have been fielding a lot of questions about whether boats are still allowed on the lake and the usage of the boat ramps,” said event OH&S and Communications co-ordinator Trevor Kidd.

“Whilst we acknowledge ‘yes’ the water levels are lower than usual Mount Isa Water Board as site managers are still certainly allowing boats on the water with care to be exercised.”

Reports from the lake suggest the fish are starting to bite in time for the event.

“The fishing out at the lake is currently some of the best we [Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group] have seen in many years; with catches of Barra around the 80-90 centimetres coming in daily along with some great Sooty and Longtom as well,” Mr Kidd said. 

“The water is crystal clear and we are seeing plenty of bait and wildlife around.

“Just last Friday we received word through on a 120cm Barra being caught at 11am and Cookie from Tool n Tackle has reported his lure sales going off the charts.” 

Nominations for the 2014 Clancy Corporation Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic open next Monday and are available from Tool n Tackle on the Bruce Highway or at the nomination tent at Black Rock Park from 12pm Friday, October 24. Fishing will go through until 5pm Saturday, October 25, competitors can nominate right through until close of fishing.