Copeton Dam - Inverell. NSW. Sweetwater Fishing Australia

Copeton Dam - Inverell. NSW

Located approx 30km South West of Inverell is Copeton Dam also called Copeton Waters.
Copeton Waters is almost three times the size of Sydney Harbour when full. The dam was built across the Gwydir River in 1976 and its primary use is for irrigation water storage. When water is being released, the lake levels can drop dramatically which has the effect of putting fish off the bite.

Fishing
Copeton Dam is renown as a top Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Redfin & Eel-Tailed Catfish fishery with possibly a remnant trout from past stockings. Rainbow Trout are still taken in Gwydir River downstream of Copeton Dam.
Upstream of the lake is some pristine gorge country that holds the odd Cod & Yellowbelly. It is rugged country being more suited to goats (which there are alot in the area) than to people but can be rewarding at times for those that are keen & fit enought to traverse the boulders and cliffs. The river below the Dam holds some trout & is also a popular white water rafting location during water releases.
Stocked fish: Murray Cod, Golden Perch and Silver Perch.

Boating
There are no boating restrictions on Copeton Dam. A no boating zone exists around the dam wall.
There are several boat launching areas around the lake. The best depends upon the water level at any given time.

The main recreation area, Copeton Waters State Park, is located on the southern side of the lake. The park covers 939 hectares where campers can enjoy a free form style of camping. There are hot showers and amenities blocks (disabled facilities) scattered throughout the park. A kiosk and laundry are also within the park and there are 76 powered camping/caravan sites. Cabins, on-site vans, fuel sales and boats are also available for hire. Other facilities include BBQ, six hole golf course, tennis courts, adventure playgrounds, power boating, sailing, windsurfing and two waterslides.

On the northern side is the (aptly named) Northern Foreshores Reserve. This area of Copeton Dam is located 17 km south of the town. Offering picnic and BBQ areas, amenities block with hot showers, powered sites, and camping areas, boat ramp and fish cleaning table. A playground is also located in the reserve. Fishing, water skiing, sailing and camping are also available. There is a resident caretaker on-site.

Some images courtesy of http://www.nnsw.com.au

Lake Copeton Map

Click on map for printable version

Copeton Dam Map