Fishing Copeton Dam Over New Years

[SteveCan]

Howdy Guys,

For the first time in living memory I am going to Holiday away from salt water. I will be taking the Boat, Canoe and Kids to camp at Copeton Dam for five days or so.

Has anyone fished the place? I have read the species avaiable on the web - but how do you catch them etc.. Any tips on getting a fish or two out of the place would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Steve.

[jimbamb]

Steve,.
They had a fishing comp last weekend .The fish must have known about it as not many caught.There was a release of water into the river prior to the comp.could have been the cause.
Most poeple either use bait(Shrinps etc)Around snags, or Lures either thrown at snags or trolled.
I believe most of the big yellas were caught on baits.Murray cod usually on deep running lures.Big fish caught up the top of the dam also barefoot bay.
Should be lots of people there, best to watch and ask.
Could be worth wile headin down below the dam in the river,some very good fishin there too.
good luck.
PS if ya PM Wamjam he'll prob give ya the good oil.

[SteveCan]

Thanks for the headsup Jim, I hardly ever fish the fresh, in fact the M&G at Bjelke Pederson Dam is the only other time i have given it a go. My expectations are not high, but I will have a lash anyways - that is whenever the kids let me.

I am going to take the canoe with the electric and the runabout with the 70hp (no electric) - What's your thoughts on how mobile you need to be to fish the place well?

Thanks!
Steve

[jimbamb]

Steve,
Its a big dam even if it is only about 20% Your boats etc will do the job.A lot of fun can be had lettin the kids catch catties or redfin with bait,from the bank as will as in the boat.Just be carefull of the spikes on the catties, can give a very painfull sting if you get spiked.
Ask locals best spots to go .most will help,Worms or shrimp are good bait,prawns are ok if ya cant get anything else.
Good luck..