Copeton Dam is 40km from Inverell, near Tingha and Bundarra townships.
It is a huge impoundment, covering about 4600ha when full, which is roughly three times the size of Sydney Harbour.
The dam was built on the Gwydir River in 1976 for irrigation.
As with other agriculture dams, the water level can drop quickly, and this can affect the fishing.
Copeton has cod, golden perch (yellowbelly), silver perch, redfin, spangled perch (dubbed ‘bobby cod’) and eel-tail catfish.
Cod and golden perch are the main fish stocked.
Big cod are now the big attraction, with fish of 20kg+ caught often enough for cod specialists to concentrate their efforts at this dam.
Rock outcrops and timber stands are the best places to fish.
In recent years some cod fishos have been concentrating their efforts in the shallows in winter.
Surface fishing for cod – often deemed a summer activity – can be very good in winter, with fish feeding up against the banks.
The north and south-east shores have large stands of timber that usually hold fish.
The southern river entrance has rugged gorges and pools with cod and yellowbelly.
Cod can be caught all year, with yellowbelly best in spring and summer.
Trout are found downstream of the dam in the Gwydir River and were once stocked in the dam.
Copeton levels fell very low during the 2019 drought but were at 19 per cent in early 2021, and full in 2022.
Good cod fishing continued in Copeton after the drought but the fish were lean, and surface fishing was poor, probably from a decline in spangled perch numbers.
Copeton cod – as in any other dam – will put on condition if water levels remain steady and bait stocks improve.
Copeton Waters State Park on the south side of the lake covers more than 900ha and has many good fishing and camping spots along the peninsula, and a boat ramp.
Canoes and cartoppers can be launched at several locations where you can camp nearby.
There are hot showers and amenities blocks throughout the park, making this an ideal family fishing location.
There is a kiosk and laundry and powered camping and caravan sites.
Cabins, caravans, fuel and boat hire is available, along with barbecues, golf course, tennis courts, adventure playgrounds and waterslides.
The Northern Shores Recreational Area on Auburn Vale Rd has barbecues, hot showers, powered van sites and camping, with two good boat ramps.
Here is a list of recommended tackle for freshwater fishing, including within stocked dams.
NSW dam levels
NSW waters stocking histories
Sydney dam levels
NSW fishing regulations
Copeton Dam NSW Govt website
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