Hinze Dam is one of Queensland’s better bass dams, just a short drive from Nerang on the Gold Coast.
The 3700 acre impoundment, called Advancetown Lake, is stocked with bass, golden perch, cod, saratoga and silver perch.
The impoundment has sheltered bays, submerged timber and fishable overgrown edges, along with shallow areas.
Fishing is best for bass when the dam is a little below full, as the water depth around the edges is then better for fishing.
Early mornings fish best around points and shallows, with bass going deeper later in the day.
Saratoga and cod are usually found near structure.
Otherwise, boaters should use a sounder to locate bass, which tend to move around.
This is one of the better stocked dams for landbased fishos.
Fishing is allowed along the shoreline near the two boat ramps on the east and west shores.
The dam wall was built on the Nerang River in 1976.
The wall was upgraded in 1989 to 15m high, then upgraded again in 2011.
The 2011 upgrade saw a trap-and-haul fishway built into the dam structure.
Lake users are restricted to electric, sail and paddle boats, which makes for a better fishing experience.
There is no camping at the dam.
A permit is required to fish.
Dam facilities include toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, shelters, and a playground.
Unfortunately the bass in the dam contain high levels of mercury, and eating Hinze Dam fish is not recommended.
Here is a list of recommended tackle for freshwater fishing, including within stocked dams.
Qld dam water levels
Qld stocked dam permits
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