Spring Creek Dam Opens For Fly And Lure Fishing
Local anglers are looking forward to casting a line in a new location for the first time as Orange City Council opens Spring Creek Dam for fly and lure fishing.
In short: Fly & lure fishing will be allowed at Orange’s second biggest water supply dam.
A 300-metre zone on the banks of Spring Creek dam has been set aside for fishing.
What’s next: Fisheries dept rangers will be conducting routine patrols.
Designed as part of Orange’s water supply, fishing was previously banned at Spring Creek dam due to potential water quality problems, which will be managed through a number of measures.
Fly fishing is a specialized form of the sport where anglers use artificial flies mimicking insects, to attract and catch fish. Lure fishing involves using artificial baits, called lures, to attract fish, which are then snagged by hooks. Lures are designed to imitate natural prey or create enticing movements and splashes, encouraging fish to strike. Both fly and lure fishing avoid the use of bait and lead sinkers which can contaminate water ways.
Under NSW Fisheries regulations, bait fishing is not permitted at Spring Creek Dam. Fisheries rangers will be making patrols of the area.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto is pleased to see the dam open for fly and lure fishing.
“Orange City Council sees the need to develop options like this for local anglers and we’ve been working with Fisheries NSW in recent months to sort through the practicalities,” Cr Tony Mileto said.
“We’re pleased that this project has been supported by the NSW Government’s Fisheries department. Their rangers will be doing routine patrols to check compliance with regulations, so it’s important they were involved in setting it up.”
“Spring Creek Dam is a key component of Orange’s water supply, so its crucial we manage any potential risks when it comes to water quality. That’s why there’ll be no bait-fishing, no car access past the front gate and no dog walking. That’s why anglers will have to fish from the shore and in a limited 300-metre fishing zone.
“I’m sure our local fisher community will be cooperative when it comes to working within the Fisheries regulations. Thans also go to Rodney Tonkin and Orange Trout Acclimatisation Society for this help during this process.”
NSW Fisheries staff have erected signs at the dam which spell out the location of the fishing zone.
With a capacity of 4,680 megalitres, Spring Creek Dam is orange’s second largest water supply dam.
Anglers can park at the dam entrance at the southern end of Lone Pine Avenue and take the 1.5 kms walk through to the fishing zone.
https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/news/spring-creek-dam-opens-for-fly-lure-fishing/