Go Fishing - Spring Creek Reservoir

Angler access arrangements

Spring Creek Reservoir located in Orange is a secondary water supply dam for Orange City Council.

In 2024 Orange City council collaborated with DPIRD Fisheries to amend the Plan of Management (PoM) for Spring Creek reservoir to permit pedestrian access for recreational fishing at the dam. With community consultation a designated “fishing zone” allowing for fly and lure fishing only, that complements existing use was created.

Spring Creek Reservoir is being trialled as a mixed fishery and has been stocked with Golden Perch, Rainbow Trout and Murray cod produced at state hatcheries. Redfin and Carp are also present in the dam.

Anglers must abide by the conditions of entry to ensure ongoing access is maintained for all.

Fishing rules and conditions of entry

Access to Spring Creek Reservoir is permitted under the conditions set out in the PoM which allows pedestrian access from the gate on Lone Pine Avenue, along the gravel road to the permitted fishing zone.

Fishing activities are regulated under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, with some specific activity related to Spring Creek Reservoir controlled through a Section 8 closure notification and section 17C order with other generic rules such as size limits continuing to apply as well (see the Recreational Fishing pages).

Anglers should familiarise themselves with all the current fishing rules before fishing and abide by the conditions of entry and use.

Fishing rules specific to Spring Creek Reservoir contained in the closure notice restrict fishing activity to:

Fishing is only permitted in the fishing zone (see map).
Artificial fly and lure fishing only.
One rod in use at any time (3 rigged maximum with artificial flies/lures only), and a landing net used in combination.
Not more than three treble hooks or three double hooks attached to any lure.
Shore based fishing only (anglers are not to enter the water).
Fishing is only permitted between one hour before sunrise through to two hours after sunset.
No bait use (including artificial baits) or collection (no traps).

Conditions of entry and use

In addition to the requirements of the Fishing Closure, the Conditions of Entry and Use are:

Pedestrian access only.
One point of entry, being from Lone Pine Avenue.
No fires.
No guns or other firearms.
No camping, swimming (including active wading), boating or digging.
No removal of firewood, rock, flora, fauna, or anything else from the land except fish.
No watercraft permitted.
No dogs or other animals (assistance dogs are permitted).
Persons fishing do so at their own risk.

Please note that the landholder may at any time at its discretion refuse access through the land to the fishing site by any angler.

For more information relating to access at this site please contact Angler Access staff angler.access@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

Report illegal or suspect fishing activities to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or complete the online report form.

In case of emergency call 000 – location Spring Creek reservoir, off Lone Pine Avenue.

Sitemap

Spring Creek Dam site map

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I wade in the lake? A: Wading is not allowed, the conditions of entry stipulate that shore based fishing only is permitted.

Q: Can I collect bait in the lake? A: No, bait collection including the use of traps is not permitted at Spring Creek Reservoir.

Q: What will happen if anglers ignore the conditions of entry? A: Anglers as a whole stand to lose access due to anglers’ own actions. The landholder reserves the right to limit access to all anglers at any time if anglers ignore the conditions of entry.

Q: What if there is an accident? A: If required ring 000.

Q: What will happen if I break the rules? A: Breaching any aspects of the provisions created specifically for Spring Creek Reservoir under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or which generally apply related to fishing activity under legislation can result in being cautioned, fined or being prosecuted in court for any offences committed. Breaking conditions of entry may lead to being removed from the area by the land owner and/or result in other action by the land owner related to their legal rights or specific legislated provisions in respect to the area of land/waters.