Burrinjuck Dam, NSW

Fishing Burrinjuck Dam

Top 10 Species

Landbased

• Main Basin Foreshore: This easily accessible clay foreshore near the main holiday park is a fantastic spot for shore-bound bait casting. Soaking scrub worms or live yabbies along the clay drop-offs is a highly reliable way to target schooling golden perch. The best times to fish this bank are during early mornings in summer before boat traffic increases.
• Yass River Arm gravel banks: Located along the eastern sections of the lake, these gravel margins are ideal for shore-based lure casting. Anglers can walk the banks and cast medium-sized spinnerbaits or hardbody minnows into the rocky pockets. This spot is particularly productive in spring when native species move into the shallows to feed.
• Goodradigbee Arm margins: These sandy flats and river banks near the inflow offer superb land-based access for spin and fly anglers. During the cooler winter and early spring months, trout and redfin actively patrol these shallow margins. Casting small inline spinners or drifting wet flies yields consistent action in the crystal clear water.
• Cathedral Rocks Shoreline: This rugged, rocky shoreline features steep drop-offs that allow land-based anglers to access deep water. Casting heavy metal blades or deep-running hardbodies on medium-heavy baitcasting gear is highly effective for native predators. Anglers must exercise extreme caution as the steep rocks can be highly slippery and difficult to traverse.
• Carrolls Creek inlet banks: This sheltered creek mouth offers a peaceful shore-based fishing environment with abundant grassy structure. Flicking small inline spinners or drifting live worms under a bubble float is exceptionally effective for redfin and yellowbelly. This spot provides excellent protection from strong winds, making casting easy and comfortable.

Offshore

• The Junction: This deep-water intersection of the Murrumbidgee and Yass river arms is a premier boat trolling destination. Boaters should slow-troll large, wide-profile hardbodies along the deep drop-offs and old river bed. The area is highly productive year-round, with monster Murray cod regularly caught along the deep rock faces.
• Wade Island: The extensive rocky reefs and deep drop-offs surrounding this prominent island are a magnet for native sport fish. Drifting silently while casting heavy spinnerbaits or slow-rolling large soft plastics is exceptionally deadly here in summer. Boaters should focus their efforts on the wind-blown sides of the island where baitfish gather.
• Goodradigbee Gorge: This spectacular gorge features sheer granite cliffs and deep standing timber that hold resident native species. Vertically jigging metal blades or soft vibes close to the rock walls is a highly effective way to trigger strikes. Boaters must utilize electric motors to position themselves safely among the tight timber and deep rock walls.
• Macphersons Swamp: These shallow, timbered flats are a legendary spring hotspot for boaters targeting schooling golden perch. Casting chatterbaits or slow-rolling soft plastics around the bases of the drowned trees is highly successful. The shallow water warms rapidly, making the native fish highly active and aggressive in the afternoon.
• Yass River channel: This deep, winding river channel features extensive clay banks and scattered submerged logs. Trolling medium-diving hardbodies that run comfortably at six to eight meters is a great way to cover water. Boaters should keep a close eye on their sounder to locate active bait schools suspended along the channel.

Hot Spots

• Fitzpatrick Trackhead Point: This secluded point features dense standing timber where boaters can cast spinnerbaits into deep pockets for resident golden perch.
• Wee Jasper Bridge Pool: This clear, deep river pool is a spectacular fly fishing micro-spot where anglers can target brown trout with dry flies.
• Devils Pass Gorge: This narrow, deep gorge acts as a major underwater highway where boaters can vertically jig metal blades for active schools of redfin.
• Goodradigbee Delta: A nutrient-rich sandflat where the river meets the dam that holds cruising rainbow trout in winter.
• Dry Island Reef: A submerged rocky structure located in the main basin that attracts schooling golden perch during late spring.

Local Bait Tips

• Freshwater Shrimp: Freshwater shrimp can be collected by placing a legal NSW shrimp trap baited with oily fish or cat food along submerged weeds and logs. Trap dimensions must strictly comply with NSW DPI rules and be clearly marked with owner details.
• Mudeyes: Mudeyes are collected by gently sweeping a fine-mesh hand net through shallow, submerged aquatic weed beds or by hand-turning submerged rocks along lake edges. Collectors must carry a valid New South Wales recreational fishing fee receipt and keep their catch for personal use.
• Earthworms: Earthworms are harvested by digging with a hand spade in damp, rich soil beneath rotting logs in moist riparian zones. Hand gathering is fully legal across the state, but collection is strictly prohibited within national park boundaries without explicit authorization.

Bait and Tackle

• Reflections Burrinjuck Waters - Holiday Park (Kiosk): 2373 Burrinjuck Rd, Bookham NSW 2582 | Phone: (02) 6227 8114

Basecamp & Accom

• Reflections Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park: 2373 Burrinjuck Road, Bookham NSW 2582 | Phone: (02) 6227 8114
• Wee Jasper Reserves Camping: Wee Jasper Road, Wee Jasper NSW 2582 | Phone: (02) 6227 9626
• Yass Motel: 75 Laidlaw Street, Yass NSW 2582 | Phone: (02) 6226 1055

Emergency & Safety

• Emergency: 000 | Yass Police Station: 47 Rossi Street, Yass NSW 2582 | Phone: (02) 6226 9399