Fishing Lake Atkinson (Atkinson Dam)
It is not a SIPS dam, and Seqwater says no fishing permit is needed.
What lives here: Seqwater's own fish survey (April 2019) says past stockings, including saratoga, were largely unsuccessful because the dam is prone to drying out. It says the fish most often reported here are eel-tailed catfish, spangled perch and longfin eels. The 2019 survey caught mostly large longfin eels, with very few spangled perch and no catfish, at a time of low water. Go in with low expectations and check the water level first.
You can fish from a boat or paddle craft, or from the shore of the designated recreation area. Petrol and electric boats, water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are allowed. The boat ramp is at the Day Use Area off Atkinson Dam Road.
Seqwater opens the lake and its recreation areas 7 days a week, 5:30am to 6:30pm (September to April) and 6:00am to 5:30pm (May to August).
Know the rules (Queensland freshwater limits, checked 21 Oct 2026): Freshwater (eel-tailed) catfish: 35cm minimum, 5 per person (all freshwater catfish combined). Eels (longfin and shortfin): 30cm minimum, 10 combined. Any freshwater fish not listed on the rules page (for example spangled perch): general limit of 20.
Emergency: 000. SES: 132 500.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- Seqwater allows shore fishing along the designated recreation area at the Day Use Area. Much of the land around the lake is private property. Don't fish or launch from private land. Stick to the signed recreation areas.
- Bring your own drinking water. The tap water is only for cleaning and washing hands.
Offshore
- Allowed boats: Motorised and non-motorised craft. Water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are allowed. Follow the directional signs and keep a safe distance from paddlers.
- Launching: The boat ramp is at the Day Use Area. Launch only at designated launch points.
- Fishing: You can fish from your boat or paddle craft. No permit is needed.
- Boat rules: Seqwater lakes follow Maritime Safety Queensland boating rules. You need boat registration and a licence where MSQ requires them, plus the right safety gear. Wear a lifejacket. Emergency: 000. SES: 132 500.
Hot Spots
- Lake Atkinson Day Use Area (off Atkinson Dam Road): Boat ramp, shore fishing along the designated recreation area, picnic tables, shelters, free BBQs and a designated swimming area. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the Day Use Area only.
Emergency & Safety
- SES (State Emergency Service): 132 500 | Emergency: 000
