Fishing Lake Manchester
It is not a SIPS dam, and Seqwater says no fishing permit is needed. Queensland's stocking records show Australian bass were stocked here in 2022 and 2025.
This is a paddle-only lake, and getting on the water takes effort. The paddle launch is off Lake Manchester Road. Its car park is about 800m from the day use area and has limited parking. You can't drive to the launch. You carry your craft about 450m on foot each way. Seqwater says paddling here is more challenging than at its other lakes.
No swimming, no boating of any kind (petrol or electric), and no dogs.
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): Australian bass: 30cm minimum, 2 per person (this is not a SIPS dam). The Australian bass closed season (1 June to 31 August) is for tidal waters only, so it does not apply in this lake.
Emergency: 000. SES: 132 500.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- Seqwater allows shore fishing only along the shore of the paddle access point, off Lake Manchester Road. It is about a 450m walk from the paddle car park, which is about 800m from the day use area. Take all your line and hooks home.
Offshore
- Paddle only: Canoes and kayaks are allowed. Paddle craft with electric or petrol motors, and all boating, are not allowed.
- Getting there: Launch only at the paddle access point off Lake Manchester Road. You must carry your craft about 450m on foot each way. Parking is limited.
- Fishing: You can fish from your paddle craft. No permit is needed here.
- Safety: Wear a lifejacket and keep away from the dam wall. Phone reception can be patchy on the trails around the lake. Emergency: 000. SES: 132 500.
Hot Spots
- Paddle access point (off Lake Manchester Road): The only place Seqwater allows shore fishing, and the launch point for canoes and kayaks.
- Lake Manchester Day Use Area: Picnic tables, shelters and a BBQ. Start point for the trail network. Seqwater does not list it for shore fishing.
Emergency & Safety
- SES (State Emergency Service): 132 500 | Emergency: 000
