Guyra Tourism & Commerce Association Inc.

Trout fishing In the high country of the Guyra district, rainbow and brown trout thrive in a host of lightly fished streams and purpose built dams. Experts have rated the quality of trout fishing in this region comparable with any in NSW. The steams are annually stocked by local fishing clubs in association with the New England Trout Acclimatization Society. The major streams to the west of Guyra are Sandy (Laura), Ollera, Moredun and Limestone creeks. On the east are Booralong, Rockvale, and a bit further a field are the streams of the Ebor area. A variety of accommodation options are strategically located for anglers with the trout literally at your doorstep. Day fishing options are also available. Equipment and fishing licenses can be purchased in Guyra. A fly rod and reel with wet flies or a nymph are used to hook trout below the surface or dry flies for those near the surface. Spinners use a lightweight 1.6m to 2m rod with a 3kg or 4kg line. You don't have to be an expert to enjoy the sport. Local fishing clubs hold clinics and competitions to encourage people to get involved, and several guides are available for individual lessons.

Regulations If you don't intend to stay in accommodation on the trout streams, seek the land owner's permission before entering private property. Contact the proprietors for details. Designated trout waters are closed to all anglers from the end of the June long weekend to the beginning of the October long weekend. In these waters you may only use one attended rod and reel. Hand lines and set lines are illegal as are yabby traps. Most owners encourage a catch and release approach to fishing and some enterprises have their own particular policy about keeping a catch for the pan. You can obtain further information from the Guyra Visitor Information Centre (phone: 02 6779 1876). Copeton Dam To the west of Guyra is the mighty Copeton Dam with its well known reputation for a variety of fish including redfin, yellow belly and catfish as well as trout. The dam is suitable for skiing and there are several locations available for camping or caravanning as well as the Recreation Reserve with full caravanning facilities, a shop and BBQ and playground amenities. Day visitors are also welcome.

Bird watching Mother of Ducks Lagoon (McKie Drive) One of Guyra’s most important landmarks in Guyra is the Mother of Ducks Lagoon which is a large stretch of water 14kms in circumference, held in a silted volcanic crater. Once a magnificent body of water large enough for boating, the lagoon has been drained for agricultural and other purposes since the turn of the century. The lagoon was partially restored as Guyra's Bicentennial project and is once again home to a wide range of aquatic birds. Nests of black swans and a host of other water birds can be seen from the viewing platform or by walking around the bank of the reserve area. The golf course follows its contours and the two meld comfortably into the unique landscape of Guyra. Picnic tables and toilet facilities are available next to the entrance and information stand. The lagoon is the source of Sandy/Laura creek which is known for its trout fishing.

Little Llangothlin Lagoon (Tubbamurra) As an international RAMSA listed site Little Llangothlin Lagoon Nature Reserve is a bird watcher’s haven. It is located approximately 25km north of Guyra, and is one of only a few high altitude wetlands in the country. The permanent lagoon is an important breeding and feeding area for migratory birds such as Japanese snipe and a huge range of other water birds. As such it attracts bird lovers from all over Australia and the world. Picnic facilities and an information board are provided and a track around the perimeter of the lagoon provides easy walking access. See the self-drive tours link for location details.