Water Sports
The region is also well known for its inland fishing where you can throw a line in at any of the dams or rivers found on your travels.
While your there don't forget to take a dip in the cool water yourself! If you don't want to catch your next meal, pack a picnic lunch out for the day or if you feel like staying a while longer then you are able to camp overnight. There is also a range of State and National Parks in the vicinity allowing you to explore many bushwalking trails.
Apart from the Peel, Manilla Namoi and other rivers, the region has a number of man-made lakes which are ideal for boating, swimming, waterskiing and sailing. Chaffey Dam is on the Peel River, 43kms south-east of Tamworth on the road to Nundle. There is a viewing platform just off the roadway which gives a great view of the dam. Swimming, sailing, boating and fishing are popular activities on the lake. The dam foreshore is an ideal spot for bushwalking and picnicking with camping sites at the Bowling Point Alley recreation reserve.
Fishing is also a favourite past-time with yellowbelly, trout and catfish stocked while waterbirds such as pelicans, cormorants and ibis found on the banks and surface of the dam. There are beautiful parks and reserves around the dam where bushwalking and picnicking can be enjoyed, and camping sites (plus amenity services) are available.
Sheba Dam Reserve, in the Great Dividing Range at an altitude of 1150m above sea level, is another popular picnicking, swimming and fishing area. Camping is available on the reserve which is about 11km east of Nundle. Facilities include toilets, barbecue/fireplaces and picnic tables. There is a walking track which winds its way around part of the larger dam. The dams were built by hand in 1888 to provide water for gold mining operations in the Hanging Rock- Nundle area. Their recreation potential was realised after the goldfields petered out.
Golden perch (yellow belly), cod, and catfish can be caught in the Manilla River. A spot just downstream of Manilla Weir (accessed through Chaffey Park in Halls Creek Rd) is popular with locals. It is a picturesque spot which non-anglers can also enjoy with rivergums along the river banks, nearby grassed areas, a playground and sports oval. It is adjacent to the caravan park.
Anglers have reported good catches of most inland fish. Fish species include golden perch, black bream, jewfish and Murray Cod. Visitors must be aware if you would like to fish in the Tamworth region, there are specific laws that must be followed including; obtaining a NSW recreational fishing licence, protected fish species and waters closed to fishing. For information about these guidelines, contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fishing & Aquaculture on 1300 550 474 or visit www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au
Fishing is permitted in national parks with a licence providing the park code and fish limits are observed. Anglers are asked to clear their campsites and take all rubbish with them.
When the dam is plentiful, Glenriddle Reserve, 15km south east of Barraba on the Crow Mountain Rd, is reputed to be the best location on Splitrock Dam for boating, fishing and bush camping. The reserve is at the northern end of Split Rock Dam, named after a fissure in a large rock near the dam. There is a sealed road to the reserve. Toilets and picnic tables are available.