Hearnes Lake Fishing in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

• Overview

  Out in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, sits Hearnes Lake. Salt water lies 1 km off. It runs to roughly 17 hectares — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Ground here is low by New South Wales standards. Supplies mean a trip to Sandy Beach, 1.3 km off. Gold Coast is the closest city, 239 km away. Nearby, in order: Lake Hiawatha 38 km away, 40 km away is Minnie Water and Cakora Lagoon 60 km away. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Hearnes Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Time trips to the tide table rather than the clock here. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists Australian sea bream, sand sillago, dusky flathead, jack mackerel and yellowtail amberjack. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. On Hearnes Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical January readings run about 23°C; by July the average is down near 14°C. Wet and dry spells shape the year more than temperature. The shoulder seasons either side of summer are the ones to aim for. Winter is cool and quiet, and often the most comfortable time to be out. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Hearnes Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Parking is not close: 830 m from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. For the carp, bait a margin spot and sit on it; corn and bread still work. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Lake Hiawatha, 38 km away. Nothing on Hearnes Lake should be assumed from this page alone.