Boasting more than 600 anglers expected and a prize pool of $20,000, the Great Inland Fishing Festival will be a truly great fishing festival.

The fishing festival, held at Copeton Dam near Inverell in NSW, has established a reputation among anglers as one of the best.

In 2003, the rules were changed to make it a catch and release contest, rather than a catch and kill. The proceeds were then used to put fish back in the water in an effort to further develop Inverell's fishing opportunities.

Festival organiser Darrel Kachel says he has never seen Copeton looking so plentiful and attributes the high level of fish to the catch and release policy of the surrounding fishing clubs in recent years.

Mr Kachel said the festival is designed to be a family event, which promotes the district and sustainable fishing.

At least three measuring stations will be set up on the dam foreshores during the competition, as well as 20 flag boats for measuring out on the water.

Activities throughout the week include the Fishermen’s Dream Raffle, Grand Finale Presentation and Naming of the Australian Inland Fishing Champion.

The Great Inland Fishing Festival at Copeton Dam runs from December 2-4.

Copeton Dam is around 20km south west of Inverell. It is three times the size of Sydney Harbour and offers camping and caravan sites. Inverell is 489km south west of Brisbane and 675km north west of Sydney.

For festival enquiries, phone Darrel Kachel (02) 6722 4410 BH or (02) 6722 1054 AH. For accommodation enquiries at Copeton Dam, phone the Recreation Area on (02) 6723 6269. – GIFF