It’s hard to beat year-round beautiful weather, easy access to some of the most pristine water in Western Australia, and some of the best game fish in the world. Perth truly is an angler’s paradise full of untapped potential and, understandably, one of Australia’s top fishing destinations. However, where are the best fishing spots in Perth?
Luckily, we went ahead and made our top Perth fishing spots guide so that you won’t need to look any further for the best fishing locations in Perth, Western Australia. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading out into the ocean chasing game fish, surf fishing the miles of beaches, or quietly casting one of the many coastal waterways. Perth has something for every angler.
In the complete guide to the top 12 fishing spots in Perth, we’ll cover:
What tide is the optimal tide to go fishing on? In our article, the Best Tide to Go Fishing: High or Low Tide? We cover everything you need to know about fishing low and high tides, including the importance of tidal changes on fish behavior.
When you first start fishing, or you’re fishing in a new location, such as Perth, Australia, that you’re unfamiliar with, you sometimes need a little extra help choosing the right time to go fishing and the best spots. Thanks to the Fishbox App, a premium Fishing Forecasting App, you’ll have access to advanced technology, including the best time to go fishing in Perth and when you’re better off just staying home for the day.
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Overview of Perth Fishing
There’s a reason why so many people decide to make Perth their sea change location. Beautiful weather, lots of open space, and, if you’re an avid angler, plenty of fantastic fishing opportunities.
With a wide variety of inshore fish species, including School Whiting, Herring, King George Whiting, Pink Snapper, Black Bream, Silver Trevally, Spangled Emperor, Tailor, Australian Salmon, and much more. There’s also some excellent deep-water game fishing for offshore species such as Yellowtail Kingfish, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and a variety of large Sharks.
Along with an abundance of fish species, you also have different environments to target, including angling from the shore, rocky walls, piers, and jetties in the many estuaries. If you enjoy surf fishing, there are miles and miles of uninhabited coastline to explore, along with offshore game fishing and some fantastic freshwater angling in rivers and reservoirs around Perth.
Top Fishing Spots in Perth
In this section, we’ll cover some of the most popular fishing spots in Perth, WA, including beach fishing spots, river fishing locations, jetty and pier angling opportunities, and some of the other popular local Perth fishing locations.
Perth Beach Fishing Spots
There’s just something enjoyable about surf or beach fishing. Finding that sweet spot between gutters where the outgoing surf creates pools for fish to hunt in, setting up your rod and stand, and watching the sun rise or set depending on what time of day you’re fishing. In this section, we’ll look at four of the most popular beach fishing locations, including Trigg Beach, Mettams Pool, Floreat Beach, and Cottesloe Beach.
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach and Cottesloe Groyne are extremely popular, which means arriving early to secure one of the best fishing locations. Arriving early also has the added benefit of helping you avoid the strong afternoon sea breeze that blows in. Along with large Tailor and Australian Salmon, expect to encounter Herring, Garfish, Whiting, and Skipjack Tuna.
Floreat Beach
The Floreat Drain at Floreat Beach is an extremely popular fishing spot with locals, so if the weather conditions are good, expect to be lined up pretty heavily unless you move further off down the beach. Large schools of Tailors prowl the area, which means that while one area of the beach is biting hot, other areas may not be quite as hot. Floating baits or spinning large lures seem to be the preferred method, and if you’re bait fishing with a weighted line, be prepared to deal with cruising Stingrays and Sharks, which can quickly bust you off.
Trigg Beach
Trigg Beach is extremely popular with locals, surfers, and anglers, so you’ll need to get there nice and early if you want to secure one of the prime fishing locations. Close to Perth’s northern suburbs, Trigg Beach is surrounded by rocky reefs, which provide ideal shelter for large cruising Tailor, Australian Salmon, and Herring. Although you can fish anywhere on Trigg Beach, the rocky outcrops close to Trigg Point are always prime locations for large Herring and Tailor.
Mettams Pool
Mettams Pool is a favorite with those seeking out the opportunity to land some large Buffalo Bream, Morwong, or Tarwhine, but there’s also a fishing exclusion zone that covers the main pool area. To learn more about the exclusion zone, check out the Mettams Pool exclusion zone map available here. Early morning or late evening is a great time to land a fish, with bait being an effective method, but be prepared to lose some gear as the rocky outcrops and reefs present a unique challenge to anglers.
Best River Fishing Spots
While not true freshwater rivers, the Swan River and Canning River are great estuaries and river systems that host a variety of popular Australian estuary species suited to beginners and experienced anglers alike. With lots of shore-based angling opportunities, you don’t need much equipment. Just a simple bait rig or spinning rig with lures and soft plastics will provide hours of fun for the family.
Swan River – Including Blackwall Reach and Matilda Bay
The Swan River is a central part of fishing activity in Perth with local locations such as Blackwall Reach and Matilda Bay consistently delivering fantastic catches. With various estuary fish species including Black Bream, Flounder, Whiting, Herring, Tailor, Grunter, and many other species on offer. Light tackle and fishing in the early morning or evening, either with bait or soft plastics, is the most effective method.
Canning River
If you enjoy shore-based angling for estuary species such as Black Bream, Whiting, and Australian Salmon, then the Canning River could be perfect for you. You can choose to fish directly from the shore or take advantage of one of the local jetties where fish love to congregate around underwater structures.
Jetty and Pier Fishing Spots in Perth
Jetty rats and pier fishing aficionados rejoice because Perth offers a wide selection of jetty and pier fishing opportunities for those who love to fish close to home. Some of the more popular jetty and pier fishing locations include North Mole, South Mole, and Fremantle Harbour, and best of all, there’s plenty of space for everyone.
North Mole
Located at the mouth of the Swan River, the North Mole is home to some massive fish, but if you want to secure a spot on the North Mole, you’ll need to arrive early as it’s extremely popular with local anglers. Large Snapper frequents the area during the cooler winter months, while Australian Salmon, Yellowtail Kingfish, Tailor, Blue Mackerel, and even large Sharks prowl the area year-round.
South Mole
If you prefer fishing with lighter gear or you’re more interested in taking home a delicious feed of fish, then the South Mole will be perfect for you. Large Tailor still prowls the area, but smaller table fish like Squid, Tarwhine, Herring, and Garfish are in abundance. Fishing the shallow weed beds of the evening or early morning with a Squid jig is an effective way to catch one of the delicious fish.
Fremantle Harbour
Night fishing is the time of choice for anglers looking to capitalize at Fremantle Harbour. Large Snapper, Sharks, and smaller Leather Jackets and school fish frequent the area. If you enjoy a spot of night fishing but want close access to car parking and facilities, then checking out Fremantle Harbour is well worth your time, especially when it’s not windy.
Other Popular Perth Fishing Locations
Along with the main fishing locations in Perth, there are also a few local favorites that provide anglers with a variety of options, including Hiliary’s Boat Harbour and Marina and the extremely popular destination of Yanchep Lagoon.
Hillary’s Boat Harbour and Marina
Hillary’s Boat Harbour and Marina is a popular location for shore-based anglers looking to capitalize on lots of artificial structures and a well-protected harbour sheltering large schools of fish, especially when the weather is rough out on the open water. Some of the popular fish species caught at Hiliary’s Marina include Tailor, Australian Salmon, Squid, Mullet, Snapper, Whiting, and Bream. Early morning, late evening, and night are the best times to capitalize on fishing opportunities at Hiliary’s Boat Harbour.
Yanchep Lagoon
Just 30 minutes from the center of Perth, Yanchep Lagoon is one of the most productive shore-based fishing locations in the state. The lagoon sits close to an extremely large beach, and while it’s popular with tourists and locals for recreation, a quick walk will allow you to fish relatively undisturbed. Early morning fishing is the most productive time, with plenty of hungry and aggressive Tailor prowling the area.
Tips for Fishing Success in Perth
People, including anglers, flock to Perth for its fantastic weather, pristine waterways, and abundance of fishing opportunities. However, the seasons, weather, fishing tackle, and location will all affect how many fish you catch and what species.
Below, we’ll cover some recommended Perth fishing tips to ensure that your next fishing trip goes smoothly!
- The Best Time to Go Fishing In Perth – As like most locations in Australia, the best time to go fishing in Perth is early morning and late evening, along with tidal. If you’re fishing offshore, tides and time of day play less of a role, but seasons still matter, so pick the most active season for your target species.
- The Right Gear for the Right Species and Location – Choose the right gear and equipment for your target species. For example, if you’re fishing from the beach, a long beach rod is essential to get your bait out past the surf. If you’re heading offshore, a large boat and game fishing rods are vital. However, closer to shore, a light to medium spinning rod combo will prove a versatile option.
- Follow Local Fishing Regulations and Laws – Before you even drop your first bait or cast your first lure, check the local laws and regulations. If you need a fishing license, grab one. A fishing ruler is essential for measuring fish, along with access to season, size, and bag limits for fish you may encounter. You don’t need a license to fish from the shore in saltwater, but you will need to purchase a license if fishing from a boat, freshwater fishing, or other saltwater activities. You can learn more by visiting the Fish Western Australia website here.
Top 12 Fishing Spots in Perth: A Complete Guide | Conclusion
It’s no use fishing where the fish aren’t, and thanks to our list of the best fishing locations in Perth, Australia, you’ll be fishing in the best spots in Perth, landing some truly fantastic fish.
When you know the top fishing spots in Perth, you’ll be able to cut down on the amount of time you spend looking for fish and maximize your time on the water. It’s a win-win situation for any Australian angling enthusiast, and thanks to our top 12 fishing spots in Perth list, you’ll be landing some great fish in no time at all.
Get your personalized fishing map
Answer a quick quiz and get your own personalized fishing map
It never hurts to tip the odds in your favor when you’re heading out on the water for an enjoyable day of fishing, and thanks to the premium fish forecasting application Fishbox App, your odds of landing a monster fish will be that much higher.
Fishbox App analyzes local weather and water conditions, along with input from local anglers, to put you on the water in the best possible conditions. The Fishbox App utilizes accurate weather, tide, and fishing conditions to predict the best time to get out on the water to catch your target species.
Have you spent a lot of time fishing in Perth? Do you have some top Perth fishing spots that you’d like to recommend? Drop a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback.
