Western Australia and Perth are revered for their beauty and grand bodies of water. With its extensive coastline and multitude of rivers throughout the area, it’s no mystery whyfishing is a popular pastime time here.; attracting rookie fishers and pro anglers.
Common Types of Fish in Perth
Due to the rich nature and variety of bodies of water here in the vicinity; you can drop a line and potentially get a different fish each time! Some of the most well-known fish to be sighted here are:• Barramundi• Australian Salmon• Bream• Brown Trout• Rainbow Trout• Black Bream• Flathead• Giant Herring• Jewfish/ Mulloway• King George Whiting• Dhufish
Required: Fishing Licences in WA
Before you even think about heading out with your line to fish, you must obtain a recreational fishing license – dependent on your method of fishing. This is subject to change and the costs of the requirements can vary – so be sure to check the official state website on the matter for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you are an Aboriginal person, you may not be required to hold a license if you are practicing specific fishing methods for personal use. Again, be sure to check the government website for this most concise and updated information.
Blackwall Reach
Overlooking Swan River, Blackwall Reach is a celebrated fishing spot as well as a cliff-jumping paradise. Of course,when the latter is happening you might need to go further in;as the fish typically swim off. When the water is quiet you can enjoy the rich variety of different fish swimming around here including herring, bream, and snappers.
Type of fishing: River Fishing
Expect to find: Herring, Bream, Mullet, Tailor, Garfish, Pinkies, Tarwhine, Snapper, and Flatheads.
Best time to go: Early Evening
Trigg Beach
The white sands of Trigg Beach are idyllic for any purpose but make a perfect early morning catch. Australian salmon can usually be found around here around the rocky reef. However, be sure to head down early as this is a popular beach; as the fish don’t tend to stick around when the surfers arrive.
Type of fishing: Beach Fishing
Expect to find: Whiting, Australia Salmon
Claremont Jetty
This jetty is unapologetically basic by design as it simply offers the pastime of fishing for fishing’s sake. Early morning hours here are best for beginner anglers as it’s more likely to encounter flounder, silver bream, and cobblers at those hours.
Type of fishing: Jetty Fishing
Expect to find: Black Bream, Tailor, Flounder, Silver Bream, Cobbler, Mulloway
Best time to go: Early Morning
Canning Bridge
Connecting the suburbs of Como and Applecross, Canning Bridge is not only functional but recreational with its fishing platform. Early afternoon is the best time here to catch some black bream or herring; making it a popular spot on the weekends.
Type of fishing: Fishing Platform
Expect to find: Black Bream, Flathead, Whiting, Mulloway, Herring, and Tailor
Best time to go: Early Afternoon
Mangles Bay, Rockingham
Looking out across Mangles Bay with the delights of some early morning fishing is one of the fruits of Rockingham. The area stretches out across a rugged rock-scape as well as a beach meaning a multitude of fishing methods can be enjoyed here.
Type of fishing: Beach, Jetty, and Rock fishing
Expect to find: Mulloway, Pink snapper, Tailor, Silver Trevally, King George, and Yellowfin Whiting
Best time to go: Early Morning
E-Shed Markets, Fremantle Wharf
Just a few steps away from Fremantle station is the E-Shed Markets which sit on the Inner Harbour overlooking the Minden Reefs. Given the herring and bream tend to depart come the afternoon, this is a perfect spot to start your day – then head out to the stalls for food.
Type of fishing: Wharf Fishing
Expect to find: Tailor, Bream, Skippy, and Herring
Best time to go: Early Morning and Around Noon
Woodman Point, Munster
This dedicated fishing jetty is simple in design and wealthy in a variety of fish to catch. Seeing the daybreak and sunrise here is beautiful anyway, but doing so with a herring or garfish just makes the morning that much better.
Type of fishing: Jetty Fishing
Expect to find: Herring, Tailor, Salmon, Snapper, Garfish, Skippy, Whiting, Flathead, and Squid
Best time to go: Early morning
Yanchep Lagoon
While the species of fish found here at Yanchep Lagoon might be limited to herrings and whitings; this spot remains quite a productive place to go fishing which makes it a great place to start for those beginning their fishing pastime.
Type of fishing: Beach Fishing
Expect to find: Tailor, Herring, Whiting
Best time to go: Early Morning
Riverside Gardens
If you’re looking for somewhere to teach your kids how to fish, then Riverside Gardens is one of your best options with a child-friendly jetty for that specific use. Be sure to get there early however as it is notorious for having limited parking, as everyone wants to catch the yellowtail here.
Type of fishing: Jetty Fishing
Expect to find: Black Bream, Flathead, Mulloway, Yellowtail Grunter
Best time to go: Around Noon
West End – Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a great place to connect with aquatic nature and marine life. You can take the family to Little Salmon bayfor snorkeling and come back with your mates for the serene ocean views while trying to catch some mackerel.
Type of fishing: Beach/jetty Fishing
Expect to find: Mackerel, Salmon, Tailor
Best time to go: Early Morning
Rules: Net fishing and Spearfishing are prohibited.
Narrows Bridge
One of the most utilized bridges in Perth, Narrows Bridge also serves as a decent place for an evening session of fishing. Here you can tend to find mulloway and cobbler fish; despite the traffic literally above you, this is still a great place to connect with nature.
Type of fishing: River/Jetty Fishing
Expect to find: Mulloway, Black bream, and Cobbler
Best time to go: Early evening and night
Cottesloe Rock Groyne
Cottesloe Rock Groyne is one of the most popular beaches in Perth, so set your expectations accordingly if it’s crowded! It’s best to get here earlier on in the day as the sea breeze can come in later which can make it much less enjoyable to fish.
Type of fishing: Beach Fishing
Expect to find: Tailor, Herring, Whiting, Skipjack, and Garfish
Best time to go: Early Morning and Early Afternoon
Hillarys Boat Harbour
Bream and whiting are common catches here at Hillarys Boat Harbour as you can enjoy the sights of passing and docking boats. Of course, you might build up an appetite after a hard day fishing, so stop by the complex to eat at one of the restaurants!
Type of fishing: Rock Fishing
Expect to find: skippy, bream, tailor, and King George whiting
Best time to go: Early Morning and Night
Rules: Fishing from the boardwalks and jetties in the boat harbor is prohibited
Yanchep Lagoon
While the species of fish found here at Yanchep Lagoon might be limited to herrings and whitings; this spot remains quite a productive place to go fishing which makes it a great place to start for those beginning their fishing pastime.
Type of fishing: Beach Fishing
Expect to find: Tailor, Herring, Whiting
Best time to go: Early Morning
Two Rocks
Right on the Northern tip of the city limits, Two Rocks is an outer suburb enriched by natural wonder. The beaches are those seen on postcards and perfect for a casual ‘put the line out and hope for the best’ fishing approach.
Type of fishing: Beach fishing
Expect to find: Tailor, Mulloway, Skippy, Herring, Pink Snapper
Best time to go: Early Morning and Night