Moreton Bay Fishing Report

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2026 Recreational Fishing Survey

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Moreton Bay fishing report: 14 to 21 October 2026

14 to 21 October 2026

Short version: A wet, windy week kept most boats close to home, but the rivers and creeks are still fishing well. Flathead, jacks and crabs are the best bets, and snapper are still about in the bay. More showers are on the way for the weekend.

Rivers and creeks: With the wind up, the upper Pine and Caboolture rivers have been the place to fish. Flathead are the main catch, with the odd jewfish and mangrove jack. For jacks, fish tight to the snags, use a heavier leader and lock up fast once you hook one. Jacks have also been taking small topwater prawn lures. On cooler days, live bait is a good backup.

Brisbane River and bayside creeks: The Brisbane River is giving up the odd school jewfish and grunter. Flathead are around the lower reaches and the structure near the river mouth. The mouths of Lota Creek and Tingalpa Creek are producing whiting and flathead. Whiting are also worth a try on the bayside flats and creeks when the wind lets you.

Crabs: Mud crab numbers are getting better in the creeks around Wynnum and Manly. Sand crabs and mud crabs are both on the move as the water warms up. The rain should also get mud crabs moving in the Pine and Caboolture rivers. Keep your pots close to the mangroves.

The bay: Snapper have been caught right through the bay this month, in shallow and deep water, on small prawn-style soft plastics. A few sweetlip are still coming from the shallower island grounds. Mac tuna and longtail tuna have been seen feeding in small groups, but they have been fussy on lures. On 21 October a cod, a snapper and a mackerel all came up within a few minutes at one spot off Moreton Island.

Green zones: No fishing is allowed in green zones. In this area they include the green zone parts of Bramble Bay, Hays Inlet and Deception Bay, plus the Cape Moreton and Middle Moreton Bay green zones. Check the zoning map before you anchor.

Weekend weather: North-easterly winds of 15 to 20 knots on Thursday and Friday, with seas around 1 metre and a high chance of rain and storms. The weekend looks showery, with a 90 per cent chance of rain on both days around Redcliffe and highs of 26 to 27. Pick the drier windows and stick to sheltered water.

Rules check

Barramundi season closes in Queensland east coast waters from 1 November to 31 January. (official source)
Snapper must be 35 cm or more. You can keep 4 per person, with no more than 1 over 70 cm. (official source)
Dusky flathead must be between 40 cm and 75 cm. You can keep 5. (official source)
Mangrove jack must be 35 cm or more. You can keep 5. (official source)
Mud crabs must be 15 cm or more across the shell, and you can't keep females. (official source)

Check before you keep: Can I Keep It?

Rules checked against qld.gov.au and DPI Queensland on 21 Oct 2026.