Fishing Iluka & Yamba
General fishing in Iluka & Yamba is focused on summer runs of dusky flathead and mangrove jack in the broadwater, or targeting winter sea-run bream and mulloway along the river entrance training walls. Warm summer conditions spark intense feeding frenzies from dusky flathead and mangrove jack, while the winter spawning runs see monumental schools of sea-run bream and mulloway enter the mouth. Anglers find that timing their outings with the tide turns is critical for success in this powerful river system.
Land-based anglers can target trophy mulloway by casting large soft plastics or fish fillets along the deep rock faces of the Iluka Main Wall and Yamba Breakwall. Wading the shallow, sand-bottom margins of Yamba Whiting Beach on a summer flood tide is an outstanding approach for targeting summer sand whiting on light estuary tackle. Rock fishers can target drummer (rock blackfish: 30cm minimum, 10 per person) from the basalt platforms of Woody Head or the Angourie ledges using fresh crabs. Blue groper can't be kept: line fishing for them is banned in NSW.
Offshore and boat fishing in Iluka & Yamba is highlighted by the deep sandstone pinnacles of the Angourie wide reefs, which hold yellowtail kingfish and samsonfish. Boaters launching from the Spenser Street ramp in Iluka or the Witonga Drive ramp in Yamba can access the deep main channel, but skippers must exercise extreme caution on the Clarence River bar. Drifting the shallow mud-sand flats of Wooloweyah Lagoon is also an elite boat tactic for targeting flathead on paddle-tail soft plastics.
You need a NSW fishing licence (Recreational Fishing Fee) to fish or collect bait. It costs $7 for 3 days, $14 a month or $35 a year. Buy it from Service NSW online or call 1300 369 365.
Mulloway (jewfish): 70 cm minimum, 1 per person, and 2 per boat when 2 or more fishers are on board. Many school jew are under 70 cm, so measure before you keep one.
The Clarence River bar at Yamba is a coastal bar. Everyone on board must wear a lifejacket when you cross it. Cross on the run-in tide and avoid the run-out. If in doubt, don't go out. Emergency: 000.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- The T-Piece Rock Wall: This deep breakwall ledge inside the river mouth is a legendary rock-fishing destination. It holds Rock Blackfish (drummer) and Yellowfin Bream. Fish the high tide for drummer using green weed under stem floats. Blue groper are protected from line fishing in NSW, so let any you hook go straight away.
- Yamba Whiting Beach: This sheltered sandy beach inside the river mouth offers highly comfortable wading. The clean, sand-bottom margins consistently target quality Sand Whiting and Yellowfin Bream during the summer months. Wade the flats on a run-in tide while casting fresh nippers on long-shank rigs or rapidly retrieving surface poppers.
- Iluka Main Wall: This major ocean-facing training wall is a premier ambush point for migrating predators. The churning water targets Tailor, Mulloway, and schooling winter Luderick. Spin metal casting slugs for Tailor during low light, or drift whole squid into the deep scour holes at night for Jewfish.
- Turners and Pippi Beach Beach Gutters: These wave-shaped sandy gutters offer classic surf-casting opportunities. The deep, shifting sand gutters are highly productive for targeting Tailor, Yellowfin Bream, Dart, and Sand Whiting. Fish the rising tide at dusk using fresh beach worms or pipis under pyramid weights.
- Iluka Woody Head Rock Platforms: These extensive basalt rock shelves are highly productive but require extreme caution. The foaming wash and suds zones target Rock Blackfish, Luderick, Yellowfin Bream, and seasonal Yellowtail Kingfish. Fish with unweighted peeled prawns or green weed float rigs while wearing a safety vest and spiked boots.
Offshore
- Clarence River Oyster Channel: This complex system of channels and oyster leases is highly suited for shallow-draft vessels. The structure-rich leases are prime locations for targeting large Dusky Flathead, Yellowfin Bream, and summer Mangrove Jack. Cast walk-the-dog surface lures or weedless rigged soft plastics directly along the lease racks during rising tides.
- Wooloweyah Lagoon: This massive, shallow estuarine lagoon is a key nursery for flathead and whiting. The muddy sand flats and seagrass margins target Dusky Flathead and Sand Whiting. Drift the flats while casting paddle-tail soft plastics or topwater stickbaits over mud-sand boundaries.
- Middle Channel: This deep, tide-swept channel runs through the lower reaches of the Clarence River. The fast-flowing channel holds quality Mulloway, large Dusky Flathead, and Yellowfin Bream. Anchor your vessel and drift live herring or poddy mullet along the deep drop-offs on tide turns.
- Iluka Bluff Inshore Reefs: These natural shale and sandstone reefs sit close to the rocky shoreline. The productive bottom structures are highly reliable for targeting Snapper, Pearl Perch, and Spanish Mackerel. Establish a consistent burley trail from an anchored boat and float-line whole pilchards on snooded rigs.
- Angourie Wide Reefs: These deep sandstone pinnacles are located on the outer continental shelf. The high-relief structures target heavy-fighting Samsonfish, Yellowtail Kingfish, Pearl Perch, and Snapper. High-pitch jig with heavy metal jigs or bottom fish using double-hook paternoster rigs.
Hot Spots
- Oyster Channel: A complex system of shallow channels and oyster leases holding large yellowfin bream.
- Clarence River South Wall: Engineered breakwall holding large school jewfish on nocturnal high tides.
- Iluka Bluff Beach Gutters: Productive sandy troughs holding quality whiting and dart.
- Spenser Street Jetty: A safe public jetty structure holding bream and flathead on light gear.
- Angourie Ledges: Basalt ledges holding drummer in the wash. Blue groper are protected from line fishing in NSW, so let any you hook go straight away.
Local Bait Tips
- Saltwater Nippers: Pump nippers using a hand-operated suction pump on intertidal sand flats inside the Oyster Channel during low tide. Store them in flat foam containers with shallow aerated saltwater to keep them lively and appealing.
- Beach Worms: Harvest beach worms along Pippi Beach, Turners Beach, and Iluka Beach by dragging oily fish frames in the wave wash and presenting a hand bait. Squeeze firmly at the index joint when the worm arches, then pull slowly before storing in dry sand. Limits: beach worms 20 per person. Pipis are for bait only, 50 per person, and you can't take them more than 50 m from the high-tide mark.
- Prawns: Collect fresh prawns using a manual scoop-net on dark summer nights during run-out tides along Oyster Channel margins. Locate their red-glowing eyes with a headlamp, quietly scoop them from behind, and rig them tail-first covering the hook shank.
Boat Ramps
- Yamba Boat Ramp, Harbour Street:
Located off Harbour Street in Yamba, this concrete ramp features a boarding pontoon, public facilities, and a cleaning table. Boaters must navigate strong river currents and heavy commercial trawler traffic.
- Ferry Crossing Boat Ramp, Iluka:
Located at the end of Johnsons Lane in Iluka, this basic concrete ramp lacks supporting amenities. Launching is highly tide-dependent due to shallow depths and extensive sand flats.
- Woody Head Boat Ramp, Bundjalung National Park:
Located within the Bundjalung National Park campground, this concrete beach-terminus lane lacks pontoons. Launching is highly tide and swell-dependent, requiring a National Parks permit and adherence to strict marine park rules.
Bait and Tackle
- Yamba Bait and Tackle: 2 Yamba Rd, Yamba NSW 2464 | Phone: (02) 6646 1224
- Iluka Bait and Tackle: 3 Marandoc St, Iluka NSW 2466 | Phone: (02) 6646 6106
Basecamp & Accom
- NRMA Blue Dolphin Yamba Holiday Resort: 31-45 Yamba Rd, Yamba NSW 2464 | Phone: (02) 6646 2194
- Clarence Head Caravan Park: 115 Charles St, Iluka NSW 2466 | Phone: (02) 6646 6063
- Yamba Beach Motel: 30 Clarence St, Yamba NSW 2464 | Phone: (02) 6646 1544
Emergency & Safety
- Emergency: 000 or VHF Ch 16 | Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba: Moriartys Wall, Iluka NSW 2466 | Base phone: 02 6603 4000 | Log on with the MarineRescue app
