Fishing Kalbarri
Kalbarri marks the exact northern boundary of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Bioregion, where DPIRD West Coast demersal rules apply. Shore-based anglers remain exempt from demersal boat closures year-round. North of Kalbarri into the Gascoyne region, different bioregional bag and size limits apply for species like Pink Snapper, Red Emperor, and Spangled Emperor.
Land-based anglers enjoy unparalleled access along Chinaman's Rock, Sally's Tree foreshore, Red Bluff, and the Murchison River gorges. Casting heavy 40g to 60g metal lures off Red Bluff or Blue Holes produces high-octane strikes from Spanish Mackerel, Tailor, and giant Australian Salmon. The sheltered sandy beaches along Grey Street yield bucketfuls of Whiting, Silver Trevally, and Black Bream on light tackle.
Boating fishers launching from the Kalbarri Town Boat Ramp on Grey Street or the Maritime Facility access the lower Murchison River and open ocean grounds. Crossing the treacherous Murchison River mouth sandbar requires high skipper skill and careful swell timing. Offshore craft heading beyond The Sand Patch troll for Spanish Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna, Samson Fish, and Coral Trout in 20 to 50 metres depth.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- RED BLUFF GRANITE LEDGES: Spectacular red sandstone ocean cliffs offering high-elevation casting for Spanish Mackerel, Tailor, and Samson Fish. Cast 50g metal casting spoons or floating poppers into white-water foam during early morning hours. Extreme caution is mandatory as unexpected ocean swells sweep across low rock ledges.
- CHINAMANS ROCK (MURCHISON RIVER MOUTH): Iconic granite landmark guarding the river entrance, providing exceptional land-based casting for Tailor, Trevally, and Black Bream. Cast heavy patternoster bait rigs or 30g metal lures into rushing tidal currents on an incoming tide. Watch for changing sandbar currents and high swell washes.
- SALLYS TREE FORESHORE: Peaceful river foreshore platform located on Grey Street, offering comfortable light-tackle fishing for Black Bream, Whiting, and Flathead. Work small soft plastic grubs or baited running sinker rigs slowly along sandy channel drop-offs at flood tide. Ideal location for family fishers and wading casters.
- MURCHISON RIVER GORGES (UPSTREAM): Dramatic sandstone river reaches extending upstream to Ross Graham, holding trophy Black Bream and Mangrove Jack. Cast floating micro-crankbaits or live gudgeon under overhanging rock ledges and submerged timber snags. The calm freshwater-meets-saltwater environment demands stealth and 6lb fluorocarbon leaders.
- BLUE HOLES BEACH GUTTERS: Protected Fish Habitat Protection Area south of Kalbarri where line fishing is strictly restricted, offering prime fish sanctuary viewing and surf gutters outside boundaries. Rig heavy 12-foot surf rods with wire traces and fresh pilchard baits cast beyond outer reef breaks. Respect local sanctuary boundaries where fishing is prohibited.
Offshore
- THE SAND PATCH REEF SYSTEM: Inshore limestone reef structure sitting 2 nautical miles south of the Murchison River mouth in 12 to 22 metres depth. Outstanding territory for trolling minnow lures for Spanish Mackerel and drifting light tackle rigs for Coral Trout and Pink Snapper. Crossing the river mouth sandbar requires strict swell evaluation.
- THREE MILE OCEAN BOMMIES: High-energy rock pinnacles situated 3 nautical miles west of Kalbarri in 20 to 35 metres depth. Vertical jigging 150g metal knife jigs or trolling high-speed minnow lures triggers explosive strikes from Samson Fish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Spanish Mackerel. Anchor upwind and establish a continuous berley trail.
- RED BLUFF OFFSHORE LEDGES: Deep water drop-offs running parallel to Red Bluff cliffs in 25 to 40 metres depth. Prolific bottom bouncing territory for drifting whole squid baits for Red Emperor, Coral Trout, and Pink Snapper. Monitor ocean swell forecasts closely as sea breezes generate steep chop on return runs.
- MURCHISON RIVER LOWER CHANNEL: Deep tidal channel extending from the town jetty down to the ocean bar, holding schools of Black Bream, Flathead, and Silver Trevally. Trolling micro-crankbaits or drifting live herring along channel drop-offs produces consistent action. Keep electric motor trolling silent around jetties.
- OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF EDGE: Deep water drop-off sitting 15 nautical miles offshore in 80 to 150 metres depth. Heavy-tackle game fishing zone for trolling skirted lures for Wahoo, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Spanish Mackerel during summer months. Requires a large ocean-going vessel and comprehensive safety gear.
Hot Spots
- RED BLUFF CLIFFS: World-famous ocean headland delivering trophy land-based Spanish Mackerel, Tailor, and Samson Fish.
- CHINAMANS ROCK: Iconic Murchison River entrance rock providing high-action casting for Tailor, Trevally, and Bream.
- MURCHISON RIVER GORGES: Scenic sandstone river system world-renowned for trophy Black Bream and Mangrove Jack.
- THE SAND PATCH REEF: Prolific inshore ocean reef network holding Coral Trout, Pink Snapper, and Spanish Mackerel.
- SALLYS TREE FORESHORE: Tranquil town river beach offering top-tier light-tackle family fishing for Whiting and Bream.
Local Bait Tips
- BLUE MUSSELS: Scraped from submerged wooden jetty pylons and rock walls at Kalbarri Maritime Facility and town jetty at low tide. Dislodge clusters using a heavy putty knife and collect into a bucket lined with damp kelp. Fresh crushed mussels represent lethal bait for Black Bream and Silver Trevally.
- SHORE CRABS (ROCK CRABS): Collected by hand from rock crevices and sandstone boulders along Chinaman's Rock and Red Bluff ledges at low tide. Target small shore crabs, place them in a damp bucket with wet seaweed, and keep shaded. Rigged through the outer edge of the carapace, they represent unbeatable live bait for large Black Bream around snags.
- LIVE HERRING & MULLET: Harvested inside the Murchison River mouth using cast nets or light float rigs along Sally's Tree foreshore. Transfer hooked specimens immediately into an aerated livewell for use as live bait. Rigged on snelled hooks, live Herring trigger explosive strikes from Mangrove Jack and Spanish Mackerel.
- OCTOPUS & SOUTHERN CALAMARI: Targeted over shallow reef-and-weed patches off Blue Holes and Red Bluff using size 2.5 to 3.0 cloth squid jigs. Cast jigs across sand-and-weed junctions on light fluorocarbon trace and retrieve with steady lifts. Live squid rigged whole on twin snelled hooks are unmatched for targeting large pelagics.
Boat Ramps
- Kalbarri Town Boat Ramp (Grey Street):
Located at 188 Grey Street on the southern shore of the Murchison River near the Sea Search and Rescue building, Kalbarri WA 6536. Managed by the Shire of Northampton and DoT WA. Officially designated as the primary town ramp, featuring a dual-lane concrete boat ramp with a gentle slope and a central timber finger jetty between the lanes. Offers sheltered waters for launching into the lower Murchison River. Amenities include ample car, trailer, and caravan parking spaces, public toilets, fish cleaning facilities, rubbish bins, and a children’s playground. Free public access.
- Kalbarri Service Jetty Boat Ramp:
Located at the Kalbarri Service Jetty precinct on the Murchison River foreshore, Kalbarri WA 6536. Managed by the Shire of Northampton. Features a 2-lane unpaved gravel boat ramp providing direct saltwater river access for light craft, tinnies, and kayaks. Facilities include 50 unsealed car-and-trailer parking spaces. Note: There are no public restrooms, fish cleaning tables, or lighting on-site at this specific gravel ramp facility. Free public access.
- Kalbarri Maritime Facility Boat Ramp:
Located northeast of the boat pens within the Kalbarri Maritime Facility close to the Murchison River ocean entrance, Kalbarri WA 6536. Managed by the Shire of Northampton and DoT WA. Features a single-lane concrete boat ramp equipped with a floating universal access pontoon jetty. Positioned near the river entrance, providing deep-water access for craft venturing offshore or crossing the river bar. Facilities include a sealed bitumen car-and-trailer parking area and service jetty access. Free public access.
Bait and Tackle
- Kalbarri Sports & Tackle: 162 Grey St, Kalbarri WA 6536 - Ph: (08) 9937 1234
- Kalbarri Cellars & Tackle: 80 Grey St, Kalbarri WA 6536 - Ph: (08) 9937 1011
- Ampol Kalbarri (24-Hour Bait & Ice): 1 Grey St, Kalbarri WA 6536 - Ph: (08) 9937 1022
Basecamp & Accom
- Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park: 12 Red Bluff Rd, Kalbarri WA 6536 - Ph: (08) 9937 1100
- Kalbarri Edge Resort: 20 Porter St, Kalbarri WA 6536 - Ph: (08) 9937 0000
- Kalbarri Sun City Holiday Village: 108 Grey St, Kalbarri WA 6536 - Ph: (08) 9937 1142
Emergency & Safety
- Kalbarri Volunteer Sea Search & Rescue (VMR 606): Grey St, Kalbarri WA 6536 - Ph: (08) 9937 2112 / Emergency 000 - VHF Ch 16 / 73 / 80 / 88 (27MHz)
