Fishing Margaret River
Anglers in Margaret River must strictly adhere to DPIRD fisheries regulations, including the active West Coast Demersal Scalefish boat-based closure spanning from Augusta to Kalbarri through September 2027. Shore-based anglers are exempt from this boat closure but must follow legal size and bag limits for land-based demersal targets like Pink Snapper and Whiting. Protecting river mouth sanctuary zones ensures this iconic coastal catchment maintains healthy fish stocks year-round.
Land-based fishers can target Black Bream along the lower reaches of the Margaret River mouth at Rivermouth Beach. Casting small soft plastic minnows or floating hardbodies around limestone rock drop-offs produces hard-fighting bream in crystal-clear water. Ocean surf anglers casting heavy lures from Kilcarnup Beach, Redgate, or Gracetown land giant Australian Salmon and Tarwhine in deep shore gutters.
Boating options focus on launching light craft from Gracetown (Cowaramup Bay) or Gnarabup Beach to access coastal reef systems. Drifting inshore limestone ledges in 10 to 25 metres depth yields quality King George Whiting, Southern Calamari, and Silver Trevally. Trolling surface lures around offshore island bommies during summer triggers aggressive surface strikes from Yellowtail Kingfish and Samson Fish.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- MARGARET RIVERMOUTH ROCKS: Located where the river meets the ocean at Prevelly, offering excellent light-tackle casting for Black Bream and Tarwhine. Work small soft plastic grubs or micro-jigs slowly along limestone rock edges on a rising tide. Stealthy lure presentations are critical in the crystal-clear brackish water.
- GNARABUP BEACH JETTY & FORESHORE: Sheltered limestone bay offering comfortable land-based access for King George Whiting, Herring, and Southern Calamari. Fish fine monofilament lines with small running sinker rigs baited with ghost shrimp or squid strips near weed edges. Night fishing off the small boat launch jetty yields reliable catches of squid using size 2.5 jigs.
- REDGATE BEACH SURF GUTTERS: Dramatic ocean beach backed by granite boulders, famous for autumn Australian Salmon runs. Cast 40g to 60g metal casting spoons or heavy patternoster bait rigs into deep blue water channels between sandbars. Always maintain vigilance regarding large Southern Ocean swells washing across sandbars.
- GRACETOWN JETTY & BREAKWALL (COWARAMUP BAY): Sheltered bay platform offering productive casting for Silver Trevally, King George Whiting, and Calamari. Cast small metal lures or baited float rigs around the boat ramp and breakwall rocks on overcast days. Strong westerly winds push baitfish into the bay, triggering active feeding runs.
- KILCARNUP BEACH GUTTERS: Secluded beach location accessible via 4WD tracks north of Prevelly, providing outstanding surf casting for Gummy Sharks and Whiting. Rig heavy patternoster gear baited with fresh squid strips or local pilchard halves into dark water holes at dusk. Check sand conditions and tide height before driving onto the beach.
Offshore
- COWARAMUP BAY OUTER REEFS (GRACETOWN): Limestone reef ledges sitting in 15 to 30 metres depth outside Cowaramup Bay. Outstanding ground for setting crayfish pots for Southern Rock Lobster and drifting light tackle for King George Whiting. Launching from Gracetown boat ramp requires careful timing during heavy swell periods.
- GNARABUP INSHORE LIMESTONE LEDGES: Shallow reef structure extending 1 to 2 nautical miles off Gnarabup Beach in 10 to 20 metres depth. Excellent territory for drifting baited rigs or slow-jigging for Silver Trevally, Southern Calamari, and Tarwhine. Early morning calm weather offers optimal conditions before sea breezes set in.
- NORTH POINT BOMMIES (GRACETOWN): High-energy offshore rock reef holding heavy schools of Yellowtail Kingfish and Samson Fish during summer. Trolling high-speed minnow lures or slow-pitching heavy metal jigs triggers aggressive strikes from pelagics. Heavy ocean swells break heavily on outer ledges, demanding constant helm control.
- FREEROBERTSON REEF LEDGES: Offshore limestone reef system located 3 nautical miles off Kilcarnup Beach in 25 to 35 metres depth. Prolific territory for drifting whole squid baits for Pink Snapper and Breaksea Cod during permitted shore-based periods or catch-and-release sessions. Monitor ocean swell forecasts closely before venturing offshore.
- MARGARET RIVER ESTUARY CHANNELS: Shallow river channels extending upstream from Prevelly to the river bend. Trolling micro-crankbaits or drifting live yabbies behind kayaks or small tinnies produces trophy Black Bream. Electric motors or paddle power ensure quiet approaches around fallen timber and rock overhangs.
Hot Spots
- MARGARET RIVERMOUTH: Picturesque estuarine junction famous for Black Bream, Tarwhine, and Salmon.
- GNARABUP BAY FORESHORE: Sheltered limestone bay offering top-tier King George Whiting, Calamari, and Herring.
- COWARAMUP BAY (GRACETOWN): Protected bay launch facility providing direct access to lobster grounds and outer reefs.
- REDGATE BEACH GUTTERS: Iconic ocean surf beach renowned for heavy autumn Australian Salmon action.
- KILCARNUP 4WD BEACH: Remote surf casting haven producing trophy Gummy Sharks, Whiting, and Tailor.
Local Bait Tips
- GHOST SHRIMP (PINK NIPPERS): Harvested using a yabbie pump on low-tide sandflats inside the Margaret River mouth at Prevelly. Target small air holes in damp sand near weed patches, extract sediment into a mesh sieve, and collect live shrimp. Keep in damp newspaper moistened with brackish water for maximum vitality.
- BLUE MUSSELS: Scraped from submerged limestone rocks and jetty posts around Gnarabup and Gracetown at low tide. Dislodge dense clusters using a heavy putty knife and collect into a bucket lined with damp kelp. Fresh crushed mussels form irresistible bait for King George Whiting and Black Bream.
- SEA WORMS: Uncovered by hand-forking through damp sand and organic mud along the lower river banks at spring low tide. Turn over sediment near tea-tree roots using a garden fork and gather live worms into buckets filled with wet sand. Transport away from direct heat to preserve natural wriggling action.
- LIVE OCTOPUS & SQUID: Drift size 2.5 cloth-wrapped squid jigs over shallow weed-and-sand patches in Cowaramup Bay at dusk. Retrieve with gentle lifts to trigger strikes from Southern Calamari, placing caught specimens into an aerated livewell. Live squid strips are lethal bait for land-based Pink Snapper off ocean rocks.
Boat Ramps
- Gracetown Boat Ramp (Cowaramup Bay):
Located off Bayview Drive on the southern shore of Cowaramup Bay, Gracetown WA 6284. Managed by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River. Features a single-lane concrete boat ramp with an adjacent timber walkway finger jetty. Offers direct access to offshore limestone reefs and crayfish grounds, though launching and retrieval require high caution during heavy ocean swells that push chop directly into Cowaramup Bay. Amenities include sealed car-trailer parking bays, public toilets, fish cleaning station, and nearby general store. Free public access.
- Gnarabup Beach Boat Launch:
Situated at the southern end of Gnarabup Beach off Ocean View Drive, Prevelly WA 6285. Managed by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River. Features a grooved concrete launch ramp extending across a natural limestone reef shelf into a protected bay anchorage. Suitable for launching light aluminum tinnies, rigid inflatable craft, and jet skis, though low tide reveals shallow reef ledges that restrict heavy fiberglass vessels. Facilities include sealed vehicle parking above the beach, public toilets, outdoor showers, cafe, and boat wash-down tap. Free public access.
Bait and Tackle
- Margaret River Camping & Tackle: 1/124 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285 - Ph: (08) 9757 2636
- Mitre 10 Margaret River: 30 Town View Tce, Margaret River WA 6285 - Ph: (08) 9757 2255
- Gracetown General Store & Tackle: 2 Salter St, Gracetown WA 6284 - Ph: (08) 9755 5288
- BP Margaret River (24-Hour Bait & Ice): 1 Layout Rd, Margaret River WA 6285 - Ph: (08) 9757 2410
Basecamp & Accom
- BIG4 Margaret River Beach Holiday Park: 1 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River WA 6285 - Ph: (08) 9757 2277
- Prevelly Caravan Park: 12 Mitchell Dr, Prevelly WA 6285 - Ph: (08) 9757 2374
- Gracetown Caravan Park: 2 Cowaramup Bay Rd, Gracetown WA 6284 - Ph: (08) 9755 5301
Emergency & Safety
- Margaret River Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR 615): Cowaramup Bay Rd, Gracetown WA 6284 - Ph: (08) 9755 5321 / Emergency 000 - VHF Ch 16 / 73 / 80 / 88 (27MHz)
