Fishing Murray Bridge
The lower river environment features wide clay drop-offs, submerged red gum logs, and slow-moving river pools that shelter native species. Spring and summer deliver active feeding runs for Golden Perch, Silver Perch, and Redfin along the clay banks. Anglers must respect the annual Murray Cod breeding closure from September 1 to November 30 across all lower river reaches.
Land-based fishers can work Sturt Reserve foreshore, Swanport bridge reserves, and public riverbank parks. Setting up bank rod stands with fresh scrub worms or yabbies in deep clay drop-offs produces steady catches of Golden Perch. Walking the timbered riverbanks casting spinnerbaits or hardbodies close to fallen logs yields aggressive Murray Cod strikes.
Boaters launching from Sturt Reserve Boat Ramp enjoy high-capacity multi-lane facilities accessing wide river stretches. Trolling deep-diving hardbodies close to steep timbered outer bends is the primary method for pinning big river cod. Electric trolling motors allow anglers to stealthily hold position while casting soft plastics and spinnerbaits directly into heavy timber laydowns.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- STURT RESERVE FORESHORE: Expansive public riverfront reserve featuring manicured grassy banks and deep clay drop-offs. Cast running sinker rigs baited with fresh yabbies or scrub worms into deep water gaps for Golden Perch. Early morning sessions before family park and boating traffic increases deliver peaceful, active fishing.
- SWANPORT BRIDGE RESERVES: Deep water riverbank beneath the highway bridge pylons where river current concentrates. Drop live freshwater shrimp or yabbies straight down beside concrete pylons for Golden Perch and Silver Perch. High water flow activates feeding runs close to the bank structure.
- LONG ISLAND RESERVE BANK: Quiet riverbank reserve downstream offering deep water access directly off the bank. Walk the bank casting 5/8oz spinnerbaits or chatterbaits close to submerged log laydowns for Murray Cod. The gentle inner bend current allows light sinkers to sit firmly on the riverbed.
- JERVOIS FERRY CROSSING FORESHORE: Public bank access near the ferry crossing featuring steep clay banks and fallen red gum logs. Cast 100mm hardbody lures or surface plugs parallel to submerged logs at dusk for Murray Cod. Sturdy footwear and caution are required when walking muddy clay slopes.
- AVONDALE FORESHORE PARK: Sheltered river bend offering quiet bank fishing away from urban boat traffic. Set up rod stands and fish ledger rigs loaded with earthworms or sweetcorn for European Carp and Golden Perch. Great family-friendly location offering easy foot access and shaded riverbanks.
Offshore
- SWANPORT REACH DEEP BENDS: Deep timber-lined river bends reaching 6 to 10 meters depth downstream of town. Troll 100mm+ deep-diving wooden hardbodies close to outer timbered banks at slow idle speed for big Murray Cod. Keep your lure bumping submerged logs occasionally to trigger reaction strikes.
- JERVOIS REACH TIMBER LAYDOWNS: Massive red gum trunks resting in deep water along the outer river channel. Position your boat up-current using an electric motor anchor-lock and pitch soft plastics into the timber heart. Allow your lure to sink deep into the snag structure before starting a slow retrieve.
- TAILEM BEND APPROACH CHANNEL: Winding river stretch heading toward Lake Alexandrina featuring steep clay drop-offs and undercut banks in 5 to 8 meters depth. Slow-troll wooden hardbodies or vertical jig heavy soft vibes along undercut clay ledges for Golden Perch and Murray Cod. Monitor your fishfinder to track bottom contours.
- LONG ISLAND DEEP HOLE: An underwater clay depression dropping to 9 meters depth near the reserve. Anchor on the upstream edge of the hole and drop fresh yabbies or large scrub worms on heavy ledger rigs for Golden Perch. The deep water provides shelter for big fish during hot summer days.
- LAKE ALEXANDRINA ENTRY MARGINS: Wide river mouth area where the Murray River slows down before entering Lake Alexandrina. Drift slowly using an electric motor casting soft vibes or spinnerbaits into timber gaps for Golden Perch and Redfin. Vertical jigging live shrimp along heavy stump bases yields consistent feeds.
Hot Spots
- Sturt Reserve: Accessible central riverfront parkland offering premier land-based casting for Golden Perch and Murray Cod.
- Swanport Bridge Pylons: Deep timber and concrete structure providing shelter for resident Golden Perch.
- Jervois Reach: Deep river channel packed with massive fallen red gum laydowns holding metre-plus cod.
- Long Island Hole: Underwater clay depression known for producing big Golden Perch and catfish on live bait.
- Tailem Bend Approach: Winding lower river stretch offering exceptional boat trolling for native gamefish.
Local Bait Tips
- FRESHWATER SHRIMP: Collected using fine-mesh shrimp traps submerged along riverbank roots and reed beds, baited with soap or meat. Keep alive in an aerated bucket as the premier bait for river Golden Perch.
- FRESHWATER YABBIES: Harvested using legal open-top drop nets baited with meat in shallow farm dams or river backwaters. Store on damp sea-sponge or wet newspaper in a cool container. Thread through the tail for Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
- SCRUB WORMS: Dug from damp clay riverbanks and garden soil following rain. Thread whole worms onto size 6 hooks for targeting Golden Perch, Silver Perch, and Redfin around deep clay banks.
- BARDEE GRUBS: Collected from decaying gum logs and stumps along dry river flats where legally permitted. Thread whole grubs onto snelled hooks as a traditional, highly prized bait for trophy river Murray Cod.
Boat Ramps
- Sturt Reserve Boat Ramp, Murray Bridge:
Sturt Reserve Boat Ramp is located off Jaensch Road at Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge, managed by the Rural City of Murray Bridge. The high-use regional facility features multi-lane concrete launching ramps equipped with floating boarding pontoons, providing safe launching into the lower River Murray. Amenities include a large paved car-trailer carpark, public restrooms, fish cleaning table, lighting, and parkland facilities.
Bait and Tackle
- Murray Bridge Tackle World: 11 Swanport Rd, Murray Bridge SA 5253 - Ph: (08) 8532 3237
- BCF Murray Bridge: 1/20-24 Maurice Rd, Murray Bridge SA 5253 - Ph: (08) 8531 3400
- OTR Murray Bridge East (24/7): 1 Swanport Rd, Murray Bridge SA 5253 - Ph: (08) 8532 1100
Basecamp & Accom
- Discovery Parks - Murray Bridge Riverside: 2 Jervois Rd, Murray Bridge SA 5253 - Ph: (08) 8532 2860
- Murray Bridge Caravan Park: 3 Jacaranda Tce, Murray Bridge SA 5253 - Ph: (08) 8532 2388
- Bridgeport Hotel Murray Bridge: 2 Charles St, Murray Bridge SA 5253 - Ph: (08) 8531 2000
Emergency & Safety
- Inland Waterway (No MSAR Unit) - Search & Rescue: VMR Murray Bridge / SAPOL: Swanport Rd, Murray Bridge SA 5253 - Ph: (08) 8535 6000 / Emergency 000 - UHF Ch 40
