Fishing Narooma
General fishing in Narooma is heavily centered around the deep, fast-flowing tidal channels and the close proximity of massive offshore seamounts. Peak water temperatures during the summer and autumn months bring world-class runs of yellowtail kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and black marlin within reach of the port. Anglers must exercise extreme caution when navigating the notorious Narooma bar crossing, as it is considered one of the most hazardous in the state.
Land-based anglers are treated to spectacular boardwalks, concrete canal walls, and ocean-facing breakwalls. Casting off the main Narooma breakwall at Bar Beach on an incoming tide is highly reliable for intercepting salmon, tailor, and trevally. Wading the shallow, clean sand flats near the Quarterdeck restaurant offers a stealthy, light-tackle approach for targeting whiting and flathead.
Offshore and boat fishing operates out of highly developed launching facilities, including the high-capacity ramps at Apex Park and Mill Bay. Small boat and kayak operators can comfortably explore the deep holes and extensive oyster leases of Wagonga Inlet. Offshore vessels can target the productive reefs and seal-colony washes surrounding Montague Island for monster yellowtail kingfish.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- Narooma Breakwall: The breakwall flanking the inlet entrance is a phenomenal location for intercepting salmon, tailor, and the occasional kingfish. Fishing the incoming tide as it pushes clean oceanic water into the inlet is the ultimate trigger for pelagic feeding. A sturdy rock spin outfit casting metal lures or unweighted pilchards into the current is highly effective.
- Quarterdeck Flats: The shallow sand and weed flats near the Quarterdeck restaurant are incredibly productive for wading anglers targeting flathead and whiting. Fishing the bottom of the tide allows you to walk directly out and cast soft plastics into the deeper channel drop-offs. A finesse spin rod with light braid is essential for feeling the subtle strikes of flathead lying in ambush.
- Princess Hwy Bridge: The sand area right next to the Princess Highway bridge is a highly reliable spot for bream and flathead. The run-out tide concentrates baitfish being flushed from the upper estuary, bringing predators right to the bridge pylons. Using a light rod with lightly weighted fresh prawns or small soft vibe lures ensures constant rod-bending action.
- Surf Beach: Narooma's main surf beach offers fantastic deep gutters that consistently hold large schools of whiting, tailor, and salmon. Dawn and dusk provide the ideal low-light conditions required to tempt these fish into the shallow shore break. A standard surf rod rigged with a paternoster and fresh beach worms will guarantee a highly productive session.
- Mystery Bay: Just south of Narooma, Mystery Bay offers spectacular rocky headlands and pristine beaches perfect for drummer and luderick. A rising tide coupled with a moderate swell creates the perfect wash zone required to target these powerful species. Heavy rock gear and abrasion-resistant leader are necessary when casting cunjevoi or peeled prawns into this rugged terrain.
Offshore
- Montague Island: Montague Island is a world-class fishing destination located just nine kilometers offshore, famous for massive yellowtail kingfish and marlin. Summer and autumn provide the best action, with strong currents pushing baitfish right up against the island's rocky drop-offs. Jigging heavy metal lures or slow-trolling live slimy mackerel on heavy tackle is the standard approach to conquer these brutes.
- Aughinish Rocks: Located just south of Montague Island, Aughinish Rocks is a legendary shallow reef system that teems with huge snapper. Drifting over the broken ground at first light before the sun penetrates the water column is the absolute key to success. A medium boat outfit rigged with a lightly weighted paternoster and fresh squid strips will easily entice the resident reef fish.
- Wagonga Inlet Deep Holes: The deep holes situated in the main channel of Wagonga Inlet are famous for producing trophy-sized mulloway and flathead. Timing your trip to coincide with the slack water of a tide change is critical, as it allows baits to sit naturally in the strike zone. Deploying live poddy mullet or large vibration lures on sturdy baitcasting gear is the preferred tactic for these bottom dwellers.
- Wagonga Oyster Leases: The extensive oyster leases located in the upper reaches of the inlet are absolute magnets for huge, aggressive yellowfin bream. Fishing the top of the tide allows boats to push right up against the racks to cast deep into the structure. Accurate casting with small hardbody lures or lightly weighted plastics on heavy fluorocarbon leader is required to extract them.
- Corunna Lake: Corunna Lake is a smaller, pristine coastal lake just north of Narooma renowned for its incredible summer prawn runs and flathead. Fishing the dark moon phases during the summer months is a local tradition for scooping prawns and casting for flathead. A light spin outfit casting shallow-running hardbodies or surface lures over the weed beds provides thrilling sport.
Hot Spots
- Wagonga Head: A prominent rocky headland at the inlet entrance known for producing excellent land-based luderick and drummer.
- Little Lake: A quiet, shallow inlet providing excellent light-tackle estuary fishing for whiting and bream.
- The FAD: A seasonal offshore marker that attracts incredible numbers of acrobatic dolphinfish during late summer.
- Dalmeny Beach: A sweeping stretch of beach featuring deep, consistent surf gutters perfect for targeting salmon on metal slugs.
- Glasshouse Rocks: A highly dramatic rock formation holding excellent drummer and luderick in the whitewater wash.
Local Bait Tips
- Pink Nippers: Collect these premium baits by pumping nippers using a hand-operated suction pump on intertidal sand flats during a low tide. Keep them alive in shallow saltwater or on a damp sponge in a cool container to maintain their natural movement.
- Poddy Mullet: Gather these hardy baits by using a legal, clear plastic poddy mullet trap baited with bread crumbs in the shallow estuary margins. Ensure the trap is checked frequently and any undersized or excess fish are immediately returned to the water.
- Beach Worms: Locate these exceptional surf baits on local beaches by dragging a stinky fish frame through the receding waves to entice them to rise. Once the worm extends its head, use your thumb and forefinger with a small pinch of dry sand to extract it cleanly.
Boat Ramps
- Mill Bay Boat Ramp:
Positioned on Centenary Drive in Narooma, Mill Bay, this concrete boat ramp is managed by Eurobodalla Shire Council and provides access into the Wagonga Inlet. It features a single-lane concrete ramp with no staging pontoons, floating walkways, or boarding jetties. Waterway access is highly tide-dependent, requiring boaters to navigate strong inlet tidal flows and shoaling sandbanks. On-site trailer parking is very limited, accommodating approximately 10 car-trailer spaces.
- The Loop Boat Ramp:
Located on Lake View Drive, Narooma, this single-lane concrete boat ramp is managed by Eurobodalla Shire Council and provides access to the Wagonga Inlet. The facility lacks any staging pontoons, floating walkways, or boarding jetties. Users must navigate the inlet’s strong tidal currents and estuarine conditions. Onsite trailer parking is limited to approximately 10 car-trailer spaces.
- North Narooma Beach Launch:
Located off the Princes Highway in Narooma, this informal sand-beach ramp is managed by Eurobodalla Shire Council and provides beach launching into the Wagonga Inlet. It features a single-lane unsealed sand ramp, officially listed in poor condition. It has no staging pontoons, boarding wharves, or amenities, and waterway access is highly tide-dependent and shallow at times. Onsite parking is limited to approximately 10 car-trailer spaces.
Bait and Tackle
- Narooma Fishing and Dive Centre: 66 Princes Hwy, Narooma NSW 2546 | Phone: 0407 909 111
- Compleat Angler Narooma: 23 Graham St, Narooma NSW 2546 | Phone: (02) 4476 2278
- Narooma Shell Service Station (After-Hours): 45 Princes Hwy, Narooma NSW 2546 | Phone: (02) 4476 1122
Basecamp & Accom
- Surf Beach Holiday Park Narooma: Glasshouse Rocks Rd, Narooma NSW 2546 | Phone: (02) 4476 2144
- BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park: 41 Princes Hwy, Narooma NSW 2546 | Phone: (02) 4476 2046
- Oakleigh Farm Cottages: 4099 Princes Hwy, Tilba Tilba NSW 2546 | Phone: (02) 4473 7235
Emergency & Safety
- Emergency: 000 | Marine Rescue Narooma: Wagonga Inlet, Narooma NSW 2546 | Phone: (02) 4476 2445
