Fishing Renmark & Berri
The river system is a warm-water haven for native gamefish, holding rich populations of Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Freshwater Catfish. Rising water levels and warm spring weather trigger active feeding runs for Golden Perch along deep clay drop-offs. Anglers must respect the annual Murray Cod breeding closure from September 1 to November 30 across all river stretches and backwater creeks.
Land-based fishers can work manicured riverfront reserves at Renmark, Berri Marina banks, and Lock 5 tailrace walls. Casting running sinker rigs baited with fresh yabbies or scrub worms into deep clay holes produces steady catches of Golden Perch and Silver Perch. Walking the steep timbered banks at dusk casting large spinnerbaits or surface crawlers parallel to fallen logs yields aggressive Murray Cod strikes.
Boaters launching from Renmark Riverfront Boat Ramp or Berri Marina enjoy fast access to miles of secluded river channels away from town. Trolling deep-diving hardbody lures along 5 to 9-meter outer timbered bends is the primary method for pinning big river cod. Electric trolling motors allow anglers to stealthily hold position against river currents while casting soft plastics and chatterbaits directly into heavy timber laydowns.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- RENMARK RIVERFRONT RESERVES: Grassy public parkland along Murray Avenue offering accessible clay banks and deep water bends. Cast running sinker rigs baited with fresh yabbies or scrub worms into deep clay drop-offs for Golden Perch. Early morning sessions before paddlesteamer and motorboat traffic increases deliver peaceful fishing and active bites.
- BERRI MARINA FORESHORE: Manicured riverfront precinct near the town center featuring deep timbered banks and clay holes. Drop live freshwater shrimp or yabbies straight down beside wooden pylon bases for Golden Perch and Silver Perch. Rising river flow flushes bait along the clay bank, triggering active feeding.
- LOCK 5 DOWNSTREAM TAILRACE: Public reserve access downstream of the lock wall where heavy water flushes into the river channel. Cast heavy 1oz spinnerbaits or soft plastics into swirling current seams for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. Take care navigating steep clay banks and respect security exclusion zones near the lock gates.
- RAL RAL CREEK ENTRANCE: Sheltered backwater creek mouth north of Renmark holding calm water away from main river currents. Float small earthworms or live shrimp under a bobber float near overhanging willow branches for Redfin and Golden Perch. Great family-friendly location offering easy foot access and grassy banks.
- JANE ELIZA RESERVE BENDS: Secluded river bend featuring steep clay drop-offs and fallen red gum logs. Walk the bank casting 100mm hardbody lures or surface plugs parallel to submerged logs at dusk for Murray Cod. Sturdy footwear and caution are required when walking steep river slopes.
Offshore
- CHOWILLA ANABRANCH BENDS: Deep timber-lined river channels upstream of Renmark reaching 6 to 9 meters depth. Troll 120mm+ deep-diving wooden hardbody lures at slow idle speed along outer timbered banks for big Murray Cod. Keep your lure bumping submerged logs occasionally to trigger reaction strikes.
- BERRI 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 5/8oz spinnerbaits or 120mm soft plastics into the timber heart. Allow your lure to sink deep into the snag structure before starting a slow retrieve.
- PIKE RIVER CONFLUENCE: High-nutrient river junction where the Pike River enters the main Murray River channel. Drift slowly using an electric motor casting soft vibes or spinnerbaits into timber gaps for Golden Perch. Vertical jigging live shrimp along heavy stump bases yields consistent feeds of perch.
- PLUSH POINT DEEP HOLE: An underwater clay depression dropping to 8 meters depth opposite farmland reserves. 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.
- LOCK 4 HEADWATER POOL: Wide impounded river pool above the lock wall holding slow-moving deep water. Slow-troll wooden hardbodies or cast large surface wakebaits along timbered margins during warm summer nights for Murray Cod. Monitor your depth sounder to track bottom contours and locate snag piles.
Hot Spots
- Renmark Riverfront: Accessible town parkland offering premier land-based casting for Golden Perch and Murray Cod.
- Lock 5 Tailrace: Deep river outflow downstream of the lock chamber holding heavy Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
- Chowilla Anabranch: Famous wilderness river channel packed with massive fallen red gum laydowns holding metre-plus cod.
- Berri Marina Reach: Deep riverfront precinct providing consistent land-based and boat fishing for native perch.
- Pike River Mouth: Major river junction creating a high-nutrient ambush zone for roaming Murray Cod.
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
- Renmark Riverfront Boat Ramp:
Renmark Riverfront Boat Ramp is located off Murray Avenue on the Renmark foreshore, managed by the Renmark Paringa Council. The facility features dual concrete launching lanes equipped with a floating boarding pontoon, providing reliable all-level vessel access to the upper River Murray. Amenities include a large paved car-trailer carpark, public restrooms, fish cleaning table, lighting, and parkland facilities.
- Berri Marina Boat Ramp:
Berri Marina Boat Ramp is located off River Avenue inside the Berri Marina precinct, managed by the Berri Barmera Council. The facility features dual concrete launching lanes equipped with a floating boarding pontoon inside a sheltered river basin, offering smooth vessel launching into the mid-River Murray. Amenities include paved trailer parking, public restrooms, barbecue shelters, and nearby marina services.
Bait and Tackle
- Renmark Tackle World & Outdoors: 188 Murray Ave, Renmark SA 5341 - Ph: (08) 8586 6722
- BCF Berri: 1/1 Sandy Crt, Berri SA 5343 - Ph: (08) 8582 4500
- OTR Renmark (24/7): 205 Sturt Hwy, Renmark SA 5341 - Ph: (08) 8586 1100
Basecamp & Accom
- BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park: 1 Patey Dr, Renmark SA 5341 - Ph: (08) 8586 8111
- Berri Riverside Holiday Park: 87 River Ave, Berri SA 5343 - Ph: (08) 8582 3723
- Renmark Hotel Motel: 160 Murray Ave, Renmark SA 5341 - Ph: (08) 8586 6755
Emergency & Safety
- Inland Waterway (No MSAR Unit) - Search & Rescue: VMR Riverland / SAPOL Renmark: Ral Ral Ave, Renmark SA 5341 - Ph: (08) 8586 6000 / Emergency 000 - UHF Ch 40
