Fishing Werribee South
The river outflow dumps rich nutrients into the bay that draw in massive bait schools and large predators. Spring and summer bring big runs of Snapper onto the shallow mudflats to feed on crabs and shrimp. The river itself stays hot all year long for Black Bream, Flathead, and big Mulloway.
Land-based fishers have great access along river jetties, foreshore beaches, and rock walls. Targeting Black Bream along the lower Werribee River with unweighted baits or micro-lures produces reliable sport. Walking the foreshore rock walls lets anglers cast straight into deep water for Flathead and Australian Salmon.
Boaters launching from the Werribee South facility get fast access to both river and open bay grounds. Drifting along the Treatment Plant shoreline yields quick limits of Sand Flathead and Whiting. Anchoring out in the deep channels with heavy berley spreads brings in big Snapper and Gummy Sharks.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- WERRIBEE SOUTH JETTY: Located right near the river mouth, this jetty sits over strong estuarine tidal currents. Cast unweighted peeled prawns or scrub worms right beside the timber pylons for Black Bream. The outgoing tide works best because fresh water flushes small crabs and baitfish out of the river.
- KIRK POINT ROCKS: A rugged basalt headland that projects out into deep open water. Cast heavy 28g metal spoons or soft plastics into the white wash for Australian Salmon and Snook. Wear sturdy rubber boots and take care navigating the slippery rocks at high tide.
- CAMPBELLS COVE FORESHORE: A quiet beach area with shallow weed beds and gravel patches close to shore. Wader fishers cast fresh pipis or sand worms on light running sinker rigs for King George Whiting. Fishing an afternoon rising tide delivers consistent catches.
- WERRIBEE RIVER BREAM WALL: Rock-lined banks inside the lower river estuary that shelter heavy Black Bream populations. Cast small hardbody crankbaits or 2-inch motoroil soft plastics right along the rock edges. Bream feed right against the rocks on high tide, so accurate casting is crucial.
- DUNCAN ROAD FORESHORE BEACH: Sandy shoreline near the river exit that allows comfortable beach fishing for families. Set up surf rods with patternoster rigs baited with bluebait or squid strips for Sand Flathead. Early morning sessions before jet skis and boats start up yield the best results.
Offshore
- WESTERN TREATMENT PLANT DRIFT: Wide nutrient-rich mudflats in 3 to 6 meters of water loaded with Flathead. Drift across the soft bottom using double-hook patternoster rigs baited with fresh squid or bluebait. Using a sea anchor slows your drift speed and keeps your bait moving naturally along the bottom.
- WEDGE SPIT DROP-OFF: A steep underwater sandbank dropping from 4 meters down to 12 meters depth. Set anchor along the ridge of the bank at night with fresh fish fillets or squid for Gummy Sharks. Use heavy running sinker rigs to hold your bait still against the strong tidal currents.
- POINT WILSON DROP-OFF: Located south of Werribee, this deep ledge acts as a major Snapper staging point during spring. Anchor up-current of the drop-off, set up a continuous pilchard berley trail, and deploy snelled 5/0 hook setups. Check your sonar to make sure your boat sits right over the ledge mark.
- WERRIBEE RIVER OUTFLOW CHANNEL: Dredged channel leading out from the river mouth into the bay holding thick bait schools. Troll shallow minnow lures along the channel edges to hook Australian Salmon, Tailor, and Snook. Jigging soft plastics near bottom markers also pulls quality Sand Flathead.
- CAMPBELLS COVE OFFSHORE WEED BEDS: Shallow seagrass meadows sitting in 3 to 5 meters depth straight off Campbells Cove. Drift over the clear weed pockets casting size 2.5 squid jigs or light whiting rigs baited with fresh pipis. Fishing clear water on a light tide produces great bags of Whiting and Squid.
Hot Spots
- Werribee River Mouth: A prime estuarine convergence point holding high populations of Black Bream, Mulloway, and Flathead.
- Campbells Cove: Shallow inshore seagrass beds producing consistent catches of King George Whiting and Squid.
- Kirk Point: A rugged basalt rock outcrop yielding excellent land-based Australian Salmon, Snook, and Calamari.
- Wedge Spit: A deep underwater sandbank drop-off renowned for night-time Gummy Shark and Snapper fishing.
- Point Wilson Drop-off: A deep channel ledge south of Werribee where Snapper gather during spring spawning runs.
Local Bait Tips
- BASS YABBIES (GHOST SHRIMP): Pumped using a stainless steel yabbie pump on the expansive low-tide mudflats around the Werribee River mouth and Campbells Cove. They are the single most effective natural bait for local Black Bream, Flathead, and King George Whiting.
- MUD WORMS: Can be carefully harvested using a small hand fork in the soft clay and mud banks along the Werribee River estuary at low tide. They are highly sought after by local bream specialists and should be kept moist in cool, damp newspaper.
- LIVE MULLET: Small mullet can be caught in the lower river using light float rigs baited with bread dough or small sabiki setups. Pin them through the top lip as live bait for big estuarine Mulloway and Flathead around the river entrance.
- SHORE CRABS: Small green shore crabs can be collected by turning over loose rocks along the Kirk Point foreshore at low tide. They make an exceptional bait for targeting heavy Black Bream and Snapper around rocky structure.
Boat Ramps
- Werribee South Boat Ramp:
Werribee South Boat Ramp is situated on Beach Road near the mouth of the Werribee River along the Werribee South foreshore, providing access to Port Phillip, Corio Bay, and the Werribee River. The facility features six concrete launching lanes (including two shallow-water lanes) and four floating boarding pontoons, with a major $2.2 million capital upgrade planned to construct a seventh launching lane, realign and extend the existing pontoons, and add a new DDA-compliant accessible pontoon. Navigational risks include shallow waters at the river mouth and current-driven sand movements, alongside severe landside traffic congestion during peak periods and snapper season that frequently spills back onto Beach Road. On-site amenities include a fish cleaning table, public toilets, lighting, 78 paved car-and-trailer spaces, and an unpaved overflow area holding approximately 90 additional trailers, with free 24/7 public parking and launching.
Bait and Tackle
- HOOKED ON BAIT & TACKLE: 174-180 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029 | Phone: (03) 9748 3811
- VTACKLE FISHING MELBOURNE: Unit 6/2 Castro Way, Derrimut VIC 3026 | Phone: (03) 8372 5781
Basecamp & Accom
- Werribee South Tourist Park: 39 Beach Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030 - Ph: (03) 8742 0022
- BP Caravan Park: 655 O'Connors Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030 - Ph: (03) 9742 1455
- Werribee Park Motor Inn: 112-124 Duncans Rd, Werribee VIC 3030 - Ph: (03) 9741 7222
Emergency & Safety
- Coast Guard Werribee (CG11): Werribee South Foreshore, Werribee South VIC 3030 - Ph: (03) 9741 5732 / Emergency 000 - VHF Ch 16 / 67 / 73
