Fishing

Just a short drive from Adelaide, this stretch of coastline is a favourite among locals and visitors chasing a good catch.

From tucked-away bays to serene riverbanks and long stretches of pristine sand, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast boasts some of the best fishing spots in South Australia.

Whether you’re casting a line off the Port Noarlunga jetty or heading out on the water by boat, there’s a fishing experience here for everyone.

Try the calm waters of O’Sullivan Beach, spend the afternoon by the scenic Onkaparinga River or fish straight off the sand at Sellicks Beach.

And if you’ve got a boat, why not launch from one of the many boat ramps and make the most of the deeper water just offshore!

Protect Our Marine Life: As you enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities, please respect our marine sanctuary zones. These zones ensure the preservation of marine biodiversity.

For more information on these zones, visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/marineparks.

 

 

Top Fishing Spots in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast

An easy day trip (or close casting range) from Adelaide, the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region is a well kept fishing hotspot. Some of the state best fishing is situated between O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach, with the region providing a diverse smorgasbord of fishing options and great catches.

From sheltered river fishing in the Onkaparinga River to surfcasting at Moana Beach and boat launching at Sellicks Beach, this stretch of coastline offers a variety of experiences for anglers of all levels

Port Noarlunga Jetty

During winter, fishing is at its best, there’s salmon, mullet and tommy rough, while garfish and squid are generally caught year-round. 

South Port Beach (at Onkaparinga River mouth)

Popular spot for mulloway and mullet, especially around the big tides.

Sellicks Beach Boat Ramp

Provides easy access to deeper waters for boat fishing, targeting King George whiting and other species.

Onkaparinga River

Great for sheltered fishing for bream, mulloway and flathead, particularly around structures.

Moana Beach

Excellent for surf fishing, targeting salmon, mullet and sometimes squid if you are lucky!

Aldinga Beach

Known for its reef fishing, with bream, garfish, and snook being common catches.

O'Sullivan Beach Boat Ramp

Gateway to deeper waters, popular for snapper, whiting, and squid, especially during the warmer months.

 

 

What Fish Are Biting in McLaren Vale Fleurieu Coast? 

Whether you fish solo, or with a group of friends, on a boat or off the shore, there are always fish biting in the area - this region is well known for its variety.

Port Noarlunga’s jetty is a go-to for many locals, while the Onkaparinga River is ideal for a quieter session.

The coastline stretching all the way to Sellicks offers semi-protected beach fishing that suits every level of experience.

Add to this vast amounts of water accessible to boaties and you have a feature-packed fishing destination to explore at your leisure, that’s just a stone’s throw from Adelaide.

You’ve got plenty of coast to explore - just pack your gear, check the forecast and go!

 

Please remember: When you visit, please be mindful of the sanctuary zones in place, which ensues a healthy marine diversity. Marine parks and no-fish sanctuary zones are clearly marked by informative signage at many points of interest dotted along the coast and can also be viewed by going to www.environment.sa.gov.au/marineparks

 

Need gear? Drop into local fishing and tackle stores in Christies Beach or Seaford for fish bait, equipment, hiring a rod and reel or for some local advice about everything from charters to the best bait and tackle. You’ll even find bait vending machines dotted along the coast if forgotten your bait or you’re running low.

 

MONTH	AVAILABLE SPECIES
January	Mulloway, Bream, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark
February	Mulloway, Bream, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark
March	Mulloway, Bream, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark
April	Salmon/Salmon Trout, Flathead, Mulloway, Bream, Blue swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting,Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Bronze Whaler Shark
May	Salmon/Salmon Trout, Flathead, Mulloway, Bream, Squid, King George whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs
June	Salmon/Salmon Trout, Flathead, Mulloway, Bream, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs
July	Salmon/Salmon Trout, Flathead, Bream, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs
August	Salmon/salmon Trout, Flathead, Bream, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs
September	Salmon/Salmon Trout, Mulloway, Bream, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs, Snook
October	Mulloway, Bream, Blue swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Bronze Whaler Shark
November	Mulloway, Bream, Blue swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark
December	Mulloway, Bream, Blue swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark

 

Beyond the Catch

A hard day of fishing always calls for a drink or two, so why not enjoy the stunning beaches, wineries and local cuisine right nearby!