Fishing

Discover the Fishing Secrets of McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast

Welcome to our fishing haven! Just a short drive from Adelaide, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is an angler's paradise. From the hidden gems of O’Sullivan Beach to the serene Sellicks Beach, our region boasts some of South Australia's finest fishing spots.

Whether you're casting a line along the majestic Onkaparinga River, trying your luck at the bustling Port Noarlunga jetty, or exploring the vast beach stretches down to Sellicks Beach, there's a fishing experience here for everyone. And for those with a boat, the vast waters beckon with promises of bountiful catches.

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

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's Biting 

Whether you fish solo, or with a group of friends, boat or shore, there is something always biting in the area

From sheltered river fishing on the banks of the spectacular Onkaparinga River, or the productive planks of the Port Noarlunga jetty, through to the endless semi-protected beach areas that stretch right down the coast to Sellicks (and beyond) – there really is something for all anglers. 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 only a stone’s throw from Adelaide. 

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

Check out the local fishing and tackle stores for any new gear or to hire a rod and reel and also chat to them about everything from charters to bait and tackle. Try the helpful local stores in Christies Beach and Seaford. If you’ve forgotten your bait, don’t worry, there are a few bait vending machines dotted along the coast.

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 so why not enjoy the stunning beaches, wineries, and local cuisine.