Provided by - Fishing SA Magazine
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 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
Heading to the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast for a fishing trip is further sweetened by the lack of crowds, easy access to amenities and affordable accommodation, plus the low-fuss nature of the fishing options. Here's a few high profile fishing opportunities worth checking out when you visit. Let us know what you catch #valeandcoastfishing
Fishing Hotspot 1: Onkaparinga River
The Onkaparinga River, or colloquially the ‘Onk’ to those that frequent it, is the cornerstone of a fishing trip to the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast area for many anglers.
The river has freshwater beginnings at Mount Torrens in the Mount Lofty Ranges. From its freshwater reaches, it changes to tidal salt from Old Noarlunga to its coastal exit near Port Noarlunga. The complete river length is said to be approximately 95km. There are many areas to fish, with the changing moods of the river as it twists back inland, perfect for kayak and non-powered craft or bank anglers.
The big two species in this waterway are undoubtedly mulloway and bream. While both of these fish are in the river year round, there are seasonal influxes of each. The newly arrived fish are characterised by chrome sides, while the resident fish take on a darker appearance, especially the further inland you fish. These fish aside, there’s anything from mullet, flathead, salmon and more than the odd surprise catch made here – including blue swimmer crabs at times!
There is a closed season on the bream in the section of water above the South Road Bridge. The ban prevents the taking of bream from the 1st of September to the 30th of November each year and is set in place to protect the larger breeding fish which congregate in the narrower upper reaches.
Popular locations to fish include near any of the bridges (of which there are several), including Perry’s Bend where you’ll find facilities nearby and the foot bridge at the river mouth, where the water is usually clearer. The red ochre coloured cliffs at the river mouth make for spectacular scenery. Tip: gain an elevated view from the carpark at the top of the river mouth privileges you to a stunning vista up the river and neighbouring Southport Beach.
Fishing Hotspot 2: Port Noarlunga Jetty
The Port Noarlunga jetty is an iconic structure steeped in a long history of providing quality fishing, and has been the scene of many memorable catches over the years. During the cooler months it plays host to some scintillating salmon bites, where anglers will pack the jetty and the fishing can be red-hot. Amazingly, the windiest and wildest weather is usually when the salmon bite best. You have to be keen, but the rewards can make it all worthwhile - salmon in the smoker is yum!
Typically the jetty gives up a great array of inshore species for many months of the year, with squid, tommies, garfish, mullet, various reef fish, sharks, blue and sand crabs and many others caught both day and night. Tip: the end of the jetty is off-limits to anglers, to offer protection to the neighbouring Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve and the abundant marine life this dive-friendly reef system supports.
Fishing Hotspot 3: On the Sand
One of the real hooks of the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region that attracts many anglers, is the untold lengths of semi-protected beach areas. Their appeal is dual faceted, as they not only make great fishing locations, but families enjoy the ability to park their car near the water (and their fishing spot) and swim or lounge around on the sand, while also sneaking a line in when they feel like it of course. It’s the recipe for a super fun day out.
There’s no shortage of areas where you can enjoy the beach life and reasonably expect to catch your tea at the same time. Sellicks Beach, Silver Sands and Aldinga Beach are gently shelving beaches that are ideal for wading and trying your luck for mullet, salmon, flathead and yellowfin whiting when in season. Mulloway and sharks also cruise these beaches and can be encountered. Likewise Maslin Beach and Moana will provide the same species range. Southport, located near the Onkaparinga River mouth, is a highly popular angling location for good reason, as its surfy waters can provide salmon, flathead, mulloway and more.
Beach launching is possible from several of the aforementioned beaches when conditions allow also. As you can see there’s quite a varied angling experience just waiting for your line!
The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is well serviced by independent and chain tackle and bait stores, ensuring you have easy access to all the must-bring fishing items and local knowledge needed to make your time near the water successful. Below are a few outlets to consider:
Mid Coast Fishing Tackle – Lonsdale
Let’s Go Fishin – Christies Beach
The Scene Fishing – Seaford
BCF – Noarlunga Centre
Anaconda – Noarlunga Centre
Additionally there’s a bait vending machine located at the Port Noarlunga jetty.
For those wanting to take advantage of the pristine inshore and offshore waters, there’s great boat launching facilities spread along the coast allowing you to access your favourite secret spot.
Beach launching is possible in mild weather conditions at locations like Sellicks Beach, Silver Sands, Aldinga and Moana, with more traditional paid launching available at the multi-lane ramp at the O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp.
The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is a southern fishing gem for those in the know, and a whole bunch of undiscovered potential for those anglers who haven’t yet experienced it.
So what are you waiting for, time to pack the car and discover one of the best fishing destinations close to Adelaide.
McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Year-Round Species Guide
The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast has something biting year round. Want to know what's biting right now? Then head to our What Fish Are Biting Page (updated every two weeks), so you can fish like a local!
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MONTH |
AVAILABLE SPECIES |
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January |
Mulloway, Bream, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark |
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February |
Mulloway, Bream, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark |
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March |
Mulloway, Bream, Blue Swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark |
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April |
Salmon/Salmon Trout, Flathead, Mulloway, Bream, Blue swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting,Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Bronze Whaler Shark |
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May |
Salmon/Salmon Trout, Flathead, Mulloway, Bream, Squid, King George whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs |
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June |
Salmon/Salmon Trout, Flathead, Mulloway, Bream, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs |
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July |
Salmon/Salmon Trout, Flathead, Bream, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs |
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August |
Salmon/salmon Trout, Flathead, Bream, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs |
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September |
Salmon/Salmon Trout, Mulloway, Bream, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellow-eye Mullet, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Sand Crabs, Snook |
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October |
Mulloway, Bream, Blue swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Bronze Whaler Shark |
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November |
Mulloway, Bream, Blue swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark |
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December |
Mulloway, Bream, Blue swimmer Crabs, Squid, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Tommie Ruff, Garfish, Snook, Kingfish, Bronze Whaler Shark |