Fishing Overview for Australia

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• Australian Capital Territory

  Fishing in the Australian Capital Territory is focused on freshwater spots like Lake Burley Griffin, the Murrumbidgee River, the Cotter River and nearby reservoirs, where anglers target species such as rainbow trout and brown trout in cooler waters, alongside native Murray cod and golden perch and introduced species like redfin perch and common carp. Popular methods include fly fishing, spinning with small lures and soft plastics, or simple bait fishing from shore, boat or rocky banks, with seasonal trout action in cooler months and warm‑water species more active in summer.

• New South Wales

  New South Wales is a diverse spot for fishing, with productive estuaries, sandy beaches, rocky headlands, inshore reefs, offshore grounds and inland rivers and impoundments for freshwater anglers. In coastal and offshore waters you can target snapper, kingfish, tuna, tailor, whiting, bream, mulloway and plenty of squid and prawns from boats or the shore. Estuaries and river mouths are great for flathead, luderick and bream, while inland rivers and the Murray system produce murray cod and australian bass. Whether you prefer rock, beach, boat or bank fishing, NSW offers year‑round opportunities and a wide range of species to target.

• Northern Territory

  The Northern Territory offers exceptional recreational fishing across rivers, estuaries, mangroves and coastal reefs, with opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Key targets include iconic barramundi in rivers and estuaries, powerful giant trevally and hungry queenfish around reefs and flats, schooling threadfin salmon and fast Spanish mackerel along the coast, as well as reef species like coral trout and tasty snapper, plus big mud crabs in the estuaries. Expect varied methods from light-tackle and lure fishing to fly fishing and sport big-game trips, making the NT a diverse destination for anglers of all skill levels.

• Queensland

  In Queensland, Australia, recreational fishing covers rivers, estuaries, reefs and offshore grounds, giving anglers year‑round options. Key targets inshore include barramundi, mangrove jack, flathead and bream; on reefs you’ll find coral trout, snapper and golden trevally; and offshore the fishery produces strong sport fish like Spanish mackerel, tuna, giant trevally and black marlin. Popular methods range from casting and soft plastics in rivers and estuaries to jigging and trolling on reefs and blue water, so anglers can enjoy boat, beach or charter trips across the state.

• South Australia

  South Australia offers varied recreational fishing from sheltered gulfs and estuaries to beaches, rocks and offshore reefs. Popular targets include snapper, King George whiting, kingfish (yellowtail), mulloway (jewfish), Australian salmon, trevally, flathead, squid and estuary blue swimmer crab. Techniques cover beach and rock casting, estuary baiting and soft plastics, plus jigging and trolling offshore from charter boats or private vessels. Fishing can be productive year-round with seasonal peaks for different species across the Spencer and St Vincent Gulfs and coastal waters.

• Tasmania

  Tasmania offers varied recreational fishing across sheltered estuaries, clear upland rivers and lakes, rocky reefs and productive offshore grounds. Anglers chase freshwater brown trout and rainbow trout in rivers and lakes, while coastal trips commonly target flathead, bream, snapper, trevally and mulloway around reefs and inshore bays. Summer and autumn bring pelagic action for tuna (including southern bluefin) and kingfish on the deeper reefs and bluewater charters. Popular methods include shore and boat fishing with lures, fly tackle for trout, and jigging or bait fishing for reef and offshore species, offering something for casual shore anglers and serious gamefish seekers alike.

• Victoria

  In Victoria, recreational fishing offers a wide variety of waters from coastal bays and surf to estuaries, lakes and rivers, with popular spots including Port Phillip Bay, the Gippsland Lakes and the Murray River. Anglers target coastal species like snapper, flathead, bream, whiting, tailor and seasonal Australian salmon, while the surf and inlets can produce big mulloway (jewfish) and kingfish. Inland waters are known for brown trout and rainbow trout in alpine streams and reservoirs, and native targets like Murray cod, Australian bass and estuary perch in rivers and lakes. Whether you fish from shore, boat or kayak, Victoria delivers diverse species and year-round opportunities for recreational anglers.

• Western Australia

  Western Australia offers a huge variety of recreational fishing from the tropical north to the cool southern coast, with great options for shore, estuary and boat anglers. Kimberley and the Pilbara produce iconic tropical targets like barramundi, Spanish mackerel, golden trevally and reef species around Ningaloo such as coral trout. On the west and south coasts around Perth, Geraldton and Albany you can fish for pink snapper, dhufish, mulloway (jewfish), yellowtail kingfish and lots of hardy trevally. Methods range from light tackle and lure fishing to fly and live baiting, and popular grounds include rocky reefs, offshore pinnacles, estuaries and sandy beaches. Whether chasing big game offshore or casting from the shore, Western Australia delivers diverse species and scenery for recreational anglers.