Whether you enjoy casting out a line off the shore or like the peace and tranquillity of fishing from a jetty, it’s a hobby—or a sport—that has something for everyone.
It’s a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And, if you’re lucky, you get to go home with a catch you can be proud of.
You can find some of the best Perth fishing spots along the Swan River and Indian Ocean in our beloved Fremantle city.
Discover the best fishing spots Fremantle and the surrounding area offer.
Before you go
Remember a few things before heading off on your fishing adventure.
The best times to go fishing
Here in Fremantle, the best time to go fishing is early morning or afternoon. These twilight periods are generally more relaxed and darker.
There’s less ambient light, enticing more fish out into the open. But it depends on your chosen location, so ask a local for advice.
What to bring
When you’re thinking about bait, fish found in the Fremantle area gravitate towards peeled and unpeeled prawns. Chopped-up squid is also known to work, as are mussels.
However, some locals recommend different lures for different spots. So bring a selection of soft plastic baits, squid jigs, soft vibe lures, and even some medium-sized metal lures.
Now you know what to bring and when to go, let’s look at the best Fremantle fishing spots.
Harvey Beach
You can find Harvey Beach tucked away at North Fremantle. The closest landmark to the spot is the Pier 21 Hotel. You can find Harvey Beach at the end of Harvest Road, tucked away next door to the Fremantle Water Police station.
It’s called a beach, but it’s more of a hidden, limestone-walled sandy space, with steps leading down to the water and a jetty perfect to fish off.
Known for its clear water, it’s a calm, relaxing spot and a great place to catch tailor off the jetty. Metal lures are known to work well for tailor, so bring a few along with you.
It can get busy in the evenings, so aim to arrive late in the afternoon instead.
Gilbert Fraser Reserve
Gilbert Fraser Reserve is predominately used for sports like football, but the beach foreshore provides good fishing opportunities.
Known for its flathead, plastic lures are recommended rather than bait. Head to your local tackle shop and search for soft plastic lures and jigheads heavy enough to get your lure down to the bottom.
Sorrel Park
Sorrel Park is a relaxed little park just next to the Stirling Bridge. It’s a gorgeous walk along the waterfront on a balmy summer afternoon. Like much of the Swan River, Sorrel Park is a popular spot for landing flathead.
Try your luck at casting your bait around and under the bridge. Or wade in the shallow waters and flick soft plastics off the bottom of the river. This is a great way to catch flathead and flounder.
North Mole and South Mole
North and South Mole are known as excellent fishing spots in Fremantle. While waiting for a bite at these spots, watch the massive ships that sail in and out of the port.
North Mole
Underneath the bright red lighthouse, North Mole features a variety of fish throughout the year. Herring and garfish are popular fish species, but you can also find whiting, snapper, blue mackerel and Leatherjacket.
But be careful when climbing over the rocks, as they can get slippery.
South Mole
The bright green South Mole lighthouse is one of the more well-known and accessible fishing spots in Fremantle.
South Mole is known as a good place for herring and garfish. You can even bring a squid jig and try your luck at squidding. Usually active during sunrise and sunset, squid can often hide around weed beds.
E-Shed Markets
As well as a popular tourist destination, the E-Shed Markets is known for its fishing opportunities. Right in front of the E-Shed, on the wharf, you’ll often find people lined up, casting off into the water. Here, you’ll find opportunities to catch blue mackerel, Whiting, and bigger mulloway at the right time of year.
Plenty of parking is available next to the nearby Maritime Museum, particularly in the afternoon.
Fremantle Groyne
South Fremantle features a one-kilometre-long groyne that protects the boat harbour. It’s an excellent place for fishing off the rocks. There’s plenty of space; you can find garfish, herring, tailor, and even King George Whiting.
Given the shallow water and weed patches, the Groyne can also be a good place for squidding. Throw out some light squid jigs and try your luck.
South Beach
Just next door to the Groyne is South Beach. The dog exercise area at the northern end of South Beach is where you want to go.
It’s one of Fremantle’s more popular beach fishing spots, and you can find King George Whiting, mullet, and tailor. While not abundant, it’s a great place to cast off and watch the sunset over the horizon.
And, if you’re particularly unlucky, Sealanes Cafe is just across the road to drown your sorrows in fresh fish and chips.
Honourable mentions
A few other favourite fishing spots are not necessarily in Fremantle but are still reasonably close and worth a trip.
Point Walter
Point Walter, Perth’s famous sandbar across the Swan River, is a fantastic fishing location.
It’s an excellent place to land flathead, flounder, and tailor, not too far away from Fremantle. There’s also a jetty from which you can fish.
It’s a good spot for prawning, and if you bring your crab nets, you might even be able to catch some blue swimmer crabs, too.
In summer, Point Walter is a popular spot for swimming, picnics, and BBQs, so get down early to secure a place.
Bicton Baths
At the southwestern end of Blackwall Reach Parade, you’ll find the Bicton Baths. A local favourite for swimming, it also produces some good fishing. With a big, wide jetty, it’s a lovely spot to bring the kids for one of their first fishing trips.
It’s a good place for prawning and crabbing, and you can find flathead and Bream off the jetty.
Explore the best fishing spots Fremantle has to offer
At Pier 21, we love a spot of fishing, too. We have fishing rods available to borrow.
Many spots mentioned throughout the blog are close to our hotel, so you don’t have to go far to cast a line.
Head to the front reception and speak to our friendly team. We can point you in the right direction on where to go fishing in Fremantle.