Perth & Surrounds
West Coast
WA's most accessible fishing • Pelagics still firing • Demersal closure in effect
West Coast Demersal Closure
Boat-based recreational fishing for demersal species is CLOSED until Spring 2027.
Species marked with are affected. Shore fishing still permitted. View full closure details →
About the West Coast
The West Coast bioregion stretches from Augusta to Kalbarri - over 600km of coastline that includes Perth, WA's most accessible fishing grounds. This is where most WA boat anglers fish, with easy access from the metro area to quality water.
The Leeuwin Current brings warm, tropical water down the coast, creating unique conditions where temperate and tropical species overlap. Rottnest Island, the Perth Canyon, and the Abrolhos Islands offer world-class fishing - but the demersal closure (in place until Spring 2027) means adapting your targets.
The good news? Pelagics are unaffected. Salmon, samsonfish, yellowtail kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and tuna are all still on the menu. Many anglers have discovered these species fight harder and are just as rewarding as the demersals they used to chase.
Key Fishing Areas
- Perth Metro - Fremantle to Two Rocks, accessible year-round
- Rottnest Island - Pelagics, squid, crays (demersals closed)
- Abrolhos Islands - Premier fishing destination, cray capital
- Jurien Bay - Protected marine park, quality reefs
- Geraldton - Northern extent, warmer water species
What's Still Available
- All pelagics - Salmon, samsonfish, kingfish, mackerel, tuna
- Crustaceans - Rock lobster, blue swimmer crabs
- Cephalopods - Squid (excellent at Rotto)
- Estuarine - Black bream, mulloway, flathead
- Shore demersals - Land-based still permitted
Seasonal Guide
When to target key species on the West Coast.
| Species | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Salmon | • | • | ● | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ● | • | • | • |
| Samsonfish | ★ | ★ | ★ | ● | ● | • | • | • | ● | ● | ★ | ★ |
| Yellowtail Kingfish | ★ | ★ | ★ | ● | ● | • | • | • | ● | ● | ★ | ★ |
| Spanish Mackerel | ★ | ★ | ★ | ● | • | • | • | • | ● | ★ | ★ | ★ |
| Yellowfin Tuna | ★ | ★ | ★ | ● | • | • | • | • | • | ● | ★ | ★ |
| Tailor | ● | ● | ★ | ★ | ★ | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
Legend: ★ Peak season | ● Good fishing | • Available but slower
Top Targets (Open Species)
What to chase while demersals are closed.
Techniques That Work
Trolling
The most effective method for salmon and mackerel. 4-6 knot spreads with bibbed minnows (salmon) or skirted lures (mackerel). Work the edges of bait schools and along drop-offs.
Jigging
Essential for samsonfish and kingfish. Speed jigging with 150-300g metals over structure. Slow pitch gaining popularity for mixed bags. Work the water column.
Live Baiting
Premium method for kingfish and samsonfish. Catch yakkas or yellowtail on sabikis, deploy on a balloon or kite rig. Patience pays off with quality fish.
Squid Fishing
Rottnest is squid central. Jig with 2.5-3.5 size squid jigs over weed beds. Drifting or at anchor. Best from autumn through spring.
Weather & Conditions
Wind Patterns
Summer: Reliable easterlies in the morning, sea breeze (SW) by midday. Fish early or cop the chop.
Winter: Frontal systems bring NW-W ahead, then SW change. Best days are between fronts.
The Fremantle Doctor: Afternoon SW sea breeze. Can blow 15-25 knots. Plan your trips around it.
Sea State
Swell: Typically 1-2m from SW. Larger with fronts in winter. Rottnest provides some shelter.
Bar crossings: Swan River (Fremantle) is easy. Mandurah can be tricky in swell.
Water clarity: Generally good. Can be murky after storms or strong winds.
Water Temperature
Summer: 22-24°C. Leeuwin Current brings warm water.
Winter: 18-20°C. Still warmer than the South Coast.
Effect: Warm water attracts tropical visitors - mackerel, tuna, trevally in summer.
Best Times
Daily: First light, always. Second best is late afternoon before dark.
Tides: Moving water is better than slack for pelagics.
Moon: Dark moon periods can be good for daytime fishing.
🚗 Access & Logistics
Distance from Perth CBD
- Fremantle: 20km (25min)
- Hillarys: 25km (30min)
- Two Rocks: 65km (50min)
- Jurien Bay: 220km (2.5hrs)
- Geraldton: 420km (4.5hrs)
⛽ Fuel & Facilities
Fuel: Available at Fremantle, Hillarys Marina, Two Rocks. Limited north of there until Jurien.
Tackle shops: Excellent in Perth metro. BCF, Compleat Angler, specialist stores.
Rottnest: Fuel at Thomson Bay. Book ahead in summer.
Rottnest Island
19km offshore. Ferry from Fremantle/Hillarys or take your own boat. Moorings available (book ahead). Day trips or stay over. Best fishing is away from the main settlement.
📱 Services
Mobile coverage: Excellent in metro, good at Rottnest, patchy north of Jurien.
Marine radio: VHF recommended for offshore. Coast Guard monitors 16.
Local Tips
The demersal closure is frustrating, but pelagics are genuinely fun. Most anglers who've made the switch say samsonfish and kingfish fight harder than snapper anyway. Different gear, different techniques, same satisfaction.
Yes, it makes the afternoon uncomfortable. But it also stirs up bait and gets predators feeding. Fish the wind lines and current edges the breeze creates.
Better fishing than metro reefs, less pressure than you'd expect. The western end fishes best. Squid in autumn/winter, pelagics in summer. Anchor or drift - both work.
Fish Aggregating Devices offshore of Perth hold pelagics - tuna, mahi mahi, and mackerel. Coordinates available online. Worth the run in good weather.
Species in West Coast
51 Open 13 Closed
Pelagic - OPEN (16)
Demersal (18) - 13 CLOSED
Nearshore & Estuarine - OPEN (18)
Other Finfish - OPEN (5)
Crustaceans - OPEN (3)
Molluscs & Invertebrates - OPEN (4)
Boat Ramps
Boat sizes: S = Small (<5m) | M = Medium (5-7m) | L = Large (>7m)