Every year around autumn, I make a point of heading down south during the April school holidays to check out one of WA’s best seasonal runs – the mighty Australian salmon! It’s become a bit of a tradition, and this year I’ll be right back in the thick of it.
If you’ve never experienced the WA salmon run, you’re in for a treat. From March to May, huge schools of Arripis truttaceus (that’s Australian salmon – no relation to the Atlantic kind) make their way up the southern and western coastline, following baitfish and stirring up the surf.
It’s hands-down one of the most exciting times to fish the WA coast. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned fisho with a surf rod in the ute, salmon fishing is all about fun fights and the best beachside sessions with mates.
Keen to join the action? Here’s where to go and what gear I reckon works best for the 2026 run.
My Go-To Salmon Run Setup for 2026:
If you’re heading out this season, here’s the gear I personally recommend:
- Rod: Penn Prevail II 12ft Surf Rod – tough, responsive and ideal for distance casting
- Reel: Penn Battle IV 5000 Spinning Reel – reliable drag, handles salmon with ease
- Lures: Halco Twisty 40g or Richter Plugs
- Line: 30lb braid with a 40lb fluoro leader
When is the WA Salmon Run in 2026?
The WA salmon run usually kicks off in early March and can fire through until late May, but the sweet spot tends to be around Easter, which lines up perfectly with the April school holidays.
As the water starts cooling and the swells roll in, big schools of Australian salmon begin hugging the coast, chasing baitfish into the gutters and shallows. This makes them super accessible for both beach and rock anglers – you don’t need a boat or fancy gear to get in on the action.
The best conditions to look for are a solid westerly swell, light winds, and cooler ocean temps. These usually push bait schools close to shore, and the salmon follow. You’ll often spot birds diving or see the water boiling with activity before you even make a cast.
Best Beaches for the 2026 WA Salmon Run
One of the best things about the salmon run is how many great beaches lcome alive with action across WA’s coastline. From the rocky points down in Augusta to the sweeping surf zones around Margaret River and Bunker Bay, there are loads of options depending on where you want to base yourself.
Skip the rocks: While some rock fishing spots are known for salmon, it’s seriously risky business – especially with swell around. I always recommend sticking to the beach. There’s more than enough salmon action without putting yourself in danger.
Here are a few of my go-to salmon beaches for 2026:
Augusta
If you want to be first on the fish, Augusta is the place to be. This region is often where the salmon first show up, usually from late February through March, as they begin their migration up the South West coast. It’s one of the most reliable early-season spots and a favourite for many returning fishos.
Some of the best beaches around Augusta include:
- Flinders Bay: A reliable spot with deep gutters close to shore. Perfect for chucking metals into the wash or soaking baits off the beach. Easy to fish even with kids in tow.
- Skippy Rock: A rockier option that can produce great results when salmon are tight to the coast. If you’re fishing here or at any exposed point, wear a lifejacket and take care – only fish in calm conditions otherwise stick to the nearby sandy beaches.
Other great beaches worth checking out within a short drive include Cosy Corner, Dead Finish, Quarry Bay, and even Donnelly Rivermouth. Most are accessible via 2WD with a short walk to the beach, and a few allow 4WD access too.
Best times to fish are usually dawn and dusk, when salmon are closer to the beach and it helps to get a bit of elevation – think sand dunes or headlands – so you can spot schools cruising the shoreline.
Read this next: Complete Guide to Fishing in Augusta
Margaret River Region
The Margaret River coastline has some of the most scenic and productive beaches along the salmon run circuit. From reefy corners to wide open stretches of sand, it’s the variety in structure that makes this region such a drawcard.
- Prevelly & Gnarabup: These twin beaches are easily accessible and a solid choice during medium to large swells. Salmon often patrol just beyond the whitewater, especially around the reef edges and gutters. Gnarabup has decent parking and is a great place to fish if you’re staying local.
- Redgate: Known for its dramatic headlands and consistent surf. There’s good depth close in, and when schools push through, they often hold up in the pockets of calmer water between the sets. It can get busy, so an early start pays off.
- Boranup: Tucked further south, Boranup feels more remote and has a mix of sand and reef and is a good option if you’ve got a 4WD. Salmon here tend to move in big packs, and it’s a good option if the more popular beaches are quiet. Just be aware the beach can be soft so be careful you don’t get stuck!
Most of these beaches are within 30 minutes of town and are best fished around dawn or dusk. Elevated sand dunes can give you a great vantage point to spot schools before casting.
Read this next: Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Margaret River
Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste
If you’re after a scenic, family-friendly salmon session without straying too far off the beaten track, the beaches around Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste are hard to beat. Salmon tend to show up later in the season here, usually from mid to late March, but the calm conditions and easy access make it an ideal spot for casual fishos and kids.
- Bunker Bay: One of the most photogenic salmon beaches in WA, with crystal clear water and solid sand gutters along the western edge. There’s a deep drop-off not far from shore that salmon often patrol on a rising tide.
- Eagle Bay: More sheltered than Bunker, which can be good on rougher days. While the salmon don’t always stack up here, it’s worth a few casts if you’re nearby, especially at dawn.
- Castle Rock Bay: Offers a bit more structure and a chance to throw lures around headlands when conditions are calm. Not as consistent, but it sees occasional schools when the run is on.
These spots are all within 20 minutes of town, with good parking, safe beach access, and plenty of space to spread out.
Read this next: Complete Guide to Fishing in Dunsborough
Albany and the South Coast
If you’re up for a road trip, Albany is one of the best places in WA to experience the salmon run. This stretch of coast regularly produces epic beach fishing when the schools move through – and the scenery’s not bad either!
- Cheynes Beach: A local favourite about an hour east of Albany. It offers easy beach access, stunning water, and reliable salmon action when the swell’s low. You can usually spot schools cruising the shallows, especially early in the day.
- Nanarup Beach: A little closer to town and popular for 4WD enthusiasts.The sand gutters here often hold baitfish, which brings salmon in tight. Best fished with metals or lightly weighted pilchards.
- Lowlands and Perkins Beach: West of Albany, these quieter spots are worth exploring if the more popular beaches are crowded. They’re generally safe, accessible, and hold fish when conditions line up.
Best Gear for WA Salmon Fishing
One of the best things about salmon fishing is that you don’t need super technical gear to get started, but having the right setup definitely helps when those big fish hit hard and run fast. Here’s what I use and recommend for chasing salmon off WA beaches.
Rods and Reels
- 10–12ft surf rods with fast action give you the casting distance you need to reach passing schools. I use the Penn Prevail II 12ft, which handles metals and big baits no worries.
- Pair that with a 4000–6000 size spinning reel that’s smooth and tough – something like the Penn Battle IV or Shimano Saragosa will do the job.
- Match your rod’s casting weight to your lures – most good salmon metals weigh in around 30–60g.
Line and Leader
- Run 30lb braid for a good mix of casting distance and pulling power.
- Add a 40lb fluorocarbon leader – it gives abrasion resistance around rocks and helps you land the fish cleanly if they start rolling near shore.
Lures
- Metal slices, stickbaits, and paddle-tail soft plastics are the go.
- I like the Halco Twisty and Richter Plugs – proven salmon slayers.
- Keep your retrieve quick and erratic to mimic panicked baitfish.
Bait Options (If You Prefer Bait Fishing)
- Fresh mulies, pilchards, or whitebait rigged on gang hooks are solid options when schools are holding up or less active.
- Use a star sinker to anchor your bait if the swell or sweep is strong – it’ll stop it from drifting out of the strike zone.
Read this next: Best Soft Plastic Lures for Fishing in WA Estuaries
Salmon Fishing Tips for 2026
If you’re heading out this season, here are a few tried-and-true tips to give you the best shot at landing fish:
- Fish early and late: Dawn and dusk are your best bite windows, especially when the water’s glassy and baitfish are active near shore.
- Get some height: Climb a dune or elevated track to scan the surf. Salmon schools are easier to spot from above, especially with polarised sunnies to cut through the glare.
- Watch for signs: Birds diving, bait balls flicking, and salmon launching out of the water are all classic giveaways. If the beach looks dead, keep moving until you find the action.
- Work the tides: A rising tide into the morning is often the most productive, especially on sandy beaches with good gutters.
- Keep your catch fresh: Bleed your salmon straight away and get them into an ice slurry. They spoil fast if left warm, and a quick chill makes a big difference to eating quality.
- Skip the rocks: Rock fishing can be deadly – there’s plenty of great salmon action from the beach without taking the risk.
Read this next: Fishing in Mandurah: The Complete Local Guide to Spots, Species & Seasons
WA Salmon Run Regulations
Before you head out, make sure you’re across the current rules:
- Bag limit: 4 salmon per angler, per day
- Minimum size: 300mm
- Best practice: Bleed your fish straight after capture and get them onto ice for top eating quality
Rules can change, so it’s always worth double-checking the latest updates on the Recreational fishing rules before your trip.
Read this next: Complete Guide to Fishing in Bunbury WA: Top Spots, Gear Tips & What You’ll Catch
Final Thoughts: Get In While It’s Hot
The salmon run only sticks around for a couple of months each year – and when it’s on, it’s seriously good fun. Whether you’re planning a full-blown trip or just a cheeky weekend away, it’s the perfect excuse to hit the coast with your mates or the family.
Stay safe, fish responsibly, and make the most of it. I’ll be out there this season. I hope to see you on the beach!
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