Complete Guide to Fishing in Bunbury WA: Top Spots, Gear Tips & What You’ll Catch

I’ve been obsessed with fishing since I was a kid. I love the early starts, the salty air and the hope that your next cast will be the one! One of my favourite recent trips was chasing schools of tailor along the beach with my sister, who’d flown in from the other side of the country. We had our tinnies and hours of sunshine to catch up and cast out. It was a simple but perfect WA day.

Bunbury has a knack for serving up those kinds of days. You don’t have to choose between river, estuary, beach or offshore – you can fish them all without straying far from town. Whether you’re dropping nets for blue swimmer crabs, flicking plastics for bream in the Collie or heading offshore for snapper and Samson fish, Bunbury has it all!

In this guide, I’ve pulled together everything you need to know to plan your next fishing trip in Bunbury. From the best local spots to what you’ll catch, gear tips,where to stay and more – this is your one-stop spot for all things fishing in Bunbury, Western Australia.

The Best Fishing Spots in Bunbury

Bunbury’s fishing spots cover all bases – river, estuary, beach and offshore – and most of them are just a few minutes apart. Whether you’re after a quiet bankside session or a crack at pink snapper on the reef, there’s a spot to suit your style. Here are my go-to fishing spots around Bunbury.

The Cut

Locals love The Cut, and for good reason. This long rock-lined channel connects the Leschenault Estuary to the Indian Ocean and it’s a prime spot for land-based fishing all year round.

You’ll often find people casting lures or soaking bait from the rocks, hoping for tailor, herring, bream, or even juvenile salmon in autumn. The water moves fast through here with the tides, so it’s a great place to fish when things are quiet elsewhere. Best times are a rising or high tide, especially around dawn or dusk.

The northern side of The Cut has better parking and easier access, but you’ll want sturdy shoes for the rocks either way. Bring a landing net and keep an eye on your rod – tailor can hit hard and fast!

Leschenault Estuary

This massive estuary is one of the best spots in WA for blue swimmer crabs, especially in summer. Drop nets from the banks, scoop them from the shallows, or chuck in a baited line and see what else bites. It’s also a solid spot for bream, whiting and the occasional mulloway.

There’s easy access all around, with boat ramps, walking trails and plenty of calm spots for kayaking or fishing with kids. Early mornings tend to be the most productive, especially when the wind’s down and the tide’s moving.

Back Beach

Just a stone’s throw from town, Back Beach is a favourite for surf fishing. It’s an easy option if you’re short on time but still keen for a session. You can catch herring, sand whiting and tailor here year-round and if you’re lucky, salmon during their annual run in autumn.

Fish early or late when the sun’s low, and look for deeper gutters along the shore. Metal slices and mulies work well for tailor, while long-shank hooks and worms are your best bet for whiting.

Belvidere Beach

A bit further north, Belvidere Beach is well worth the drive, especially during salmon season. This stretch of coast is quieter than Back Beach, with deep gutters and good 4WD access if you’re set up for it.

Tailor, salmon, herring and whiting are all on the cards here, and it’s one of the better beach spots for a chance at mulloway after dark. Just keep an eye on the swell and tides, conditions can shift quickly.

Collie River

The Collie is a great spot for a relaxed fish, especially if you’re taking the kids or just want to flick a few lures without too much hassle. There’s easy access along the banks, a few jetties and calm stretches perfect for kayaks or small tinnies.

You’ll find black bream, flathead, whiting and the odd blue swimmer crab, especially near the river mouth. Light gear, fresh bait or soft plastics will usually do the trick, just keep it quiet and cast near structures.

Bunbury Artificial Reef

About 1.5 km offshore, Bunbury’s artificial reef is a top spot if you’ve got a boat (or book in with a local charter). It was purpose-built to attract fish, and it works. You can target pink snapper, dhufish, skippy, Samson fish and more.

Drift fishing with bait, jigging or soft plastics all produce here, especially early morning before the sea breeze picks up. The reef holds fish year-round, but snapper tend to fire up around spring.

Buffalo Beach

Buffalo Beach sits just west of the Leschenault Peninsula and offers a more remote feel with solid fishing to match. It’s a great option during the autumn salmon run, but you’ll also find tailor, herring and sand whiting year-round.

There’s 4WD access to the best spots, and the deeper gutters close to shore make for productive beach fishing. Metal slices and baited ganged hooks both work well, just keep an eye on the swell and bring a mate.

Turkey Point

Tucked away at the tip of the Leschenault Peninsula, Turkey Point is a quiet little spot that often flies under the radar. It’s ideal for light tackle fishing – think flathead, bream and whiting – especially around the drop-offs and mangrove edges.

It’s best accessed by kayak or small boat, though you can reach some fishable banks on foot. Soft plastics and small hardbodies work a treat here, particularly on a rising tide.

Read this next: Perth to Bunbury Road Trip Guide

Best Gear for Bunbury Fishing

Whether you’re flicking lures in the estuary or chasing snapper offshore, having the right setup makes all the difference. Here’s a no-fuss gear guide with top picks:

Light Tackle: For Bream, Whiting & Flathead

• Rod & Reel: Jarvis Walker Revenge Spinning Rod 2-4kg + Daiwa TD Black 2000S – great for rivers and estuary edges
• Line: 6-10lb braid with a light fluorocarbon leader

Medium Tackle: For Tailor, Salmon & Beach Work

• Rod & Reel: Shimano Sonic Surf Rod 10ft 6-10kg + Shimano Sienna 4000FG – solid for surf gutters and mid-size fish
• Line: 15-30lb braid with a 30lb mono leader

Heavy Tackle: For Snapper, Dhufish & Offshore

• Rod & Reel: PENN GT 330 Overhead Combo – Great for pink snapper etc without being overkill
• Line: 30-50lb braid with a matching leader

Handy Extras

• Lure: ZMan MinnowZ 3”: flathead, bream, even snapper
• Squid Jig: Fujimaru T-Rex 2.5: great from jetties
  

What Can You Catch When Fishing in Bunbury?

The variety of fish you can catch around Bunbury is a big part of what makes it so rewarding. You’ve got everything from bread-and-butter species like herring and whiting to bigger targets like salmon, tailor, mulloway and snapper – plus plenty of blue swimmer crabs if you’re into that. Here’s a rundown of the usual suspects you’re likely to hook in Bunbury’s waters.

Tailor

Tailor are one of the most exciting fish to chase around Bunbury – they hit hard, fight dirty, and they’re not bad on the BBQ either. You’ll find them patrolling gutters at Back Beach, Belvidere and Buffalo, especially around dawn and dusk.

Metal slices, stickbaits and mulies on gang hooks all work well. They tend to travel in schools, so if you hook one, get your line back in fast, there’s usually more around! Check minimum size and daily bag limits here.

Herring

Herring are a reliable staple around Bunbury – fun to catch, great for beginners and not bad smoked or pan-fried. You’ll find them all year round at spots like The Cut, and along the beaches.

Use light gear, small hooks, and a steady stream of berley to bring them in. Whitebait or squid strips work well, or try a simple two-hook rig with a small float if the swell’s up. Check daily bag limits and minimum size guidelines here.

Whiting

Yellowfin and sand whiting are common along Bunbury’s beaches and estuary shallows, especially in summer and early autumn. Light gear, long-shank hooks, and fresh bait like worms or squid strips will get the job done. Look for clear, sandy patches and fish the incoming tide. Check current size and bag limits here.

Blue Swimmer Crabs

Bunbury’s Leschenault Estuary is one of the best places in WA to go crabbing, especially from December through to early autumn when they’re most active. Wade the shallows with a scoop net and a good pair of sunnies.

There are a few key rules to follow: crabs must measure at least 127 mm across the carapace, you need a recreational fishing licence to use drop nets from a boat, and all female crabs with eggs must be released. The closed season runs from 1 September to 30 November each year in this region.

Early morning on a high tide is usually your best shot. Chicken necks or fish frames make top bait.

Mulloway

Catching a mulloway is a proper prize around Bunbury, they’re big, elusive and known for ghosting silently through estuaries and surf gutters. Your best bet is Belvidere Beach, the lower Collie River, or deeper parts of the estuary at night.

Live baits like mullet or herring work well, or try large soft plastics and vibes. They’re more active around the new moon and on the turn of the tide.

Check the daily bag limit and size rules here. They grow slowly, so if you land a big one, treat it with care.

Pink Snapper

If you’re heading offshore, pink snapper are a prime target, especially around the artificial reef and nearby ground in spring and early summer. They’ll take squid, mullet or soft plastics, and tend to fire early before the breeze rolls in.

Snapper are classed as demersal scalefish, with strict size, bag and seasonal rules in the West Coast Bioregion. Bunbury’s not part of the extended closure zones, but there are boat-based bans at certain times of year, so always check the latest WA fishing rules before you head out.

Flathead

Flathead are a great option for light tackle fishers around Bunbury. You’ll find them in the Collie River, Leschenault Estuary and along sandy edges near Turkey Point.

Drifting soft plastics along the bottom works well, or try prawns or mullet strips if you prefer bait. They’re ambush predators, so cast close to drop-offs, weed edges or structures. Check bag limits and minimum size here.

Skippy (Silver Trevally)

Skippy are scrappy little fighters that punch well above their weight. You’ll find them around jetties, deeper estuary channels and reefy ground offshore.

They’ll take small soft plastics, metal jigs or bits of squid on a running sinker rig. Light gear makes the most of the fight. Check size rules and daily bag limit here.

Squid

Squid are a top land-based target around Bunbury, especially calm patches around Koombana Bay. They’re most active around dawn, dusk, and on clear, still days.

Use size 2.5–3.0 jigs in natural colours and work them slowly through weed beds or over sand patches. A long-handled net helps when landing them from jetties. Check bag limit and size rules here.

Dhufish

Dhufish are the iconic catch for many WA fishos and Bunbury’s offshore reefs give you a decent shot at one if you’re geared up. They’re typically found in deeper water beyond the artificial reef, often on broken ground and drop-offs.

Slow jigs, large soft plastics or fresh bait like octopus are all good options, especially in low light and minimal swell.

Dhufish fall under the demersal scalefish rules, same as pink snapper, so you’ll need to watch size, bag limits and seasonal closures if fishing from a boat. As always, check the current regs before heading out.

Samson Fish

If you’re chasing a proper arm workout, Samson fish will deliver. These powerful reef dwellers show up around deeper offshore structures and FADs (fish aggregating devices) off Bunbury.

They’ll smash metal jigs, live bait or large soft plastics worked aggressively through the water column. Once hooked, it’s a hard, fast fight, so bring strong gear and a solid back.

They’re best eaten fresh or turned into fish cakes and not overcooked. Check size rules and daily bag limits here. 

Where to Stay in Bunbury

You’ve sorted your gear, picked your spots,  now you need somewhere to crash after a big day on the water. These stays offer comfort, convenience and easy access to fishing grounds.

Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay

Right on the bay, Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay is a short walk to the inlet and beach spots. Rooms are spacious, there’s secure parking, and it’s a solid base for anyone wanting comfort with a view – ideal if you’re mixing fishing with a weekend away.

Why it’s good for fishos: Central location, gear-friendly parking, near town and water

Check rates for Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay

Mantra Bunbury

Mantra Bunbury is a classic option just steps from Back Beach. You’re in a good spot for early morning tailor missions and it’s close to town for pub meals and tackle top-ups. Rooms are clean and comfy, and some have ocean views if you’re lucky.

Why it works: Easy access to beach fishing, plus a quick drive to The Cut or inlet

Check rates for Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse

Bunbury Motel and Apartments

Bunbury Motel and Apartments is clean, affordable and close enough to both the river and town. Rooms are motel-style with kitchenettes – handy if you’re cooking up your catch. A no-frills but reliable base for fish-focused trips.

Why it’s ideal: Affordable, practical, self-contained:  what more do you need?

Check rates for Bunbury Apartment Motel

Best Time of Year to Go Fishing in Bunbury

You can fish Bunbury year-round, but autumn is a standout with salmon, tailor and herring running the beaches. Spring brings snapper and blue swimmer crabs, while summer suits bream, flathead and whiting in the estuary. Even winter has its moments, especially for mulloway in the river. Just be sure to check seasonal closures and local fishing reports before you head out.

Last Words on Fishing in Bunbury 

Whether you’re chasing bream in the Collie or snapper off the reef, Bunbury delivers. Mix in easy access, solid gear options and great spots for all levels, and it’s well worth a weekend (or longer). Pack your rod, check the regs and enjoy what this south west fishing hub has to offer.