Complete Guide to Fishing in Dunsborough (2024): Spots, Tips, Varieties + More!

Western Australia’s South West region is home to some great fishing and stunning coastal landscapes. I’ve been fishing since I was a kid and Dunsborough is one of my favourite spots to chuck in a line down south! Read on to discover all the best fishing spots in and around Dunsborough, varieties in the region and top tips for having a great day fishing in Dunsborough.

Why go fishing in Dunsborough?

Located on the shores of Geographe Bay, Dunsborough is one of my favourite getaway destinations in Western Australia and I love throwing in a line while I’m down. Some of the best fishing spots in the southwest are just a stone’s throw from Dunsborough and there’s a huge variety of species you can target – from Flathead to snapper, tailor, skippy and whiting there’s always something biting!

There are also plenty of things to do in Dunsborough after a day out on the water, like whale watching between September and November and plenty of beautiful beaches to explore!

The best spots for fishing in Dunsborough

Looking for the best fishing spots in Dunsborough? I’ve got you covered! Discover the best places to chuck in a line in and around Dunsborough – for both beach and offshore fishing. Here are the best fishing spots in Dunsborough I recommend:

Dunsborough Beach

While not necessarily a fishing hotspot we need to begin the list with Dunsborough Beach, as it’s super easy to get to and close to everything in town.

Dunsborough Beach is known for its calm waters and offers fishing opportunities for species like flathead, flounder, King George Whiting, and yellowfin whiting. Pink snapper can also be caught, especially after storms. The beach is a good choice if you’re after a relaxing fishing spot, with early mornings and late afternoons being the best times.

Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp

Not far from Dunsborough Beach, you’ll find Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp. Here you’ll often catch people fishing from the rocks near the boat launch. 

Again, it’s not famous for fishing, but if you’re lucky you might snag a flathead, flounder, King George Whiting, tailor or yellowfin whiting. Pink snapper can sometimes be caught, especially after storms. 

The boat ramp is a good place to launch smaller boats if you’re keen for some offshore fishing in Geographe Bay, just be aware of nearby submerged rocks and it can get busy with people enjoying the beach and nearby facilities. 

The best time to fish the Old Boat Ramp is the early morning or late afternoon when sea conditions are calmer and fish are more active. 

Quindalup Boat Ramp

Just a 10-minute drive from Busselton you’ll find Quindalup Boat Ramp. There’s parking here and it’s easy to access. The jetty’s calm waters are a good choice for a casual fishing trip and great for all experience levels. 

Common catches here include King George Whiting, herring, yellowfin whiting and squid. 

The best time to fish the Quindalup Jetty is in the early morning or late afternoon when fish are more active.

Abbey Beach and Boat Ramp

Just a 13-minute drive from Dunsborough you’ll come across Abbey Beach. The beach and its boat ramp jetty are popular fishing spots, known for calm waters and generally good conditions. 

Common catches from Abby Beach and boat ramp include King George Whiting, herring, and yellowfin whiting. You can also sometimes find squid, which congregate around the jetty structure. 

The best time to fish at Abbey Beach is in the early morning or late afternoon when fish are most active. 

Castle Rock Beach

Castle Rock Beach is a Dunsborough icon. It’s located just 15 minutes from Dunsborough, east of Cape Naturaliste, this beautiful beach is protected from winds and swells making it a great spot for fishing.

Common Castle Rock catches include whiting, skippy and herring.

When you’re done fishing you can set off on a beaut walk on the Coastal Track or enjoy a BBQ overlooking the ocean.

Meelup Beach

Meelup Beach is another icon in the area, just 10 minutes from Dunsborough. With its pristine sheltered beaches that are protected from harsh weather, it’s an ideal fishing spot – especially for beginners.

Common catches around Meelup include herring, whiting, skippy, blue manna crabs and salmon between March and April. 

The best time to go fishing at Meelup Beach is generally during the early mornings and late afternoon. At these times fish tend to be more active during the cooler and quieter parts of the day. 

There’s plenty to do at Meelup after you fish! Explore the wildlife while taking a walk along the Coastal Track, have a BBQ picnic under the trees, go for a kayak or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding. 

Eagle Bay

Eagle Bay is one of my favourite spots in the South West! Just 10 minutes from Dunsborough, Eagle Bay is a stunning beach and home to some fantastic fishing right from the sand, especially during the annual salmon run. 

During the rest of the year tailor, skippy, King George whiting and herring are common catches. 

Like most other spots on this list, the best time to go fishing at Eagle Bay is during the early morning or late afternoon as fish are usually feeding at this time making them more active. 

Bunker Bay

Bunker Bay is just over 10 minutes from Dunsborough situated between Eagle Bay Beach and Cape Naturaliste. This stunning beach is protected by Cape Naturaliste so the waters are calm and suitable for anglers of all experience levels. 

Common catches in the area include herring, King George Whiting, skippy, flathead, tailor. Bunker Bay is also a fantastic spot to join the annual salmon run in March – April. 

When you’re done fishing, hit the water for a swim, snorkel or a dive to check out the marine life. There are shower and toilet facilities nearby making this an easy option for a day out. 

Busselton

Busselton is 25 minutes from Dunsborough but it’s well worth the drive! It’s renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. The iconic Busselton Jetty, extending 1.8km into the ocean, is a prime spot, offering a diverse range of fish like herring, skippy, and even larger species like Samson fish and mulloway. 

If you’re interested in the best fishing spots in and around Busselton and the varieties you can catch, check out my Complete Guide to Fishing in Busselton. 

Dunsborough Offshore Fishing

If you’re keen to get out on the water and head offshore, the waters of Geographe Bay will not disappoint! Here are some good options for offshore fishing from Dunsborough:

• Wright Bank – Offshore from Cape Naturaliste – Possible catches include King George Whiting, dhufish, pink snapper and queen snapper
• Dunsborough Artificial Reef: Approx 7km offshore – Common catches include Samson fish, blue groper, dhufish and pink snapper. Check the Recfishwest website for artificial reef coordinates and locations
• Four Mile Reef: approx 6km offshore from Siesta Park – Common catches include skippy, whiting, dhufish, Samson fish and pink snapper

Boats can be launched from the Old Dunsborough Boat Ramp which is suitable for smaller boats. Closer to Busselton, Port Geographe Marina is a good option. It’s a larger boat ramp and is suitable for all boat types. 

What can you catch when fishing in Dunsborough?

Wondering what you can catch around Dunsborough? Here are the most common varieties and tips on how to snag them.

Flathead

Flathead are popular for their firm and tasty flesh. They primarily feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, inhabiting sandy bottoms near seagrass beds and estuaries.

For catching flathead, bait like prawns, pilchards, or fish strips works effectively. Soft plastic lures mimicking small fish or prawns are also successful. Use a medium-light spinning outfit with enough weight to keep the bait near the seabed.

The best times to target flathead are during the change of tides, particularly on the incoming tide, and early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. These fish often prefer shallow, warm waters, so the warmer months can be more productive for flathead fishing.

Make sure you check the Recreational Fishing Rules for minimum size and bag limits.

King George Whiting

King George Whiting are known for their delicate flavour. They feed on small crustaceans and worms, often found over sandy or muddy bottoms near seagrass beds and inshore reefs.

When targeting King George Whiting, use baits such as bloodworms, pippies, or squid strips. Small, long-shanked hooks are ideal. Light tackle with a sensitive tip enhances the detection of their gentle bite. A paternoster rig is a good bet for KGW to make sure your bait gets to the bottom.

For the best fishing experience, aim for the incoming tide, particularly during early morning or late evening when feeding activity is increased. 

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for daily bag limits and minimum size. 

Yellowfin Whiting

​​Yellowfin whiting, also known as ting tings, are my personal favourite – delicious! They mainly feed on small crustaceans and thrive in sandy or seagrass areas along coasts and in estuaries.

For the best yellowfin whiting fishing, use baits like worms, prawns, or small squid pieces. Effective lures include small surface poppers or stickbaits that mimic their prey.

The best time for targeting yellowfin whiting is during early morning or late afternoon, especially on incoming tides. They are usually found in shallow waters, with warmer months being more productive for fishing.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits.

Flounder

Flounder are known for their unique flat shape and ability to blend with the ocean floor. They predominantly feed on small fish and invertebrates found on sandy or muddy seabeds.

To catch flounder, use baits like whitebait and prawns. If you’re keen on lure fishing go for feather jigs bounced along the bottom small minnows. The best technique involves fishing close to the bottom where flounder ambush their prey.

The most effective time to target flounder is during the change of tides, particularly the incoming tide. Early morning or late evening, when the water is more turbid, can increase your chances of success. Flounder fishing is often more productive in the cooler months.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits. 

Herring

Herring are small, schooling fish, often found in coastal waters. They feed on small fish and crustaceans. For herring fishing, light tackle with small hooks is ideal as thy have small mouths. Baits such as squid pieces, mulies, whitebait and bloodworms work well. If lure fishing go for small metal slices or soft plastics.  

The best times to fish for herring are during dawn and dusk when they are most active. They are commonly found around jetties, reefs, and weed beds, particularly during the warmer months. 

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for bag and size limits. 

Silver Trevally

Silver Trevally, aka Skippy, are robust, fast-swimming fish. They feed on small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They’re often found around reefs and rocky areas.

For catching Silver Trevally, both live baits like pilchards or squid strips and artificial lures like metal jigs or soft plastics are effective. Use medium tackle for a better handling experience of their strong fight.

The best times for targeting Silver Trevally are during the early mornings or late evenings, coinciding with high tide. 

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits. 

Tailor

Tailor, are a popular target for anglers due to their aggressive nature and strength. They feed on smaller fish and squid, and are often found in surf zones, around rocky headlands, and near river mouths.

For catching Tailor, use baits such as pilchards, garfish, or mullet. Metal lures, poppers, and soft plastic lures are also effective. A medium to heavy spinning setup is recommended to handle their vigorous fight.

The best time to target Tailor is during dawn and dusk, particularly during high tide.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits. 

Squid

Squid primarily feed on small fish and crustaceans. Squid jigs are the most effective method for catching squid, as they mimic the appearance and movement of a prawn.

The optimal time for squid fishing is at night, particularly under lights near jetties or in shallow waters. Squid are attracted to the light and are more active after dark. However, they can also be caught during dawn and dusk.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for bag and size limits.

Blue Manna Crabs

Blue swimmer crabs (aka blue manna crab) are prized for their sweet, rich meat. They are typically found in sandy or muddy bottoms in estuaries, bays, and coastal waters. The most effective method for catching them is using baited drop nets or crab pots, with fish heads or chicken carcasses often used as bait.

The best time to catch Blue Swimmer Crabs is usually during the warmer months, as they tend to move into shallower waters to breed. Early morning or late afternoon, particularly during high tide, are optimal times for crabbing.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for bag and size limits. 

Dhufish

Dhufish, a highly sought-after species in Western Australia, are known for their size and flavour. They inhabit rocky reefs and prefer deeper waters. Their diet includes small fish and crustaceans. Anglers often use baits like squid, octopus, or fish fillets, and jigs can also be effective. For Dhufish, sturdy medium to heavy tackle is recommended due to their size and strength. The best time to target Dhufish is during the warmer months, and they are often caught during the day, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits. 

Bonito

Australian Bonito, found in Western Australian waters, are known for their speed and agility. They feed primarily on small fish and squid. Effective methods for catching Bonito include trolling with small lures or baitfish, as well as casting metal lures or soft plastics. Medium to heavy tackle is suitable for handling their powerful runs and fast strikes. The best times to target Bonito are usually during the early mornings or late afternoons.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for bag and size limits. 

Samson fish

Samson Fish are powerful and highly prized by sport fish. They feed on smaller fish and squid, typically found in deeper offshore waters, around reefs, and near wrecks. 

For catching Samson Fish, methods like jigging with heavy metal lures or using live baits such as squid or small fish are effective. Heavy tackle is necessary due to their size and strength. The best time to target Samson Fish is during the warmer months, and they are often most active during the early mornings or late afternoons.

Check the Recreational Fishing Rules for size and bag limits.

Salmon Fishing in Dunsborough

One of Western Australia’s most exciting fishing experiences is the annual salmon run. Thousands of anglers flock to WA’s southwest region each year between March and April to try their hand at salmon fishing. 

Normally, Australian salmon reside along the southern coast, but they combine to form large schools as they migrate to the warmer waters of the South West to spawn each Autumn.

If you want to join in the salmon run excitement the best spots are the beaches around Eagle Bay, Bunker Bay and Castle Rock, but keep in mind they can get super busy during the salmon run. Keep an eye out for dark patches that look like clumps of seaweed or heaps of bird activity to easily spot salmon schools.

The best setup for salmon starts with a strong rod and line. If you’re using bait go with fish like mackerel, bluebait and pilchards or try a bit of squid. However, the most popular technique is lure fishing. Salmon aren’t too picky – they’ll go for soft plastics, metal lures, surface lures and diving lures. Be sure to bring a range of sizes and styles along to try out.

Best time to go fishing in Dunsborough

The best time to go fishing in Dunsborough largely depends on the targeted species. Generally, early mornings and late afternoons are prime times, coinciding with fish feeding periods. Seasons also play a crucial role; warmer months are ideal for beach fishing, while cooler waters during autumn and winter are better for species like salmon and tailor. Additionally, tide changes, especially incoming tides, can enhance fishing success.

Dunsborough Rock Fishing Safety

There is some great rock fishing around Dunsborough but it’s important to keep safety in mind as it can be a highly dangerous sport. Here are some general safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never fish from the rocks alone 
• Always wear a lifejacket (PFD)
• Wear non-slip shoes
• Wear lightweight clothing
• Use anchor points if available

Visit Royal Life Saving Western Australia for more rock fishing information and safety advice. 

Where to Buy Bait and Tackle in Dunsborough

If you’re in need of bait and tackle in Dunsborough there are some good local options:

• Access Fishing: Located at 1 Clark Street
• Dunsborough Outdoor Sportz: Located in Dunsborough Park Shopping Centre

More Weekend Inspiration

If you’re looking for more great fishing in Western Australia, be sure to check out my other fishing guides:

• Ultimate Guide to Fishing in Margaret River in 2024: Best Spots, Tips + More!
• The Complete Guide To Fishing In Augusta
• Complete Guide to Fishing in Busselton in 2024: Spots, Varieties + More
• The Complete Guide To Jurien Bay Fishing in 2023: Spots, Varieties + More
• The Complete Guide To Fishing In Cervantes

Last words on fishing in Dunsborough

Dunsborough in Western Australia’s South West is a fantastic destination for anglers of all levels. With its diverse range of fish species and scenic fishing spots, it offers a unique and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned fisher or just starting, Dunsborough’s waters promise both challenge and enjoyment. So grab your gear and head down south for an unforgettable fishing adventure in one of Western Australia’s most beautiful coastal towns. Happy fishing!

Recommended: