Beyond just being a holiday paradise on WA’s famed Turquoise Coast, Jurien Bay is known for having amazing and easily accessible beach and offshore, some amazing Jurien Bay fishing spots.
From iconic Jurien Bay Jetty under the night-time floodlights to plentiful beach fishing spots and headlands north and south to epic high quality offshore fishing to the west, the little hamlet of Jurien Bay has something for every angler.
Only 220kms from Perth, Jurien Bay is an amazing option for metro fishers looking for a high-quality fishing destination and beachside getaway. The coastal stretch either side of Jurien Bay, between Green Head 30 minutes north, to Cervantes 25 minutes south, offers many prime beach fishing spots.
You should think about heading out offshore too, where you’ll be richly rewarded with many reefs and islands teeming with marine life most of the year.
Take your boat, or hire one, or take one of the Jurien Bay fishing charters on offer in the Jurien marina. Allowing a pro to put together a day of fishing for you is a great idea, as they are experts on the different Jurien Bay fishing spots and what’s going to be biting where.
They also make reeling in the big one easier by setting you up with the reels, tackle and baits you’ll need, which is handy even if you’re not a beginner!
To help, we’ve put together a list of the best beach fishing and offshore Jurien Bay fishing spots, so you’ll know a little bit more about what to expect, and when is the best time for a trip to Jurien Bay.
Beach fishing in turquoise waters at Jurien Bay. Image credit: Tourism Western Australia.
The Jurien Bay Marine Park extends from Green Head, north of Jurien Bay, down to Cervantes, and is a mecca for diverse and special marine-life and water-based recreational activities.
The Marine Park spans an extensive limestone reef system parallel to the shore, off the Jurien Bay coast. This system of reefs has created a huge shallow lagoon that provides the perfect habitat for Jurien Bay sea lions, dolphins and a huge variety of marine life and fish.
Inside the reef are extensive seagrass meadows which rock lobsters, octopus and cuttlefish call home. In the centre of the Marine Park are several ecologically-important islands home to some rare and endangered animals, not to mention great fishing spots.
Fishing is the name of the game in most of the Marine Park, but there are a few sanctuaries and scientific reference zones to be aware of, and some restrictions on spearfishing, crabbing, rock lobster fishing and netting in some areas.
Check out the Jurien Bay Marine Park Visitor Guide for details.
For recreational fishing in the Jurien Bay area, you’ll need to observe some rules put out by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Double-check their Visitor Guide to Jurien Bay Marine Park, but generally, line and boat fishing is permitted unless signposted otherwise, with a few exceptions offshore.
Tip: Check with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to find out about bag limits and other fishing regulations, or download the WA Recreational Fishing Guide.
It’s a great idea also to download the Marine Park WA app, which has a handy feature which tells you exactly where you are in the Marine Park and where you can and can’t fish, along with other useful information.
Download the app here: Apple
For the most common Jurien Bay fishing species, you’ll want to equip yourself with some metal slices and poppers, along with some simple natural and baitfish coloured swimbaits. A pretty standard set up and these will stand you in good stead.
A regular beach rod up to a medium is generally all you’ll need. If you are targeting something bigger, either from land or offshore, you’ll need to upgrade accordingly.
The local Jurien Bay tackle shops will look after you and are a great local knowledge resource too!
Fishing boats in Jurien Harbour. Image credit: Tourism Western Australia.
The new Jurien Bay Jetty, finished in 2011, is a very popular family fishing spot, and not to mention right on Jurien Bay Tourist Park’s doorstep. The jetty is close to Jurien Bay city centre with easy parking, the beach and all the amenities of the public Dobbyn Park and redeveloped foreshore.
Another perk is its relative protection from the southerly winds, making it regularly an extremely pleasant spot to fish, no matter if they’re biting or not.
You don’t even have to venture further than the jetty to find amazing things to do in Jurien Bay.
There’s a surprisingly large number of species caught off the jetty. Here you’ll be hauling in:
The best time for fishing off the Jurien Bay Jetty:
There’s good fishing to be had here all year round, and you’ll be rewarded by getting there early in the morning, or by sundown and into the night.
In summer (making it a perfect Christmas travel destination) the jetty is a great family spot for hooking Snapper, Mulloway, Samson fish and Tailor.
Jurien Bay is ideal for boaters thanks to the great launching ramps (4 in total) inside the sheltered Jurien Bay Harbour marina. It’s an excellent basis for a day on the water, and even has all the handy amenities like fishing-specific cleaning tables and bins.
Right inside the marina and around the rock walls you’ll be nabbing yourself some Tailor, especially in summer.
With so many great fishing spots nearby, what more could an angler ask for?
The best time to head out is going to be during dawn and dusk hours. Fishing around the marina you’ll expect to catch;
The best time for fishing at Jurien Harbor:
Sunrise until mid-morning.
The Herring tend to be especially good in the evening around the Jurien Harbor area, and the mornings and evenings in the cooler months will be less windy also.
In summer at Jurien Bay, the local FADs (fish aggregating devices) attract plenty of dolphinfish (of course), some fast Wahoo and the occasional Marlin.
Along the marina rock walls, Tailor are almost always biting, especially in summer.
In the summer months, the crabbing in the marina is excellent.
Being easily accessible it can get busy on long weekends, especially Easter.
Fishing at Essex Rocks, off Jurien Bay. Image credit: Turquoise Safaris Jurien Bay.
The before-mentioned high-quality sheltered harbour, marina and boat launches open up the accessibility to a day on the water experiencing the fantastic offshore fishing on offer at Jurien Bay.
While you can often nab yourself a fish over 1 metre long just by beach fishing or surf fishing, maybe even the jetty, but heading offshore will dramatically increase your chances.
Smaller boats can aim for some of the great secluded and sheltered spots around the islands just to the south; Boullanger, Tern Island, and Favorite Islands are excellent.
If you’d like to go deeper you’ll get even more variety of coral fishing options.
Offshore anglers at Jurien Bay can target:
Venture further out and the reefs really present something special. Spanish Mackerel can be found out at the back, in the deeper waters there’s even more variety.
Offshore in the deeper waters, you’ll likely lure:
Time to go:
Spanish Mackerel migrate off the Jurien Bay coast in the months between December to April, making it a great time to head offshore.
Summer also sees Spanish and Shark Mackerel turning up at the reefs’ edge.
Like most areas in the Jurien Bay Marine Park Tailor are prominent in Summer.
Remember: The waters east of Boullanger Island is a Sanctuary and no-fishing zone. For more information ask at the Jurien Bay Visitor Centre.
Green Head offers some shallow water beach fishing options but really is mainly known for its great major public boat launching facilities and the surrounding deeper offshore fishing options that are easily accessible. Some warmer currents come through off Green Head, bringing with it some tropical species of fish.
When to go:
When the weather is good a small boat is all that is needed.
Targeting the drop-offs around the reefs, especially in summer can be rewarding.
Dongara to the north offers some deeper water close to shore, and scenic Point Louise is a popular land-based spot providing plenty of Tailor and Whiting.
Most of Greenhead fishing spots produce:
Offshore at Green Head, you can target:
4WD on Hill River Mouth Beach Image credit: http://fishwrecked.com/forum/hill-river-0
South of Jurien Bay is Hill River, between Jurien Bay and Cervantes. The river is small but fishes well. If you’re equipped with a 4WD head south down the Hill River to the beach and river mouth.
Here you’ll find on offer some sizeable Tailor, as well as:
Group fishing charter. Image credit: Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience
Near town, south-west of Jurien Bay, Island Point is a nice spot to wet your line, only 7 minutes’ drive from Jurien Bay Tourist Park. It’s at the end of short Lesueur Drive, an easy unsealed road. Turn right (heading south) down Dryandra Boulevard off Highway 60 Indian Ocean Drive. There’s a carpark at the end and rocks.
Here at dusk and dawn, you can expect to chase:
About 1.5km offshore from Island Point you’ll spot Boullanger, Whitlock and Escape Island nature reserves. These islands afford some great diving and sheltered anchorages.
25 minutes north of Jurien Bay, down the tracks off Sandy Cape Road via Indian Ocean Drive is North Head, accessible by 4WD only. The point has a sense of isolation and provides some glorious sheltered beach spots, rocky outcrops and reef fishing.
There is a well-preserved WWII radar installation which has two intact shelters, original foundations and an underground tank. There are also some great walking trails around the head. Refer to signage here also to avoid restricted fishing zones.
Anglers will target here:
Fishing at Milligan Island. Image credit: Tourism Western Australia
20 minutes north, or 5 minutes beyond the turnoff to North Point, is Sandy Cape. As it’s easily accessible, Sandy Cape can be a little busy.
If you do have a 4WD you can find a little more solitude along one of the nearby white beaches, between high and low tide, which also offer amazing swimming, snorkelling and sandboarding.
Just double-check for signage before taking out the fishing line as some restrictions are in place in certain spots.
Here you’ll be hooking:
About 20 minutes south of Jurien Bay, is a small fishing town called Cervantes.
Head to Cervantes for beach fishing on Back Beach, when there isn’t too much washed-up seaweed, fishing off the main jetty at all times - with the seals for company, or you can launch a boat and head out for some offshore fishing.
Small vessels can be launched at Cervantes. You can also beach launch a boat at nearby Hansen Bay.
All year round you can expect:
Offshore fishing off Cervantes you can expect:
The best time to go:
The best time to fish at Cervantes is early morning, late afternoon and into the night.
Can't decide where to stay?
Stay with Summerstar during your visit to Jurien Bay. With a range of modern holiday units and powered sites, Jurien Bay Tourist Park is the perfect accommodation option for fishing enthusiasts - only a quick walk to the beach.
What kind of fish can I catch in Jurien Bay?
Jurien Bay is home to a diverse range of fish species, including Dhufish, Pink Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Baldchin Groper, and Kingfish. Other common species include Tailor, Herring, and Salmon.
Are there fishing charters available in Jurien Bay?
Yes, there are many fishing charters available in Jurien Bay that cater to anglers of all skill levels. These charters offer a range of services, including guided fishing trips, fishing gear rental, and cleaning and filleting of fish.
What are some of the best fishing spots in Jurien Bay?
Jurien Bay offers many great fishing spots, both inshore and offshore. Some of the popular spots include the jetty, the beaches, the limestone reefs, and the islands. In particular, the Three Mile Reef, just offshore from Jurien Bay, is known for its excellent fishing for Dhufish, Pink Snapper, Baldchin Groper, and other species.
