Fishing in WA During Autumn and Winter: Why It’s Actually the Best Time to Go
When the weather starts cooling down in Western Australia, a lot of people assume fishing slows right down, but those who’ve been doing it for a while know that’s not the case. Autumn and winter can actually be some of the best times to get out on the water, with fewer crowds, more active fish, and some of the most exciting fishing of the year. If you’ve been packing away the rods once summer ends, it might be time to rethink that.
So, What Makes the Cooler Months So Good?
It really comes down to fish behaviour.
As the water temperature drops, a lot of species start moving closer to shore or into estuaries. They’re feeding more, migrating, and in some cases, showing up in huge numbers.
And then there’s the big one everyone looks forward to… The salmon run. Every year, massive schools of Australian salmon move along the WA coastline. If you’ve never seen it before, it’s something else. Birds diving, water boiling, and fish everywhere. It’s one of those moments that reminds you why you love fishing in the first place.
What Can You Catch?
One of the best things about fishing this time of year is the variety. You’re not stuck targeting just one species.
Australian Salmon: These are the stars of autumn. They usually show up between March and May and can often be caught straight off the beach. No boat needed, although having one definitely gives you more options. They fight hard, travel in big schools, and are perfect whether you’re experienced or just getting into fishing.
Tailor: Winter is tailor time. They’re great fun on light gear and pretty common along Perth metro beaches. Early mornings and late afternoons are your best bet.
If you enjoy a bit of action without heading too far, tailor are a solid option.
Herring: If you just want consistent bites and a relaxed session, herring are hard to beat. You’ll find them off jetties, beaches, and pretty much all along the coast. They’re also great if you’re fishing with family or just want something easy.
Pink Snapper: This is where having a boat really starts to shine. During the cooler months, snapper move in closer to reefs and become more active. They’re one of the more rewarding fish to target and definitely worth the effort.
Mulloway: If you’re up for a challenge, mulloway are a great winter target. They’re usually found in estuaries and along surf beaches, often at night. It takes patience, but landing one is always worth it.
Where Should You Go?
You’ve got plenty of options in WA, which is part of what makes it so good. Around Perth and down towards Mandurah, you’ll find salmon, tailor, and herring along the beaches. Head further south and the salmon fishing really picks up, especially along the South West coastline. If you prefer calmer water, estuaries and rivers are great during winter, especially for bream and mulloway. And if you’ve got access to a boat, offshore reefs open up a whole different level of fishing.
Why Having a Boat Changes Everything
Fishing from the shore is great, no doubt about it. But having a boat gives you freedom.
You’re not limited to where you can cast. You can follow fish, explore different spots, and get to reefs and deeper water where some of the better species are. It also makes those cooler mornings a bit more enjoyable when you’ve got the right setup.
At Chivers Marine we offer a mix of aluminium fishing boats, fibreglass offshore boats, and rigid inflatable boats, giving you options whether you’re fishing close to shore or heading further offshore. All our boats are built for performance, stability, and safety, which is ideal for WA’s changing conditions, from calm estuaries to rougher coastal waters. That means you can fish comfortably year round.
What Are the Conditions Like?
Fishing in autumn and winter isn’t as predictable as summer, but that’s part of the fun.
You’ll get cooler mornings, changing winds, and the occasional rough day. The key is timing. Early mornings are usually calmer, and keeping an eye on the forecast makes a big difference.
A Quick Word on Safety
This time of year, especially during the salmon run, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But conditions can turn quickly. If you’re fishing from rocks, be extra careful. Swell can build without much warning, and it’s just not worth the risk.
Beaches are often the safer option, especially when the fish are already within casting distance.
Autumn and winter fishing in WA doesn’t get talked about as much as summer, but honestly, it probably should. There’s something about those quieter beaches, cooler mornings, and the chance of hooking into something decent that makes it worth it.
Whether you’re casting from the shore or heading out in a boat, this time of year has a lot to offer. So instead of waiting for the warmer months to come back around, grab your gear and get out there. You might be surprised at how good it really is.
