Discover the best fishing spots in Sydney today

Fishing in Sydney is more than simply a hobby; it’s a way of life. Sydney has a lot of different places to fish, like harbours, beaches, rivers and freshwater dams. This means that there is something for every style of fisherman. You can always catch something exceptional, whether you’re casting off the rocks, flicking a lure in the harbour or baiting up next to the Opera House. This article tells you where to find the best fishing spots in Sydney, what you may catch there and how to make the most of your time on the water.

1. Sydney Harbour – Bradleys Head to Clifton Gardens

Sydney Harbour is a great place to fish from land because the views are so beautiful. In the summer, the area between Bradleys Head and Clifton Gardens is a great place to catch bream, flathead, trevally and yellowtail kingfish.

Clifton Gardens is excellent for families because it has a big dock, a sandy beach, picnic spaces with shade and a public pool close. People who fish often get up early in the morning to get the best areas. In the winter, garfish and silver trevally are often captured near the surface.

2. Beulah Street Wharf—fish under the bridge

Beulah Street Wharf is a hidden treasure in the area, close to the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Even though it’s in the heart of things, it’s a pretty quiet location to fish. You can catch flathead, bream, trevally and even squid here when the tide is right. The best times to fish are in the morning and at sunset, when the tide changes.

3. Manly Dam – freshwater fishing in the north

Manly Dam is a great area to fish in freshwater in Sydney. There are redfin and carp in there, as well as native Australian bass and silver perch. It’s great for fly fishing or spending a quiet day with the family on the water with kayaks and lunches. There are bushland and walking pathways around the dam, so anyone who wants to see more of nature than just fishing can do so.

4. Hawkesbury River – the weekend escape

The Hawkesbury River near Brooklyn is a great area to fish from a boat. It’s only an hour’s drive from the CBD. You may easily catch flathead, bream, mulloway (jewfish) and blue swimmer crabs in deep channels, tidal inlets and island coves. Renting a small boat or cruiser for the day can help you reach to fishing places that are farther away and more rewarding.

5. Cooks River and Brighton-Le-Sands

The Cooks River, especially around Tempe and Wolli Creek, is a great place for fishermen in the inner west to go. You can catch flathead, mullet and bream here, especially near bridges and mangroves. As you get closer to the river mouth in Brighton-Le-Sands, the water gets deeper and more species can be found, like whiting, salmon and even a tailor now and then. The optimum times to fish the tides are early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

6. Parsley Bay – perfect for beginners

The little footbridge makes it easy to go to Parsley Bay, which is on the eastern side of the harbor. The sea is calm there. Trevally, leatherjacket, bream and even kingfish come to the rocky edges and wharf while they are running. Families and kids love it because the water is shallow and there are picnic areas.

7. Gordon’s Bay – for the reef fishers

Gordon’s Bay is a reef-rich paradise between Clovelly and Coogee where fishermen can cast from the shore into deeper reef structures. Snapper, blue groper and morwong are some of the most common fish caught. Local snorkelers also like to go to this region, so it’s better to fish early before the water gets busy. The Club Gordon’s Bay Fishing Club also helps bring together a group of friendly fishers in the area.

8. La Perouse

La Perouse is now one of Sydney’s most popular places to fish in the city because of the new wharf improvements and easy access. In the evening, schools of kingfish, squid and Australian salmon come to the region. People who live nearby say that getting there early, paying attention to the tides and fishing cleanly will help make the area fun for everyone

9. Long Reef – adventurous rock fishing

Long Reef is notable for its rocky platforms and deep-water drop-offs. It is located on the Northern Beaches. Snapper, yellowtail kingfish, blue groper and big tailor are all fish that experienced rock fishermen come here to catch. This place is excellent for fishing, but you need to be careful. Only fish here when the weather is calm and wear cleats or rock fishing gear to stay safe. Some places protect marine life, so make sure to check the restrictions before you cast.

10. Oatley Point Reserve – Georges River gem

Oatley Point Reserve is in the south, near Oatley. It has rocks and a beach that lead to Georges River and Oatley Bay. People who fish often catch flathead, bream and whiting off the rocky ledges. It’s a peaceful place to fish alone or with friends, surrounded by trees and natural bushland.

Common fish species and where to find them

Here’s a quick breakdown of what species you’re likely to catch depending on the location:

Location	Common catches
Sydney Harbour	Bream, flathead, trevally, kingfish, garfish
Manly Dam	Australian bass, silver perch, redfin, carp
Hawkesbury River	Flathead, bream, mulloway, crabs
Coastal rock platforms	Snapper, blue groper, tailor, squid
Estuaries and river mouths	Whiting, mullet, salmon, leatherjacket
Reef zones (e.g. Gordon’s Bay)	Snapper, morwong, reef species

Fishing suggestions for Sydney residents

• Fish with the tide: Incoming or outgoing tides usually work best.
• Know the rules: Check to see that your NSW recreational fishing licence is still valid.
• Eat safe: For safety reasons, don’t eat fish taken west of the Harbour Bridge.
• Pack light: Many of the better places are walk-in, so portable gear is recommended.
• Stay safe: If you’re going rock fishing, wear the right shoes and intend to fish with someone else.
• Respect the environment: Take your trash home, be careful with fish, and let go of anything you don’t want to keep protecting the environment.

Conclusion

Sydney has many great places to fish for all kinds of people, from beginners who want to catch bait fish to experts who want to cast lures. There are plenty of fun things to do when you’re out on the water, like catching bass at Manly Dam, squid at La Perouse or just taking in the view at Beulah Wharf.

So get your fishing gear, put on your hat and go to Harbour City to pick your next favorite fishing site. The fish are biting and the sights aren’t too terrible either.