Brisbane is blessed with almost year-round fishing and thousands of kilometers of beautiful coastlines, beaches, estuaries, bays, mangroves, and some genuinely outstanding offshore fishing along the Great Barrier Reef, but how do you choose the best fishing spot? Knowing where to concentrate your efforts is not always easy with so many fishing locations.
If you’re planning a fishing trip in Brisbane, you need to know the best fishing spots, and in the following guide to Brisbane, Queensland, fishing locations, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
In the following guide to the Best Fishing Spots in Brisbane, we’ll cover:
If you live in Australia or you’re planning a fishing adventure around Australia, be sure to check out Top 12 Fishing Spots in Sydney: A Complete Guide, where we cover everything there is to know about the best fishing spots in Sydney.
Fishbox App is a premium Fishing Forecasting app that gives you access to advanced technology, including the best time to go fishing in New South Wales and when you’re better off relaxing at home with a good book or cleaning out your tackle box.
Top 10 Best Fishing Spots in Brisbane
If you’re planning the perfect Brisbane fishing trip, then below are 10 fantastic Brisbane fishing spots you can’t afford to miss out on! Blessed with almost perfect year-round weather, the fishing spots below genuinely are just one of hundreds of different fishing locations where anglers can cast a line and catch a fish.
Hornibrook Bridge | Brighton
Hornibrook Bridge is located a quick 30-minute drive from the Brisbane CBD, which makes it a prime destination for anglers based in or near the city. Although the bridge has primarily been demolished now, with only the main pylons standing, there are plenty of fantastic underwater fish structures.
The bridge is located close to where the Pine River mouth meets Bramble Bay, and thanks to the abundance of currents, some of the fish species you can expect to catch include Bream, Flounder, Whiting, Tailor, and Flathead. Early morning or late evening will be the best time to hit up the bridge, with plenty of shore-based angling locations.
Bribie Island | Moreton Bay Area
Located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, Bribie Island is home to a huge variety of fish species just waiting for anglers to target. Don’t let the name fool you. Bribie Island is fully accessible by car, so you won’t need a boat to get there.
The Pumicestone Passage is the large canal that separates Bribie Island from the mainland and is a highly targeted area by local anglers. However, within that passage, there’s a small no-fishing area close to Long Island.
Some of the fish species you can expect to catch around Bribie Island include Flathead, Bream, Dart, Jewfish, Snapper, Cod, Perch, Trevally, Parrot Fish, and much more.
Shorncliffe Pier
The Shorncliffe Pier is a quick 30-minute drive from the heart of Brisbane’s CBD and the perfect sunrise and sunset fishing location. Measuring over 350 mt long, Shorncliffe Pier is one of Brisbane’s longest fishing piers, so even during the peak fishing times, there’s normally a quiet place to fish.
Like a lot of pier fishing, you don’t need to cast miles away from the pier. Instead, try fishing close to the pier for popular species, including Bream, Tailor, Flathead, Squid, Whiting, and Garfish.
Wellington Point Jetty
Wellington Point Jetty is a scenic 40-minute drive from Brisbane’s bustling CBD and the perfect location for a relaxing and often productive fishing session. Jutting out into the ocean directly off the end of the Wellington Peninsula, the jetty is a great way for shore-based anglers who don’t have access to a boat to get out into the sea.
When the tide goes out, adventurous anglers can even explore the beaches of nearby King Island but don’t get stuck there when the tide starts coming in. Some of the fish species you can expect to catch around Wellington Point Jetty include Tailor, Snapper, Squid, Bream, and Flathead.
Kookaburra Park | Karana Downs
Kookaburra Park is a lot closer to the CBD than you think, being a quick 20-minute drive out of the city. Located on the Brisbane River, Kookaburra Park is a perfect family fishing destination with plenty of easy fishing locations, along with BBQ areas, parks, and picnic areas that feature tables and quick access to public bathrooms. Some of the popular fish species caught around Kookaburra Park include Mud Crabs, Catfish, Flathead, Mullet, and Bream.
Breakfast Creek | Newstead
Just 10 minutes out of the city at Newstead, Breakfast Creek is home to some spectacular fishing opportunities. You can try your luck around Newstead Park or set up on the jetty located close to the creek mouth.
If you plan on fishing at Breakfast Creek, early morning or late evening on a high tide will be your best opportunity. Some of the more abundant fish species on offer in this area include Threadfin Salmon, Flathead, Bream, Mangrove Jack, Jewfish, and Jackfish.
Nudgee Beach Reserve
If you don’t mind a quick 25-minute drive out of the city, Nudgee Beach Reserve is a great place to fish and includes sandy beaches, wetlands, and waterways. It’s close to parks and is also dog-friendly, so you can bring the family along with you for the day.
For kayak anglers, there’s even a dedicated kayak launch area to make getting your kayak in and out of the water a lot easier. Some of the fishing species on offer around the reserve include Flathead, Trevally, Bream, and Whiting.
Mud Island | Moreton Bay
This destination will require a little planning as it’s about one hour from the city CBD and also includes a 45-minute ferry trip. However, the fantastic saltwater fishing on offer is well worth it for anglers willing to put in a little work.
Early morning and late evening are the best times to try your luck at Mud Island, so bring a headlamp along with you or a torch so that you can see what you’re doing in the dark. Some of the species on offer include Bream, Long Tail Tuna, Crabs, Mackerel, and Tailor, just to name a few.
Brisbane River
Just minutes from the CBD, the Brisbane River offers anglers kilometers and kilometers of different fishing environments. You can choose to fish from the shore, or if you have access to a boat or kayak, get out on the water and explore everything the Brisbane River has to offer.
Some of the most exciting fish species in the Brisbane River area include Sharks, Catfish, Bream, Flathead, Jewfish, Threadfin Salmon, Snapper, and much more!
Cabbage Tree Creek
Located a leisurely one-hour drive south of Brisbane’s CBD, Cabbage Tree Creek is a relaxing fishing location perfect for anglers who prefer a little more peace and quiet while they fish away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Along the bank of the creek, close to where the creek meets the large bay, is the best place for anglers to try their luck with a variety of different fish species on offer, including Estuary Cod, Flathead, Whiting, Bream, Squid, and Tailor.
Secret Fishing Spots in Brisbane
While the locals keep their favorite Brisbane fishing spots close to the chest, there are a few more secret spots or less frequented fishing spots close to Brisbane where anglers can escape the larger crowds and cast a line. During the peak fishing season and tourist season, for those anglers sick of rubbing shoulders and untangling lines, one of the spots below might be worth trying out.
Manly Boat Harbor | Rock Wall
About 40 minutes from the CBD is Manly Harbor and its impressive rock wall. There are a couple of different places to fish along the wall, close to the entrance, or near one of the concrete walkways. Because the rock wall itself juts out into deeper water, anglers have the opportunity to catch some great fish.
Late evening or night is the best time to fish the rock wall, and some of the common species caught in the area include Flathead, Trevally, Cod, Mackerel, Bream, Whiting, Snapper, and the occasional Shark.
Colmslie Recreation Reserve
When you take the short drive to Colmslie Recreation Reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to fish from one of the large fishing pontoons or jetties scattered around the reserve. There are plenty of local amenities, including BBQ areas and bathrooms close by, so you can bring the family along for a fishing trip.
Early morning and late evening into the night are the most productive times to fish Colmslie Recreation Reserve, and the commonly caught species include Mullet, Bream, and Catfish. Bring a torch or headlamp if you’re fishing in the dark, and don’t forget your insect repellant.
The Gateway Bridge
Bridges, especially the Gateway Bridge, are always home to some fantastic fishing thanks to the bridge columns and the excellent underwater fish habitat they provide. Fishing the Gateway Bridge is best done at the turn of the tide because the tidal currents can be extremely strong.
Land-based anglers fishing underneath the Gateway Bridge can expect to catch Mulloway, Mangrove Jack, and Threadfin Salmon, and if you fish for a night, your chances of landing one of the large Mulloway that live in the area will be much higher.
Wynnum Jetty
One of the biggest advantages of Wynnum Jetty is that it gives anglers a lot more access to deeper waters compared to many of the other jetties. However, if you want to secure yourself in one of the best spots on the jetty, you’ll need to get there early. Early morning is prime time at Wynnum Jetty, with popular species caught, including Trevally, Flathead, Bream, and Whiting.
FAQ Section
In this section, we’re going to look at some of the most frequently asked questions anglers have when fishing in and around the Brisbane area to make your next Brisbane fishing trip a little bit easier.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Brisbane?
According to the Queensland Government website, anglers who are fishing recreationally in Queensland don’t require a fishing license. However, if you want to fish in one of the state-managed stocked compounds, then you will need to purchase a fishing license. The easiest way to ensure you’re fishing in a license-free area is to do a quick check online if you’re unsure.
What is the best time of the year to go fishing in Brisbane?
Brisbane is fortunate to enjoy almost year-round great weather, so depending on what fish species you’re targeting, there’s no bad time to hit the water in the sunshine state. Beach fishing in winter is great, and during the wet season in summer, a lot of fish move closer to where the saltwater hits the freshwater. It all depends on what species you’re chasing and where you’re fishing.
Are there any restricted fishing areas in Brisbane?
Pretty much anywhere you can cast a line in Brisbane, including the beach, bay, river, estuary, or ocean, you can go fishing. However, that being said, there are some areas close to industrial structures, maritime wharves, and private property where you can’t access fish. These areas are generally either fenced off or sign-posted, which will clearly identify them as closed to the public or fishing restricted. If you’re unfamiliar with an area, the best thing to do is do a quick online search, and if that doesn’t turn up any results, try to speak to someone in the area where you’re interested in fishing.
What are the best baits to use when you’re fishing in Brisbane?
Some of the best baits to be used in Brisbane include Prawns, Mullet, Squid, Herring, and shellfish, but the bait you choose to use should depend on the species you’re targeting and where you’re fishing.
What are the best methods to catch fish in Brisbane?
Anglers in Brisbane are really spoiled for choice when it comes to where they fish, with hundreds of excellent fishing locations and how they fish. Shore-based anglers have access to hundreds of easily accessible fishing locations, and having access to a boat or kayak opens up even more possibilities. When it comes to fishing techniques, spinning with lures or jigging with soft plastics works extremely well, along with trolling from a boat. Bait fishing is extremely productive, but try to match your bait to what the fish in the target area are used to feeding on.
What type of fishing is on offer to anglers around the Brisbane area?
Because of the fantastic weather and northern location of Brisbane, relative to the rest of the east coast of Australia, anglers are really spoiled for choice when it comes to the type of fishing they want to enjoy. There’s not a lot of pure freshwater fishing, but there is some fantastic beach, river, estuary, and ocean fishing available. If you don’t have access to a boat, or you’re just visiting, one of the many local fishing charters is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy all the exciting fishing action that Brisbane has to offer.
The Best Fishing Spots in Brisbane: A Comprehensive Guide | Conclusion
There you go! Everything you wanted to know about the best fishing spots in Brisbane, including the top 10 fishing spots around Brisbane, secret spots known to local anglers, FAQs, and much more! You’ll be experiencing some of the best fishing in Brisbane, Queensland, in no time at all.
Before casting your first bait or lure, familiarize yourself with the local season, size, and bag limits, along with any licensing requirements. The last thing you want to do is run into any trouble because you didn’t take five minutes to brush up on local regulations. It’s the small things we do as responsible anglers that set us apart and ensure that future generations of anglers will get to enjoy the same, if not better, fishing opportunities we all enjoy today.
The premium fish forecasting application, Fishbox App, will put you in the perfect position to catch some great fish by analyzing local weather and water conditions and input from local anglers. The Fishbox App utilizes accurate weather, tide, and fishing conditions to predict the best time to get out on the water to catch your target species.
Do you have some top fishing spots in Brisbane that you’re willing to share with other anglers, or do you have advice you’d like to share? Drop a comment below! We love hearing your thoughts and feedback, and we’re sure new anglers will appreciate it.
