South Australia is one of Australia’s best fishing destinations, with more than 3,000km of coastline, countless jetties and beaches, productive estuaries and the mighty Murray River all offering excellent opportunities to wet a line.
Whether you’re travelling in a caravan, motorhome or camper trailer, you’ll never be far from a great place to fish. From chasing King George whiting on the Yorke Peninsula to surf fishing for mulloway along the Coorong, these are some of the best fishing spots in South Australia to add to your next road trip.
The best fishing spots in South Australia include the Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide’s metropolitan beaches, the Limestone Coast and the Murray River. Each region offers different target species, from King George whiting and squid to salmon, mulloway and Murray cod relatives such as golden perch (callop).
| Region | Best for | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Yorke Peninsula | Jetties & boats | Whiting, squid, garfish |
| Eyre Peninsula | Offshore & surf | Salmon, kingfish, mulloway |
| Fleurieu Peninsula | Surf fishing | Mulloway, salmon |
| Adelaide Metro | Easy access | Squid, crabs, whiting |
| Limestone Coast | Beach fishing | Salmon, mulloway |
| Murray River | Freshwater | Callop, redfin, carp |
South Australia’s diverse coastline and inland waterways are home to a wide range of popular recreational fishing species, making it a fantastic destination whether you’re casting a line from a jetty, beach, boat or riverbank.
One of the state’s most sought-after catches is the King George whiting, prized for its excellent eating quality and found in many coastal areas, particularly around the Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula. Squid (southern calamari) are another favourite, especially around jetties and seagrass beds, while garfish are common in sheltered bays.
Surf anglers often target Australian salmon, particularly during the cooler months when schools move along the beaches. If you’re chasing a trophy fish, mulloway can be found in estuaries, surf beaches and parts of the Coorong, although they require plenty of patience and the right conditions.
South Australia’s sheltered bays are also famous for blue swimmer crabs, which are popular during the warmer months and can often be caught using drop nets from jetties.
Away from the coast, the Murray River offers freshwater fishing for golden perch (callop), redfin and the introduced European carp.
Snapper are also found in South Australian waters, although seasonal closures and fishing restrictions may apply in some regions, so always check the latest regulations before targeting them.
Before heading out, always check the latest recreational fishing rules, including size and bag limits, seasonal closures and any local restrictions, as regulations can change throughout the year.
Yorkes is an extremely popular choice for Adelaidians to go for reliable fishing in South Australia. There are excellent spots for boating or wading in the shallows and great jetties which regularly produce the goods. Squid, flathead, whiting and garfish can all be caught here. If the month you’re in has an ‘r’ in it, it’s also time to net some blue swimmer crabs.
It’s only a 30-minute drive from one side of the peninsula to the other, so you can choose where to fish depending on the weather conditions. My top tips would be to try Moonta Bay, Edithburgh, Port Hughes and Stenhouse Bay in Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park.
Boaties can fish for big thumping whiting near Wardang Island off Port Victoria and at Port Vincent.
Adelaide’s reasonably sheltered metro waters are generally calm for boaties. In addition, with over 20 beaches, there are plenty of boat ramps along this part of the coast. You’ll also find dozens of jetties in this region of South Australia to try your luck fishing for a feed of fish, crabs and squid.
Freshwater fishers can catch bream, salmon trout and mullet, amongst other species in West Lakes and the Onkaparinga River.
Another fishing haven is the Eyre Peninsula and the far west coast region of South Australia. There are well-known salmon fishing spots at Locks Well, Talia and Sheringa beaches near Elliston, and you can also catch mulloway and kingfish at various beaches along the west coast.
My picks for the most reliable jetties would be Whyalla, Streaky Bay, Fowlers Bay, Haslam and Cowell. Try Farm Beach or Coffin Bay if you’re a boaty.
South of the metropolitan beaches is the Fleurieu, where you can drive onto Goolwa Beach and try to land a big mulloway with surf fishing gear. Follow this stretch of beach for around 10 kilometres and you’ll reach the mouth of the Murray River. Fishing here in the mouth of the Murray River in South Australia can also score you salmon trout and Coorong mullet.
Parsons Beach and Waitpinga (or Waits to the locals) are also popular surf fishing spots. Try Rapid Bay, the Bluff at Victor Harbor or Second Valley Jetty for jetty fishing.
The southeast region of the state includes the Coorong, Australia’s longest beach, which stretches for 194 kilometres. Surf fishing and beach camping is popular in this hot spot of South Australia, with salmon and mulloway being the species most sought after for the brag photos. Other popular spots are Beachport and the Glenelg River.
Robe and Beachport are big cray fishing areas, so I’d be tempted to leave it to the professionals and buy some freshly caught crayfish (lobster) in season from October to May.
For freshwater fishing and a great way to get kids involved in the pastime, try anywhere along the length of the Murray River in South Australia.
Unfortunately, the pest European carp are still prolific but they are exciting and easy for kids to catch. Just don’t return them to the water, as it’s against the law. Other fish you may catch are redfin or callop.
Before casting a line, it’s important to familiarise yourself with South Australia’s recreational fishing regulations. Unlike some other Australian states, you don’t need a recreational fishing licence to fish in South Australia, making it an attractive destination for visiting anglers.
However, there are still rules you must follow. Most species are subject to size limits, bag limits and possession limits to help protect fish stocks for future generations. Some species may also have seasonal closures or additional restrictions depending on where you’re fishing.
If you’re planning to fish within a marine park, be aware that some sanctuary zones prohibit all forms of fishing. These areas are clearly marked on official maps and signage, so it’s worth checking before you head out.
The easiest way to stay up to date is to download the SA Fishing app or visit the South Australian Government’s recreational fishing website before your trip. Regulations can change, and checking the latest information will help ensure you’re fishing legally while protecting South Australia’s outstanding fisheries.
There isn’t a single “best” fishing spot in South Australia, as it depends on what you want to catch. The Yorke Peninsula is renowned for King George whiting and squid, the Eyre Peninsula offers excellent offshore and surf fishing, while the Coorong and Fleurieu Peninsula are popular for mulloway and Australian salmon. The Murray River is the top choice for freshwater fishing.
No. Recreational anglers do not need a fishing licence to fish in South Australia. However, you must still comply with size limits, bag limits, seasonal closures and any local fishing restrictions.
Fishing is possible year-round, but the best time depends on the species you’re targeting. King George whiting and squid are popular throughout much of the year, Australian salmon are often caught during the cooler months, while blue swimmer crabs are generally more active during the warmer months.
Yes. Many of South Australia’s best fishing spots are easily accessed from beaches, jetties and breakwalls, making them ideal for caravan and RV travellers without a boat. Popular jetties can be found throughout the Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula and around Adelaide.
South Australia’s most popular recreational fishing species include King George whiting, southern calamari (squid), garfish, Australian salmon, mulloway, blue swimmer crabs, golden perch (callop), redfin and European carp, depending on where you’re fishing.
Absolutely. South Australia offers thousands of kilometres of coastline, excellent fishing opportunities and plenty of caravan parks, campgrounds and beachside camping options. Many of the state’s best fishing destinations are easily reached by caravan, camper trailer or motorhome, making it a popular road trip destination for anglers.
