Fishing and boating around Denmark WA
There are myriad choices for the serious fisherperson, as well as those who just like to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and maybe take the kids someplace safe where they can drop a line in - with the distinct possibility of catching something.
Fishing the Southern Ocean
When fishing from rocks, remember always to look out for the occasional
large wave washing over the rocks. The Southern Ocean along this coastline is known for king waves and caution is essential.
McGeary's Rock (Ocean Beach) is a popular fishing spot about 11 km south of Denmark, along Ocean Beach Road. (Drive past the main carpark, up the hill and take the second turn on the left.) Lots of species of fish are caught
here, including sand whiting, mulloway, skippy, sampson, herring and salmon. District Map East R6
Flat Rock (Ocean Beach)
Park in the main carpark at Ocean Beach and walk down to the beach, turning right towards the rocks and taking the track behind the rocks. A good place for skippy, silver bream, herring, sandwhiting and salmon. District Map East R6
Lights Beach allows for beach and rock fishing. Drive about 8 km along
Ocean Beach Road, turning right onto Lights Road for about 5 km before turning left to the beach. Species caught here are mainly skippy, herring, silver bream and an occasional salmon. District Map East Q6
Elephant Rocks (William Bay) is a good spot for King George whiting. Go west on South Coast Highway 14 km and turn left into William Bay Road. Turn left at the carpark, right after 50 metres and on into the carpark. Walk 500 metres along the marked trail to the Elephant Cove. District Map East O6
Waterfall Beach & Madfish Bay (William Bay) is the safest and prettiest
spot you could ask for. Turn left at the William Bay carpark and take the gravel road to Waterfall Beach and 1 km further along Madfish Bay. The beach is perfectly safe for swimming, and often herring, King George whiting, sand whiting, silver bream and
skippy are caught there. Large salmon can also be caught from February through to May.
It is not unusual to see very big stingrays
cruising around in the bay, looking for any tasty morsels they can pick up. If you are into snorkelling, then Greens Pool is the place to be. District Map East P6
Parry Beach (about 25 km west, along South Coast Highway) is a very popular place for beach
and rock fishing.
Take your 4WD along the beach and look for the good holes in which to fish.
Lots of species here, including herring, skippy, silver bream, salmon, salmon
trout and the chance of mulloway, samson fish or shark. If you have a boat,
it is possible to launch from Parry Beach, provided the wind is not too strong.
There is also a small area at Parry Beach for camping enthusiasts. Toilet and shower facilities are provided. Check with
the Denmark Shire (Ph 9848 0300) about camping fees. District Map West M6
Hilliers Beach on Parry Beach Road. Drive
past the holiday park turnoff, continue for about 300 metres then park and walk
down to the beach. Herring, skippy and sand whiting. District Map West M7
Boat Harbour (4WD only) is a another beautiful spot. About 29 km
west of Denmark, along South Coast Highway,
and then turning left and travelling 10 km along a rough track. A small protected bay where the kids can swim while Dad is fishing
from the beach or the exposed reef. All the usual varieties of fish, including small sharks. District Map West J7
Peaceful Bay 44 km west of Denmark, take
Peaceful Bay Road to the beach and then turn left onto the beach, for herring,
silver bream, whiting, salmon and rock species. District Map West E7
Conspicuous Beach 51 km west of Denmark
for herring, silver bream, sand whiting and salmon. District Map West C8
Ocean boat launching facilities
Ocean Beach - for the experienced only, it is possible to launch boats direct from Ocean Beach.
Whilst a boat launching ramp is not provided there, in suitable weather (not too windy) large boats can be launched straight from
the beach. If you are an experienced boatperson, the rewards can be endless. There are some very good fishing grounds out there and
there is also the distinct possibility you will see a pod of whales cruising very closely by your boat on their way north, in season. Also
be prepared for the odd, curious and playful seal to approach the boat, lay on its back, and watch you with those very big, brown eyes. District Map East R6
Madfish Bay - boats smaller than 6.5 metres may be launched in fair conditions and with care. District Map East P6
Parry Beach - recommended for boats over 6.5 metres. District Map West M6
Peaceful Bay- recommended for boats over 6.5 metres. District Map West E7
Fishing Wilson Inlet
Wilson Inlet is the place to fish if you have a boat.
This large inlet produces catches of cobbler (watch the spikes), King George whiting, snapper,
mullet, salmon trout, tailor and some very large flathead.
Bag limits apply in the inlet - King George whiting 10 per person (28 cm) and bay snapper 4 per person (28 cm).
Also, at certain times of the year, the inlet can be abundant with prawns and blue manna crabs. Not too
long ago a blue manna crab was caught in the inlet with a diver's watch (still ticking away) firmly grasped in its claw. True story!!
Wilson Inlet boat launching facilities
Rivermouth Caravan Park Inlet Drive. Inlet Map G5
Denmark River South Coast Highway, east of the traffic bridge. Town Centre Map
Poddy Shot off Minsterly Road. Inlet Map C12
The fishing spots are endless around Denmark and the surrounding areas, and this is just a small sample of some of the most popular
and most suitable for rock fishing, beach fishing, boating, and for families just wanting to have fun.
More information about beaches in and around Denmark WA
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