As one of Victoria’s fishing hot spots, the fertile seas and rivers in Portland and along the Discovery Coast offer a wealth of opportunities for keen fishers.
Whether you prefer game fishing, river fishing or surf fishing there are plenty of productive waters well stocked with Salmon, King George Whiting, Snapper, Mulloway, Tailor Trevally, Garfish and Kingfish.
The Fitzroy, Surry and Glenelg Rivers along with Yambuk and Bridgewater Lakes, are popular destinations for local fishermen, whilst those with a boat can relax in a safe harbour, which also boast protection from westerly weather during summer.
The harbour is buoyed by one of the busiest boat ramps in Victoria.
In January one of the hottest types of fish is the shallow line sizzling Yellow Tail King Fish.
Mulloway are certainly a sight for sore eyes and they taste fantastic. Sharks such as makos and thresher are renowned for their line ripping and jumping out of the water antics, while blue sharks and gummies, bronze whalers and schoolies are also prevalent in our seas.
Morwong, blue morwong, snapper and coral perch are just some of the true smorgasbord of fish caught in the waters of the Discovery Coast in summer. There are plenty of torpedo squid and usually good runs of calamari squid.
Fishing licences are essential in Victoria and can be purchase from Bait and Tackle shops, service stations Service Stations, Caravan Parks and the Post Office. They are available form 24 hour licences to annual licences depending on your needs.
Portland And Glenelg Shire Boat Ramps
Main Town Ramps
There are two boat ramp launching sites in the harbour. Near the Yacht Club there are two ramps and 4 lanes in total with 4 fish cleaning tables and designated parking for around 26 vehicles and trailers. Further north past the Visitor Information Centre is the new boat ramp with 4 lanes and 8 fish cleaning tables with designated parking fro 70 vehicles and trailers, and an overflow parking area for around 100 vehicles and trailers. The fish weighing station is located at the northern boat ramp. Users can contact the permitted operators listed to inquire about use of the station.
Portland Fishing Club
Portland Bait and Tackle
Complete Angler
Portland Coastguard
Local Port of Portland Bay
All their phone numbers are listed by the scales.
The Portland Bay Marina has paid berths available for boats ranging from small trailer boats to large ocean going cruisers and yachts. Information on boating facilities is available on the Glenelg Shire Website under the Local Port of Portland Bay Phone 03 5522 2141.
Bridgewater Launch;
Launching from the beach at Cape Bridgewater is available. 4wd is advisable.
Bridgewater Lakes Launch;
Can be found at the Aquatic Club, by the fresh water lakes.
Dutton Way Launch;
Wally’s Ramp is located on the corner of Fergusons, Beach and Huxley Roads. There is a small parking area located at the top of this ramp. The ramp is partially concreted bit 4wd is advised for launching from this ramp. Small to medium boats are suitable for this ramp.
Fitzroy River Launch;
This launch is found on Thomson Road west of Tyrendarra. This launch is only suitable for small boats. the launch has multiple camping areas within close proximity providing good facilities. Camping at the ramp is prohibited.
Glenelg River Launch”s;
There are multiple launches located along the Glenelg River with seven different sites scattered along the river between Nelson and Winnap, there will be one suited for your boat. The largest is located on Old Bridge Road alongside the nelson River Cruise boat. This is a solid concrete ramp. Moving up the river access becomes more limited with four wheel drive use best for ramps past the Isle of Bags Road ramp.
Henty Bay launch;
Located at the Henty Bay Caravan Park into the northern side of Portland Bay. This is a sealed ramp available for use by tenants/ paying guests in the Park.
Narrawong Launch;
This launch is for small boats and is located at the Narrawong Camping Reserve allowing launching into the Surry River.
Nelson Launch;
Launch into the Glenelg river by the kiosk. This is a concrete ramp with parking available.
What You Can Catch – Boating
Spring
Species Location Baits
Snapper South Lawrence Rocks 60 M. D. Pilchard & Squid
Gummy & South Lawrence Rocks 60 M.D. Pilchard & Squid
School Shark
Flathead Bridgewater Bay Pilchard & Squid
Mowong Cape Nelson 60 M. D. Pilchards
Sweep Cape Nelson Prawns
Pike Lawrence Rocks Trolled Lures
Summer
Snapper North Shore Pilchards
Whiting North Shore Pippies
Yellowtail North Shore Live Squid
Gummy Shark Julia Reef Salmon Fillets
Mako Shark Cape Nelson 60 – 120 M. D. Tuna Fillets
Thresher Shark North Shore Pilchard & Squid
Flathead East of Lawrence Rocks Blue Bait
Pike Lawrence Rocks Trolled Lures
Autumn
Blue Fin Tuna Continental Shelf Skirt Lures
Snapper Julia Reef Pilchards
Pike Lawrence Rocks Trolled Lures
Flathead Bridgewater Bay Fish Fillets
Mako Shark Cape Nelson Fish Fillets
School Shark Cape Nelson Squid Heads
Whiting Point Danger Pippies
Winter
Blue Fin Tuna Bridgewater – Cape Nelson Lures
Mako Shark Point Danger Tuna Fillets
What You Can Catch – Land Based
Spring
Mulloway Narrawong Beach Squid Heads
Salmon Bishops Rocks Blue & White Bait
Snapper Lee Breakwater Squid & Pilchard
Gummy Shark Narrawong Beach Mullet & Salmon Fillets
Bream Fitzroy & Surrey Rivers Prawns & Shrimp
Summer
Snapper Snapper Point Pilchard & Squid
Whiting Lee Breakwater Pippies
Silver Trevally Harbour Reclaim Pippies & Prawns
Mulloway Narrawong Fish Fillets
Yellowtail Lee Breakwater Live Squid
Shark Narrawong Pilchards
Garfish North Shore Prawns
Autumn
Snapper North Shore- Lee Breakwall Pilchards
Salmon Pivot Rock Wall Whitebait
Whiting Trawler Wharf Pippies
Haddock Lee Breakwall Chicken Fillets
Mackeral Lee Breakwall Pippies
Bream Trawler Wharf Shrimp & Prawns
Winter
Salmon Blacknose White Bait
Haddock Lee Breakwall Chicken Fillet
Mullet Canal Sand Worm
Bream Canal Prawns
Silver Bream Harbour Reclaim Pippies & Prawns