How to Australian Salmon: Complete Guide to Techniques, Gear, and Locations

This in‑depth guide is designed for anglers across Australia who want to understand Australian salmon in detail. It covers identification, behaviour, habitats, seasons, gear, techniques, and handling. The aim is to preserve all of the information from the comprehensive original outline while presenting it in a coherent, readable style suitable for a WordPress blog. Key terms and concepts are emphasised with strong tags to improve search engine visibility.

Species Profile

Quick Identification

The Australian salmon family comprises two main species: the Eastern Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta) and the Western Australian Salmon (Arripis truttaceus). Despite their name, these fish are not true salmon; they belong to a group of marine perchlike fishes. In New Zealand the Eastern species is known as “kahawai,” while in Australia both species are colloquially referred to as “Aussie salmon,” sometimes with nicknames such as “bay trout” or “black back.”

These fish have an elongated, streamlined body built for speed. Their back is dark blue‑green, fading to a silvery white belly. The pectoral fins are bright yellow, a handy distinguishing mark in the surf. Juveniles often display golden bars or blotchy spots along their sides; as they grow, these marks break up and the body colour deepens. They have a forked tail that provides thrust for their fast swimming and relatively smooth scales compared with other coastal species. Another similar species, Arripis georgianus (known as the “herring” or “tommy ruff”), has rougher scales and a smaller size, which helps differentiate it from Australian salmon.

In terms of size, Australian salmon vary greatly depending on age, region and food supply. On average, anglers catch fish between 30 cm and 50 cm that weigh a kilogram or two. However, during peak season or in locations with abundant bait, it is common to encounter much larger specimens measuring 60–80 cm and weighing 4–5 kg. The Western species is renowned for larger fish, with individuals up to 80–90 cm and 8–9 kg recorded. Rare kahawai from the South Pacific have even exceeded a metre and weighed more than 10 kg. This size variation means you should be prepared for everything from small “salmon trout” to trophy‑sized bruisers, all of which deliver a powerful fight relative to their size.

Why Target This Species

Australian salmon provide accessible yet exhilarating sport for anglers. They often gather in large, visible schools close to shore, which means beginners can hook them without needing a boat or specialist knowledge. At the same time, even small fish are strong fighters that make blistering runs and spectacular jumps, so experienced anglers find them challenging and rewarding. This combination of ease and excitement makes them a perfect target for anglers looking to develop their surf and light‑tackle skills.

Culinary value is not the primary reason most people chase Australian salmon. The flesh is dark, oily and has a strong flavour. Many anglers release them or use them as bait for larger predators like mulloway, sharks or tuna. That said, they can be enjoyable eating if handled correctly: bleeding and icing immediately after capture is essential to remove blood from the flesh and improve taste. Smaller fish (30–40 cm) are considered the best table fish, and their flesh is often smoked, brined, made into fishcakes or used in curries where the strong flavour is masked by spices.

One of the most exciting reasons to target Australian salmon is their seasonal runs. Huge schools migrate along the southern coastline in late autumn and winter. On the west coast the run typically starts around Easter and peaks in April and May when fish gather to spawn and feed intensively. On the east coast, fish move northwards during winter then head south again. These runs draw thousands of anglers to surf beaches each year because they offer non‑stop action when the fish are schooling and hungry. Outside of the runs, resident schools and juveniles can be caught year‑round in bays, estuaries and rock platforms, but the concentration and predictability of the winter run make it a highlight of the fishing calendar.

Behavior and Feeding

Hunting Pattern

Australian salmon are highly active and voracious predators. Unlike ambush hunters that hide and wait, they are pursuit feeders. They roam open water in search of prey, often working together in schools to corral baitfish. When a school finds a bait ball, they will drive the prey towards the surface and attack in coordinated bursts. On the surface, this feeding frenzy manifests as boiling water, splashing fish and diving birds; the scene can be spectacular and is a sure sign for anglers to cast lures into the melee.

The feeding activity of Australian salmon is closely linked to tidal movement and light levels. They can feed at any time of day if there is plenty of prey, but experienced anglers note that dawn and dusk, especially when combined with a running tide, are the most productive periods. As tides rise and fall, water movement stirs up baitfish and triggers the salmon to hunt. During the incoming tide, bait is carried closer to shore; salmon follow the food and push right up into surf gutters. As the tide turns and begins to fall, the fish often go on a final feeding spree before dispersing. Slack water around the peak of high or low tide is generally slower, though salmon may still feed deeper if bait schools are present.

These fish are rarely solitary. Adults travel in schools that can number from dozens to thousands of fish. Small juveniles form their own schools in bays and estuaries, often separate from the adult fish. The sight of a huge, dark patch in the surf or a line of seabirds diving repeatedly in one area usually indicates a large school of salmon. During their seasonal migrations the schools can be several hundred metres across and extend for kilometres along the coast, making them impossible to miss when they appear.

Primary Diet

Where and When to Find Them

Key Habitat

Australian salmon are coastal fish that favour turbulent, oxygen‑rich waters. Their preferred haunts are ocean surf beaches, rocky headlands, current lines and mouths of estuaries where waves and currents mix and baitfish congregate. The constant wave action in these areas stirs up prey and provides cover from predators.

On sandy beaches, salmon tend to patrol just beyond the breakers in deeper channels known as gutters. Surf beaches often have sandbars separated by these gutters; the fish cruise along the deeper troughs and dart into the shallows when bait is present. Identifying the location of gutters is key: look for darker coloured water running parallel to the shore, flanked by lighter coloured sandbars. Salmon may also sit at the edges of rips (where water flows back offshore), as baitfish are often swept through these rips. Casting along the gutter and into the outflow of rips can yield good results.

Rocky headlands, points and breakwalls provide structure and create current eddies that trap bait. Salmon use these features as ambush points, especially where deep water meets shallow ledges. Casting from high rock platforms into foaming whitewater or deeper channels can produce excellent catches. Man‑made structures such as harbour breakwalls, jetties and groynes can also attract schools when currents funnel bait along their length. Care must be taken when fishing these areas due to slippery rocks and swell.

Salmon are not confined to shallow water. In warm months or outside the main runs, they may hold in depths of 20–50 m offshore, particularly around bait schools and reefs. Boats and kayaks can be used to find these deeper fish, trolling or casting lures around headlands, reef edges and current lines. In southern Australia, large schools sometimes hold just outside the surf line; if you see birds working or fish slashing the surface, cast beyond the breakers to reach them. On the flip side, during cooler months they can be caught in very shallow water. On some beaches anglers literally catch them in ankle‑deep water as they ride incoming waves in pursuit of bait.

High‑probability zones vary across the country. On the west coast, famous salmon beaches include Salmon Holes near Albany and numerous surf beaches along the south coast from Esperance to Cape Naturaliste. In South Australia, the Coorong beaches and Yorke Peninsula are well‑known salmon hotspots. Victoria’s coastline offers productive surf along the Ninety Mile Beach, Discovery Bay, and beaches near the entrance to Port Phillip and Western Port Bays. On the east coast, salmon can be found from the South Coast of New South Wales up to southern Queensland, with hotspots including beaches around Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay, Narooma and further north around Coffs Harbour during winter. Tasmania also sees strong salmon runs on its northern and eastern coasts. Within any region, local knowledge and observation of bird activity, bait schools and beach structure are essential to pinpoint the best fishing spots.

Fishing Calendar

The timing of your salmon fishing trips is arguably the most critical factor for success. Although Australian salmon can be caught at any time of year, their seasonal migrations concentrate fish and create spectacular fishing opportunities.

Late autumn and winter are the premier months. In Western Australia, the run generally begins around March as fish migrate from offshore waters towards the south coast to spawn. The peak is usually in April and May, when massive schools hug the beaches and surf anglers line the shore. After spawning, some of these fish drift eastwards across the Great Australian Bight; by June and July they appear in South Australian waters and continue into Victoria and Tasmania. On the east coast, fish move northward to southern Queensland in late autumn and winter, following cool currents and bait. They remain in New South Wales and Queensland waters through winter before migrating back south in spring.

Outside of these runs, resident populations persist in many areas. Juvenile “salmon trout” remain in bays and estuaries for their first few years, providing year‑round sport. On the west coast, isolated schools linger near headlands and reefs in summer and early autumn. In Victoria and Tasmania, local fish can be caught along the surf beaches and around port entrances at any time, although numbers are far smaller than during the winter run. East coast anglers may find salmon in headland gutters and rocky coves through much of the year, particularly where baitfish are abundant.

The fish’s movements are influenced by water temperature. They prefer cool, temperate waters between about 14 °C and 21 °C. When summer heat pushes surface temperatures into the mid‑20s, they may retreat into deeper, cooler water or move south. Conversely, an upwelling or cold front that brings nutrient‑rich cold water close to the coast can attract schools inshore even in summer. Monitoring local water temperatures, following fishing reports, and noting when the first schools are sighted each season will help you time your trips to coincide with peak numbers.

Optimal Conditions

A successful salmon trip often hinges on hitting the right combination of tide, time of day and weather conditions. Anglers commonly agree that moving water is essential: fish feed actively when currents are pushing bait around. The late incoming tide through the first part of the outgoing tide is often the prime window. During the flood tide, baitfish are drawn in toward the shore; salmon follow them into gutters and around headlands. As the tide turns and starts to drop, the water picks up speed, and salmon frequently go on a feeding binge. Slack water at dead high or dead low tends to slow fishing, though some fish may still be caught deeper or on bait.

Time of day is equally important. Dawn and dusk are typically the most productive periods. In low light salmon are less wary, prey tends to move closer to the surface, and the fish feed aggressively. On overcast days or with a light sea mist, the bite can extend longer into the morning or start earlier in the afternoon. Conversely, bright mid‑day sun often pushes baitfish deeper and makes salmon more cautious, although they will still strike if there is plenty of food.

Weather conditions play a significant role. A light to moderate onshore wind creates a manageable surf that stirs up bait without making the water too dirty. Whitewater and foam hide the presence of the fish and disorient the bait; salmon are more likely to strike a lure or bait presented in this turbulent mix. Too much wind and swell can make fishing difficult and churn the water into a murky soup; in these conditions, natural baits with strong scent may outperform lures. Clear to lightly coloured water is generally best for lure fishing because salmon rely heavily on sight. Many seasoned anglers also observe that a falling barometer before a storm can trigger strong feeding activity, making the day or hours before a front an excellent time to be on the beach. By contrast, a slow, high barometer and calm, clear conditions may see fish more lethargic.

Gear and Techniques

Recommended Setup

Your choice of gear for Australian salmon fishing should be tailored to where and how you plan to fish. A versatile setup for most shore‑based situations is a medium‑weight spinning outfit. A surf or spin rod around 9 ft to 10 ft (2.7–3.1 m) with a rating of 4–8 kg (20–60 g casting weight) allows long casts over surf breakers while still being light enough for extended use. Pair this with a 4000–5000‑size spinning reel with a smooth drag. Spool with 15–20 lb braided line for thin diameter and long casting distance. Attach a 15–20 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament leader about a rod‑length long to provide abrasion resistance when the line rubs against sand or rocks. Braid offers sensitivity and better casting, but some anglers prefer mono for its stretch in heavy surf; a short length of mono backing or a shock leader can reduce the stress of repeated casting.

In heavy surf or when using large natural baits, scale up your gear. A longer 11 ft to 12 ft rod rated to cast 30–100 g will help heave bigger baits into deeper gutters and keep your line above the breakers. A larger 6000–8000‑size reel spooled with 20–30 lb mono or braid provides the extra strength needed to handle strong currents and large fish. For rock platforms where you must lift fish up to the ledge, a stout rod and heavier line (30 lb) are recommended.

For calmer bays, estuaries, piers or boat fishing, you can downsize. A 7 ft to 8 ft rod with a 3000–4000‑size reel spooled with 10–15 lb line is sufficient, especially when casting smaller lures at juvenile salmon or working around structures where accuracy is more important than distance. Some enthusiasts enjoy ultralight setups for the sport of fighting smaller salmon trout, using 6 lb to 8 lb braid and matching rods; this is fine in protected waters but not recommended when large fish or heavy surf are likely.

Regardless of setup, it’s wise to carry a selection of rigs and terminal tackle. Long shank hooks from size 2/0 to 4/0 are used for natural baits like pilchards and bluebait. Ganged hooks (multiple hooks joined together) ensure a good hook‑up on whole fish baits. For surf rigs, a running sinker rig or a two‑hook paternoster rig with droppers keeps the bait off the bottom and in the strike zone. Snap swivels allow quick lure changes and reduce line twist from spinning metals. Always check your drag setting: set it tight enough to drive hooks home but loose enough to let the fish run without breaking the line.

Effective Baits and Lures

Natural baits remain a top choice when targeting Australian salmon, especially when fish are feeding heavily on bait schools and may ignore artificial lures.

Pilchards, either whole or cut, are arguably the most effective bait. Rig a whole pilchard on a set of three or four 3/0–4/0 ganged hooks. Thread the bait so that the hooks are evenly spaced along its body; the bottom hook sits near the tail and the top hook near the head. Attach the hooks via a running sinker rig with a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom in the surf, or use a paternoster rig to present the bait off the bottom. The oily flesh of pilchards sends a strong scent trail and the natural appearance is irresistible to salmon.

Squid strips are particularly useful in heavy surf or when smaller fish are picking softer baits. Slice the squid hood into long, slender strips. Rig a single 4/0 hook through one end so that the strip flutters naturally in the current. Salmon are attracted to the movement and scent of squid. A good tip is to tenderise the squid with a mallet to soften the flesh slightly; this increases the fluttering action. Squid also appeals to other surf species like tailor and gummy sharks, so you may catch a mixed bag.

A live bait option for trophy fish is to present a live mullet, herring or small salmon on a strong single hook. Keep the live bait near the surface under a float or balloon or sink it to mid‑water with a running sinker. This technique is more specialized but can produce the largest fish when a big predator is on the prowl.

Lures offer versatility, allowing anglers to cover water quickly and target fish when they are actively feeding. Some of the most effective lures include:

Metal slices and spinners: These lures are a staple for salmon anglers. Choose weights from 20 g to 60 g based on wind and surf conditions. Popular models such as the Halco Twisty, Spanyid Raider or Gillies Baitfish have a slender profile and emit plenty of flash. The basic retrieve is simple: cast as far as possible, let the lure sink for a second or two, and wind in at a medium to fast pace. Vary your retrieve speed and pause occasionally to let the lure flutter; often fish strike just as the lure drops. Metal slices are excellent for covering large areas of water and reaching fish feeding beyond the breakers.

Soft plastic jerkbaits: Soft plastics in the 3 inch to 5 inch range are deadly on salmon. Curl‑tail grubs, paddle‑tail shads and jerk minnow profiles in colours like white, pearl, silver, pilchard blue or anchovy green work well. Rig them on a 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz jighead with a strong hook. One effective retrieve is the “burn and pause”: cast out, allow the plastic to sink a little, retrieve with a few fast cranks to make the plastic dart, then pause and let it flutter down. Salmon often hit on the pause, thinking the lure is an injured baitfish. Soft plastics are especially effective when fish are feeding mid‑water or are wary of metals. Their softer, lifelike feel can make the difference on tough days.

Surface and diving hardbodies: Surface lures provide thrilling visual strikes. Poppers and stickbaits between 70 mm and 120 mm worked with a sharp, popping action or a walking retrieve will draw fish to the surface when they are busting bait. Colours should mimic common prey – white, clear, silver or a pilchard pattern. Diving minnows or bibbed lures in the 50 mm to 100 mm range are excellent for trolling behind a boat or casting when fish are deeper. Brands like Rapala, Nomad and Halco produce salmon‑proven models. Select a diving depth that matches where fish are feeding. Some anglers cast diving minnows from shore; use a steady retrieve with occasional twitches to trigger strikes.

Hybrid lures, flies and teasers: Salmon will also take spinnerbaits, inline spinners, metal jigs worked vertically and even large streamers or saltwater flies. When fish are feeding on tiny bait or krill, a small fly or spinner can “match the hatch.” Teasers, such as a surf popper or feathered hook tied above the main lure, add flash and vibration to attract salmon from a distance. This simple addition can double your chances if fish strike the teaser before the main lure.

Fishing Techniques

The technique you use depends on where you fish and whether you use bait or lures, but there are common principles.

Surf casting and spinning is the most popular approach. Stand on a beach or rock platform facing the likely holding water – typically a gutter, rip or the edge of a salmon school. Launch your lure beyond or across the target zone. Immediately engage the reel and begin your retrieve. For metals, a steady medium to fast retrieve usually works, but vary the speed and insert occasional pauses or twitches. For soft plastics, use a burn‑and‑pause or lift‑and‑drop technique. Keep the rod tip up slightly to control the lure and detect hits. When a salmon strikes, maintain tension and keep reeling; the fish may run hard and change direction unpredictably. Bring the fish in on the wash of a wave rather than fighting it against the current. When bait fishing, cast your rig into a gutter, set the rod in a holder or hold it, and wait for the rod to load up. Use the surf to help you land the fish, but be prepared for last‑second bursts of energy as the fish nears shore.

Shore jigging is a variant of lure casting that targets fish holding deeper. Use a heavier metal jig or soft plastic on a weighted head. Cast out, let it sink close to the bottom, then retrieve with a jigging motion: lift the rod to hop the lure off the bottom, then let it fall and repeat. This technique is useful when salmon are holding in deeper troughs or around reef edges, or when the water is too rough for surface retrieves. It also works from boats when fish are beneath the vessel.

Float fishing and fly casting are finesse methods. In calmer bays, estuaries or around structure, suspending a pilchard cube or strip of squid under a float keeps the bait in the mid‑water where salmon and other species like tailor and trevally can find it. Fly fishers use large Clouser Minnow or Deceiver patterns on 8–9 wt rods, casting into schools or along drop‑offs. When salmon are feeding on small krill or whitebait, a small fly presented on the surface can be deadly. Working a fly with quick strips and pauses mimics an injured baitfish and entices a strike.

Trolling is effective when fishing from boats or kayaks along headlands and in bays. Troll small diving minnows or spoons at 5–6 knots behind the boat. Run your lures 15–30 metres behind the boat to prevent spooking fish. Once a fish is hooked, mark the location and circle back to cast lures or baits to the school. Trolling also helps locate salmon when they are not feeding on the surface – keep an eye on your sounder for bait schools and look for bird activity.

Pro tips that make the difference: learn to read the beach. Identify where gutters and rips lie by observing the colour and movement of the water. Darker water usually indicates depth; white patches show shallow bars. Many beginners cast as far as possible, but salmon often feed surprisingly close to shore. Try casting to different distances, including right in front of you. When using lures, vary your retrieve until you find what works – sometimes a slow, steady wind is better than a fast one, or short, sharp jerks trigger a reaction bite. Adding a small surf popper or teaser above your bait increases visibility and draws fish from further away. Always keep your hooks razor sharp; salmon have tough mouths, and a dull hook will not penetrate properly. Set your drag so it gives line on a hard run but provides enough resistance to hook the fish. Avoid jerking the rod when a fish jumps; instead, lower the rod tip slightly to reduce the chance of pulling hooks.

Catch and Handling

During the Fight

Once hooked, Australian salmon display strong, powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. They will often race towards the open sea then suddenly change direction, making them a test of rod control and drag settings. Keep your rod tip up at roughly 45 degrees and maintain a steady tension on the line – this helps absorb the fish’s lunges and head shakes. If the fish makes a long run, let it, and use the reel’s drag to tire it. Reel quickly if the fish swims towards you to avoid slack line and a thrown hook. When the fish nears the beach or boat, be ready for a final dash: salmon often make a last‑second sprint or jump when they see shallow water. Do not attempt to drag them across dry sand; instead, work them onto a breaking wave and let the receding water wash them up.

Common mistakes include setting the drag too tight, which can lead to a broken line or pulled hooks; allowing slack line, which lets the fish shake free; and lifting the rod too high over your head, which reduces your leverage and risks breaking the rod. Avoid trying to muscle a fish in quickly. Take your time, especially with larger specimens, and enjoy the fight. If fishing from rocks, ensure you have a long‑handled net or gaff and a safe landing spot. Do not try to hoist a large salmon up a high rock face on light tackle.

Catch and Release

Australian salmon are resilient, but proper handling ensures they survive to fight another day. If releasing, minimize the fish’s time out of water. Wet your hands before touching the fish to prevent removing its protective slime. It is best to unhook the fish in the water if possible. If you must bring it up the beach or onto rocks, do it quickly and return the fish promptly. Support the fish with both hands – one near the tail and one under the belly – when lifting for a photo. Avoid squeezing the gills or midsection. If the fish has swallowed the bait deeply, do not rip out the hook; cut the line as close as you can to the mouth. The hook will rust away and the fish has a better chance of recovery. To revive the fish, hold it facing into the current or in the gentle surf and move it back and forth to get water flowing over its gills until it swims away strongly.

You can increase survival rates by using single hooks instead of trebles on lures; single, barbless hooks are easier to remove and cause less damage. Pinching down the barbs or filing them down is a simple modification. Circle hooks for bait fishing tend to hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce deep hooking. Avoid dragging fish across dry sand or rocks, as this removes their protective mucus and damages scales. By following these practices, you help maintain the salmon fishery for future generations.

For Consumption

If you decide to keep your catch, humane dispatch and proper storage are essential for both ethics and eating quality. Kill the fish quickly with a sharp spike to the brain (just behind the eyes) or a firm blow to the head. Then bleed the fish immediately by cutting the gill arches or making a slit at the throat. Allow the blood to drain for a couple of minutes; this greatly improves the flesh quality by removing blood and reducing the “fishy” taste.

After bleeding, place the fish in an ice slurry (a mix of ice and seawater) or on plenty of ice. Cooling the fish quickly prevents the flesh from spoiling and keeps it firm. If possible, gut the fish soon after bleeding, especially if you are not eating it that day. Removing the innards slows bacterial growth and extends shelf life. At home, fillet or butterfly the fish and prepare it promptly. Because Australian salmon have an oily, strong‑flavoured flesh, many anglers prefer to smoke or brine the fillets, which complements the flavour and keeps them moist. Alternatively, remove the skin and any dark flesh and use the meat in fishcakes, curries, patties or soups where the flavour is tempered by herbs and spices. By following these steps, you can make the most of your harvest and appreciate the salmon as more than just a sportfish.

References

Victorian Fisheries Authority – Australian Salmon Species
NSW Department of Primary Industries – Australian Salmon Species
PIRSA (South Australia) – Australian Salmon Species Profile
Western Australian Recreational Fishing Rules – Australian Salmon
Fishing Tasmania – Australian Salmon Species Page
Fish.gov.au – Eastern Australian Salmon Stock Report (2023)