West Lakes is a land-locked saltwater estuary system in Adelaide’s Western Suburbs which has great fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re land based or have access to a kayak, the solo fisho’ or taking the kids to wet a line; Tackle World Adelaide is here give you the essential shortcuts you need to have a successful days fishing at West Lakes.

We have got you covered for WHERE to go, WHAT fish species you can catch, and WHEN you can catch them!

The Map:

The map is zoned into sections to ‘break up’ the general areas to fish in West Lakes.

West Lakes for the most part has fairly consistent bottom structure throughout. Majority of fish species can be caught throughout the lake however, the best times to catch them can change depending on location.

Note: West Lakes does have some fishing access restrictions. The rule at the time of writing is:

• No fishing within 20m of a bridge.
• No fishing within 6m of private property (10m by kayak).
• No fishing zones are marked with yellow paint & ‘No-Fishing’ written in black.

Refer to this map by the Charles Sturt Council for land-based fishing access & rules. :https://www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/686323/Fishing-in-West-Lakes.PDF

Light Blue:

The Light Blue Section focuses on the Northern end of West Lakes including Bower Road, where West Lakes flushes out into the Port River.

Spot 1 is this water outlet which is open a few hours either side of low tide. Spot 2 is a sandy beach which includes a ramp for kayak & canoe launching. Spot 3 is a rock wall with a playground nearby, a great place to take kids fishing just in case the fish are not biting. Spot 4 is a well-known and productive area for kayak fishing.

Spot 1: Bower Road Outlet

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn

Salmon Trout – Winter – Low-tide

Mulloway – Summer – Night

Spot 2: Dotterel Reserve

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn

Mulloway – Summer – Night, Late afternoon

Spot 3: Settlers Drive

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn

Mullet – Autumn, Winter

Mulloway – Summer, Autumn – Night

Spot 4: The Bouys

Bream – Winter, Spring

Mulloway – Summer, Autumn

Magenta:

The Magenta Section includes 3 very accessible areas as parking is available within 25m of the water and the terrain is all concrete blocks or steps. This area is well known by regular fisherman as a big Mulloway hot-spot. Ensure you adhere to allowed fishing access when fishing at Spot 6.

Spot 5: Bartley Terrace Stormwater Drain

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn – after rain

Mulloway – Summer, Autumn – Night, after rain

Salmon – Autumn, Winter, Spring – Early morning

Spot 6: Bartley Bridge

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn – Late afternoon/evening best

Mulloway – Summer, Autumn – Night

Salmon – Autumn, Winter, Spring – Early morning

Spot 7: Heysen Reserve

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn

Mulloway – Summer, Autumn – Evening, Night

Mullet – Autumn, Winter

Flounder – Year-round occasionally

Dark Blue:

The Dark Blue Section has a variety of species on offer. Spot 8 has a sandy beach with the structure of a bridge nearby. Spot 9 has concrete steps and is another Bream & Mulloway hot-spot. Spot 10 is a sandy beach with a playground nearby. Spot 11 is another great spot to chase Mulloway from a kayak. Finally, Spots 12 & 13 are great places for kids with year-round target species and easy land-based access.

Spot 8: Corcoran Reserve

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn

Mulloway – Summer - Night

Mullet – Autumn, Winter

Flounder – Year-round occasionally

Spot 9: Fisher Place

Bream – Spring, Summer

Mulloway – Summer, Autumn

Spot 10: Tiranna Reserve

Bream - Summer

Garfish – Summer, Early Autumn – Early morning

Mullet – Autumn

Flounder – Year-round occasionally

Spot 11: Deep Bend

Mulloway – Summer

Spot 12: Sir John Marks Reserve

Bream – Year-round

Salmon – Winter, Spring

Mulloway – Year-round - Night

Spot 13: Powell Court Road Bridge

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn

Salmon – Winter, Spring

Mulloway – Year-round - Night

Squid – Autumn

Red:

The Red Section includes spot 14 which is a sandy beach that hosts rowing competitions/training on most weekends during the day, which is best avoided if possible. Spot 15 is a small area with great Bream fishing.

Spot 14: Oarsman Reserve

Bream - Summer

King George Whiting – Winter, Spring

Flathead – Year-round occasionally

Flounder – Year-round occasionally

Mullet – Autumn, Winter

Salmon Trout – Autumn, Winter, Spring

Spot 15: Martin Court

Bream – Spring, Summer, Autumn

Flounder – Year-round occasionally

Green:

The Green Section covers the inlet at Trimmer Parade (Spot 19). The inlet allows saltwater from the sea into West Lakes approximately when the tide height at Grange reaches 1.6m – 1.8m on an incoming tide. Be aware that the eastern side of the Inlet is a no-fishing zone. Spot 18 is a sandy beach in front of Scullers Reserve and is another great place to take kids fishing.

Spot 16: Scullers Reserve

Bream – Summer, Autumn

Mullet – Autumn, Winter

Garfish - Summer

Spot 17: Trimmer Parade Inlet

Bream – Year-round

Mulloway – Year-round – Late afternoon, Night

Salmon – Autumn, Winter, Spring

Mullet – Autumn, Winter

King George Whiting – Late Winter, Spring

Flathead – Year-round occasionally

Flounder – Year-round occasionally

Garfish – Summer – Early morning

Squid - Autumn

Hopefully, this location guide for fishing in West Lakes has given you an idea of where to go, what species you can catch, and when to fish for them. If you need further advice, or the right tackle drop in-store or call us! Our expert staff fish in West Lakes regularly, and are more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Tackle World Adelaide Metro
612 Port Road, Allenby Gardens, 5009 SA
(08) 8340 2277 

Check out our other Location Guides:

- Onkaparinga River: https://tackleworldadelaide.com.au/social/blog/onkaparinga-river-fishing-location-guide/

- Port River: https://tackleworldadelaide.com.au/social/blog/port-river-land-based-fishing-location-guide/