The Blackwood River is the longest river in Western Australia’s south-west.
It is also the only south-west river to historically maintain an annual flow, with trout and redfin in the upper reaches.
The lower river forms Hardy Inlet, a large shallow estuary.
The inlet is fed by the Blackwood and Scott Rivers.
A dinghy gives access to the inlet’s bream, spotted and yellowfin whiting, tailor, salmon, herring, trevally, flathead, cobbler, herring, mullet, flounder, prawns and blue crabs.
The estuary is something of a nursery, so an abundance of little fish can be a problem.
The Blackwood River’s source is near Kukerin, about 500km from the sea entrance.
The tidal section of the river has big bream, along with quality yellowfin whiting in the estuary, but light tackle and fresh or live bait is a must to fool them.
The trick to catching the big bream is often just getting past all the little ones.
Try using lures or fishing at night.
Sea-run trout are a chance in the lower river in late winter and spring, but the river has mostly redfin in the upstream section, as well as cobbler (freshwater catfish).
Trolling the lower river usually produces tailor and juvenile salmon, with some large herring at times, and occasional skippy.
Tidal water extends to Schroeders Weir, about 50km from the mouth.
Bream fishing extends as far as Warner Glen (Chapman Pool) about 40km upstream of the mouth, but is usually better downstream around Alexandra Bridge (25km).
Bream move upstream in summer. Heavy rain will push most marine fish downstream.
Mulloway are a chance in the lower river.
Trout are around Darradup, Jalbarragup, Nannup and Wrights Bridge, but the fish can be hard to find. Rainbow and brown trout are caught.
Eulin Crossing is a popular access point.
The Blackwood River is an attractive location that is popular with kayakers.
Weed can be an issue in the estuary at times, and Hardy Inlet has been affected in recent times by water quality issues related to local land use, check the latest situation locally when planning a trip.
Hardy Inlet tides
Augusta-Margaret River coastline
WA fishing regulations
WA marine parks
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