Gladstone fishing revolves around its expansive harbour and a vast estuary behind Curtis Island, extending to the mouth of the mighty Fitzroy River.

There is a mix of tropical and temperate saltwater species to be had.

Relatively large tides are a feature of the area.

Anglers enjoy access to numerous tidal rivers and creeks, usually abundant with fish, prawns, and mud crabs.

Consecutive wet years tend to improve the fishing in the estuaries.

Big barramundi and threadfin salmon are regularly caught around Gladstone, particularly near the Fitzroy side of the harbour.

The harbour also offers a diverse catch, including jewfish, grunter, fingermark, pikey and yellowfin bream, cod, queenfish, golden trevally, and coral trout. Seasonal visitors include mackerel and longtail tuna.

Flathead, bream, blue salmon, and whiting thrive in the flats and creeks. Beaches and nearby islands yield high-quality whiting (summer and winter varieties).

Offshore, anglers target a mix of southern and tropical species at close spots like Rock Cod Shoals.

In deeper waters (40m+), red emperor and nannygai are common, along with other Great Barrier Reef species.

Gladstone’s detailed nautical charts mark popular fishing spots like Rock Cod Shoals, making them easy to locate. Shallow inshore reefs are ideal for emperor, redthroat emperor, coral trout, and southern pink snapper, alongside pelagic species such as yellowtail kingfish, cobia, and Spanish mackerel.

Estuaries feature coexisting southern and northern jewfish, as well as southern and northern bream. For whiting fishing, Southend Beach, Farmers Point, Facing Island’s inside, and Jenny Lind Creek offer superb opportunities.

Freshwater anglers will find Lake Awoonga an excellent barramundi impoundment, alongside redclaw crayfish. Other freshwater fishing spots include Lake Tondoon, Lake Callemondah, the Railway Dam, Wilmott Lagoon, and the Calliope River’s upper reaches.

Lake Awoonga’s barramundi occasionally escape during floods, boosting harbour fishing opportunities. Tagged wild barramundi from the Fitzroy River have also been caught in Gladstone Harbour, showcasing the species’ migration patterns.

Land-Based Fishing Spots

While fishing from shore, remain mindful of saltwater crocodiles in Gladstone waters.

Power Station Hot Water Outlet: Target warmth-loving barramundi in winter using heavy gear. Located off Hanson Road, turn left before the bridge.

The Marina: A hotspot for coral trout, mangrove jacks, barramundi, and trevally.

Auckland Creek: This tidal inlet offers jetties and wharves where you can catch barramundi, blue salmon, queenfish, mangrove jacks, cod, and trevally. Cast nets work well for bait like sardines and prawns.

Lilleys Beach: Known for whiting (summer and winter), blue salmon, queenfish, flathead, bream, and mackerel. A permit is required to drive on this beach.

Benaraby Bridge: Great for barramundi, blue salmon, flathead, and trevally. The south bank has a free camping area.

The Narrows: Barramundi, salmon, and bream are best caught on the upper tide.

Turkey Beach: Offers fishing for various species. A boat is recommended for better access to nearby Jenny Lind Creek, a top-notch whiting fishery.

Gladstone hosts the annual Boyne Tannum Hookup, a major fishing competition.

Fishing in Gladstone

Seasons

Fishing is primarily tropical, with barramundi activity peaking in warm weather, considering Queensland’s tidal water closed seasons. Jacks, mud crabs, and prawns are best in summer, while pink snapper and nannygai shine in winter.

Tides and Weather

With tides exceeding 5m, fishing drain mouths during low tides can be effective. Smaller tides suit trolling and pelagic fishing, while larger tides favor reef fish offshore.

Bait and Tackle

Heavy gear is essential for jewfish and reef fish, with fresh bait preferred. Lure fishing works well for barramundi, requiring 15kg braid due to the potential for big catches. Lighter tackle is suitable for spinning.

Here is a list of recommended tackle for the north.

Gladstone Tides |
Lake Awoonga |
QLD Dam Levels |
QLD Fishing Regulations |
QLD Marine Parks |
GBRMPA Marine Parks |
Return to Queensland Fishing Map

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