Mooloolah River

Mooloolah River Guide

Fishing for estuary and sport fish on the Mooloolah River in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast area is very good. The types of fish you can catch are dusky flathead, bream, whiting, mangrove jack and trevally. The best time of year for catching dusky flathead and bream is from late spring until autumn, whereas whiting are most active during the warmer months. The best time to target Mangrove jack is from late spring until summer, and trevally are most numerous between spring and early autumn. If you plan your visit to coincide with these seasons, you should increase your chances of success.

The most suitable places for land-based fishing are La Balsa Park, the rock walls at the river mouth, and the Mooloolah River Marina, all of which provide public access. La Balsa Park has a large parking area nearby, along with facilities and simple walking paths leading to the riverbank. At the [Mooloolah River mouth(/qld/mooloolah-river-entrance/) and along the rock walls, parking is available in assigned areas, but this can become limited during busy periods. At the marina, public parking is available, but fishermen should look out for any restrictions that may be posted concerning fishing from particular pontoons or private berths.

Popular Fishing Locations:

River Mouth and Rock Walls:

There are good chances of catching bream, whiting and flathead, especially when the tide is coming in.

La Balsa Park:

It is a popular and easily accessible fishing location situated directly opposite the marina.

Mooloolah River Marina and Pontoons:

This gear is well suited for catching large bream, trevally, and flathead when using soft plastics or live bait. Both the Nicklin Way Bridge and the Kawana Way Bridge span canals which are known to hold mangrove jack during the warmer months. To get to the Nicklin Way Bridge, go east along Nicklin Way from the Mooloolaba area; there are fishing spots underneath the bridge and also close to the pylons on both the northern and southern sides. The Kawana Way Bridge is accessed by travelling south along Kawana Way from the river mouth, with parking available nearby and easy access to the canal banks. Mangrove jack are present around these bridge structures during the warmer months, and schools of fish gather around the pylons.

Tips and Techniques

Bait and Lures:

Frozen prawns, yabbies, or live herring can all be used. You can buy bait from local tackle shops and service stations near the river, so it is convenient to pick some up before your journey. Near the pontoons, light 2.5-inch paddle-tail soft plastics and prawn imitations work well.

Tides:

The best opportunity for catching a fish is when you fish at the time of the tide change. While there is a difference of opinion regarding the specific areas upstream where fishing is most successful, it is generally agreed that better results are obtained by avoiding soft plastics around boats moored at jetties.

It is important to check the latest fishing regulations, such as the size and bag limits for each type of fish, and to note any species that are protected in the area, so that you may fish responsibly and avoid being fined. Since regulations can change, it’s a good idea to check the Queensland Fisheries website or look at the local signs before going on your trip.