Werribee South River Entrance

Werribee South Fishing – River Entrance Overview

Using the Werribee South boat ramp, heading out of the mouth into Port Phillip Bay gives access to deeper water with pinkie snapper, adult snapper, calamari, and Australian Salmon.

Naturally, other great bay species like flathead are there too.

The location is great for small and larger vessels. The mouth is always open and has a clearly marked channel for boaties. The caveat remains, however, when the river channel is dredged.

Weed is all too often a factor in reducing usability, especially for average to large-sized watercraft.

I’ve written and complained about this to the local shire council. I suggest you do so too. You can contact them here if you find it is still not being maintained when you visit.

Werribee South River Entrance A Nice Spot For Families

The river entrance pier is nice for families, though it can get pretty busy, so start early.

The only reason I’ve rated this nice spot as 4 stars is that in recent years there’s been a lack of annual dredging and a lack of upkeep on the toilet area.

This has resulted in some of the boat ramps becoming difficult as well as frequent snagging of your line on weed off the Werribee South pier.

Plus a gut-wrenching experience, at times, if you use the toilets. An indictment on the council.

The state government’s policy of improving Victorias boat ramps should see dredging completed more regularly. However, I’m yet to see this happening in this area.

Hopefully restoring this Werribee South boat ramp and river entrance to its former status and worthy of 5 stars.

I Have A Great Deal Of Affection For Werribee South

I have fished here a lot. It may not seem like it. But I have a great deal of affection for the area as a fishing location. Especially the Werribee South Pier.

The lack of upkeep has led to a sense of disappointment. I sincerely hope the Victorian State Government and Local Council address some of the glaring concerns.

A lot of Melbourne municipalities would love an attraction like this area. It’s good for the residents, it’s good for Victoria – it’s good for local business!

The area is certainly worth caring for the facilities better than they do.

I rate it as well worth the visit for fishing.

What Fish Can You Catch At Werribee South?

At Werribee South fishing for the following fish species is possible:

Fish Species	Quick Info
Australian Salmon Arripis trutta	Common for schools to move through, chopping up the water before moving on. Can be common during cooler months. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Hoods, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets
Snapper Mugilidae sp	Much more prevalent during warmer months. This name applies to juvenile specimens of Snapper. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Hoods, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets
Pinky Snapper (Juvenile Snapper) Mugilidae sp	Much more prevalent during warmer months. This name applies to juvenile specimens of Snapper. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Hoods, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets
Flathead Platycephalus sp	But much more prevalent during warmer months.. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets
Australian Salmon Arripis trutta	Common for schools to move through, chopping up the water before moving on. Can be common during cooler months. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Flathead Fillets, Mullet Fillets, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Squid Hoods, Squid Tentacles, Whitebait, Whiting Fillets
Southern Black Bream Acanthopagrus butcheri	Can become less active during Winter. Activity picking up in late August. Active during warmer months. Bait: Bluebait, Chicken Breast, Crabs, Earthworms, Mussels, Pilchards, Pipis, Prawns, Sandworms, Whitebait

Werribee South Fishing Tips

• Consider using weedless rigs to avoid snagging your line as the river can be thick with weed
• Fish Species: Bream, Flathead, Pinky Snapper,
• Occasional Mulloway & rarely a Gummy Shark.
• Good bait: Pippis, bluebait or pillies. Whitebait, prawn, worms after rain. Chicken breast.
• 10 to 20lb main line. You can be a little lighter if you’re using a leader.
• A 7 to 9foot estuary-style spinning rod is perfect here.
• Paternoster or Running sinker rigs work well. My preference is paternoster if using small bait like pippis.
• Berley is essential on the Werribee River in my experience. It gives you a big edge over other anglers.

Werribee South Fishing Review

Despite some of the negatives, this is actually one of my favourite fishing spots.

It can produce some great catches of Bream.

Flathead is a little less common than they once were in the river.

Well worth fishing. Fish light. Fish weedless. Be prepared for weed, particularly after Winter during Spring.

Pros

• Close and easy access via Princess Freeway
• Family-friendly – children under strict supervision
• Good range of fish habitats and fish species
• In the right conditions, good bream and flathead
• Parking is very good and free.

Cons

• Toilets are often disgraceful. Not quite as bad as St Kilda, but can get pretty close. Blech!!
• The river can be affected by fertiliser runoff which results in occasional fish kills.
• The area can smell badly at times due to the sewerage treatment plant & local market garden fertiliser activities