Williamstown Fishing Report

Williamstown fishing goes back to the early days of Melbourne. Located on Port Phillip Bay right around the corner from the mouth of the Yarra River.

It offers a wealth of piers and fishing opportunities. Plus it’s right next door to the heart of Melbourne.

Major Piers include Gem Pier and Ferguson Pier. There are a number of other piers and walkways that you can explore.

Fishing sees species such as Pinkie Snapper, Snapper and Flathead. Not to mention the Bream and barracouta.

In other words some pretty awesome fish species to be sought at Williamstown – right in close to the city!

Nearby to Williamstown – technically in the suburb of Newport – is The Warmies. This is an excellent spot for land-based fishing. The Warmies is technically located in the suburb of Newport. But it is frequently grouped by people as Williamstown due to the naming of the boat ramp there.

Upstream from the awesome Yarra River Estuary, the Maribyrnong River flows into the Yarra. This provides a significant estuary with excellent flows and a variety of fish species – including mulloway.

The area is partially composed of industrial and marine industries in some areas. Of note is the naval dockyard.

Williamstown pier is a great fishing spot for people in the west or inner city, but I find it’s not that near me to make it a personal favourite.

Having said that – don’t let my northeastern suburban Melbourne location put you off because a lot of folks fish the area with great success!

Admittedly I do fish the area, however. Normally heading down to the Warmies, sometimes known as The Hotties which a personal favourite.

Gem Pier Fishing

Gem Pier is steeped in history.

So if you’d like to try an awesome experience of mixing fishing along with some fantastic Melbourne history – give Gem Pier a try!

I’d look at fishing on weekdays, evenings or early mornings to avoid crowds in warmer weather.

During weekends and on public holidays, Gem Pier is really too busy for my taste.

But it is an excellent land-based fishing

Ferguson Street Pier Fishing

Ferguson Street Pier is close to the city of Melbourne, which means it can get a bit crowded during the peak season of warmer summer weather.

However, during the week and cooler weather, it can be a great spot to that attracts fewer people.

It is a great pier for targetting flathead and bream on soft plastics!

I’ve seen a lot of kids targeting mullet and garfish over the years.

The Warmies Fishing

The Warmies (aka “The Hotties”) is considered to be one of the finest spots for fishing in Melbourne, by many.

I’ve got to admit I love fishing the Warmies myself.

Back when the area was the industrial heart of Melbourne old-timers loved to say “If the stack’s blowing… I know where I’m going!”

Williamstown Boat Ramp Fishing

Williamstown Boat Ramp is one of the better boat ramps in Melbourne, having relatively recently been upgraded.

Sometimes referred to as Newport Boat Ramp due to the fact it is actually in the suburb of Newport, which is right next door.

It’s located in the same location as the famous Warmies beloved of land-based anglers.

Williamstown Fishing – Fish Species To Target

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
Garfish Hemiramphidae sp	Bait: Maggots, Whitebait or Bluebait Pieces, Bread Doung, Pipies, Prawn, Squid pieces, Sand worm.
Calamari Sepioteuthis australis	Known commonly as Squid or Calamari. Best fished when waters are clear with little turbulence. Top times can be during June to September. Bait: Fish mounted on squid bait jigs
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

Williamstown Fishing Review Summary

If you fishing Williamstown for Bream and Squid fish light.

You don’t need heavy lines and lots of lead here. The current in Hobson’s Bay is minor unless there’s a blow on.

During a blow, some excellent snapper models can come in close. Making Williamstown Fishing pretty exciting.

At those times you’ll need a heavier line and some extra led.

The area is well worth fishing. Williamstown is pretty good for families for the most part.

Pros

• Close to Melbourne – only 8.7km from GPO
• Several Piers to Choose from
• Locally the Boat Ramp and the Warmies are popular fishing spots
• Consistent fishing reports for Bream, Pinkies, Squid and even Snapper

Cons

• Can be busy on weekends and public holidays
• Parking can be hard as its limited at times
• Close to the city of Melbourne, so can be a lot of fishos at times.

Williamstown FAQ