Mordialloc Creek

Mordialloc Creek Fishing

Mordialloc Creek is a favourite fishing spot in Melbourne because it has easy footpaths and sturdy concrete walls.

Many people use traditional bait at Mordialloc Creek, but it’s also a great place if you like using soft-plastic or hardbody lures.

The moored boats and moving water at the creek mouth make for some great fishing spots. If more people tried fishing here, they might even catch more than those using bait.

Most people fish at Mordialloc Creek across from the Mordialloc Yacht Club. Good spots include beside the car park, next to the playground, around the boat ramp, under the Nepean Highway bridge, and along the rock wall near the creek mouth at the start of Mordialloc Pier. Upstream from the bridge, under the overhanging trees, is also worth a look. When you visit, you might see an interesting fishing technique in action.

You don’t see this technique much elsewhere in Melbourne. It uses long European rods.

These rods usually don’t have a reel. The line is tied straight to the rod butt. They’re often telescopic and held out over the water rather than cast. They range from 10 to 18 feet long, and people really do catch fish with them! If you want to try this method, use light lines and small hooks with natural baits like worms or peeled prawns, which work well for bream and mullet. Lower your bait quietly into the shade near overhanging trees, moored boats, or the rock walls, and watch the tip of the rod for any movement. Since there’s no reel, it helps to be ready to lift the rod smoothly to set the hook and bring the fish in. If you want to get a long European rod or other fishing gear, you can visit Mordialloc Bait and Tackle on Main Street. They have a good range of tackle and friendly advice for local conditions. Still, most people use a regular spinning rod up to 9 feet long.

Mordialloc Boat Ramp

The boat ramp is located upstream of the creek mouth, via Governor Rd link to map location.

It has several lanes and is well maintained. But it’s only suitable for boats with low clearance. The creek goes under both the rail line and the Nepean Highway, and both bridges are low.

Some people fish near this spot, but it’s not as popular or productive as fishing further down at the creek mouth.

Pros

• Close and easy access via Nepean Highway
• Family-friendly, but children should be closely supervised by a responsible adult.
• Good range of fish habitats. There are many types of habitats and fish species here. Common catches are bream, mullet, and flathead. These fish take different baits and lures, so you can pick gear that suits them.
• Great structure under and around boats for bream
• Fishing here can be very productive at times
• Plenty of parking

Cons

• Parking is usually easy, but it can be expensive during the day.
• The toilets can be hit or miss. Sometimes they’re fine, but other times they’re really bad.
• Sometimes, youth gangs gather here, and there can be signs of drug use in the toilets or scrub areas along the foreshore. If you ever feel unsafe, it’s a good idea to fish with a friend or in a group, and avoid quieter areas or late at night. If you’re ever concerned, you can move to a busier, well-lit spot or leave the area. Staying aware of your surroundings will help you feel more comfortable during your visit.
• The creek is polluted, mostly because of urban runoff and stormwater, which can carry chemicals and other contaminants. Because of this, it’s best not to eat fish caught in the creek itself. Fish from the pier are usually safer to eat since they’re in more open water, where pollution is less concentrated. The EPA tests local waters and sometimes updates its advice based on recent results, especially after heavy rain or events that might affect water quality. To stay safe, always check the latest advice before eating any fish from this area. You can visit the Victorian EPA website or check the current government guidelines for up-to-date information and make good choices about your catch.

Try using berley or attractants to bring fish to your bait or lure. For bream and mullet, a simple mix of white bread crumbs, some chicken pellets, and a bit of tuna oil works well. Crushed prawns or mashed pilchards are also good options. For bait, worms, peeled prawns, and pieces of pipi or mussel all work well for the common fish here. This tip is just as useful if you’re fishing at Mordialloc Pier.

Local caution:

Urban runoff can affect water quality at Mordialloc Creek. It’s a good idea to practice catch-and-release when needed and check the latest Victorian fish consumption advice. That’s what I always do here. To release fish safely, handle them with wet hands, support their body properly, and avoid squeezing or dropping them on hard surfaces. If you can, remove hooks gently with pliers and keep fish out of the water for as little time as possible. Let the fish recover and swim away strongly when you release them. These simple steps help protect local fish and keep the fishery healthy for everyone.