Werribee South Pier

Werribee South Beach Fishing

Werribee South Pier Fishing

Werribee South Pier fishing (on the Werribee River Estuary) can be a challenge in the early part of the season.

From September through to early December it can be a bit weedy.

The weediness has been worse in recent years due to a lack of dredging.

Hopefully, this will be fixed soon with the Vic government’s emphasis on improving boat ramps. The Werribee Boat Ramp is adjacent to the pier.

The latest Werribee Fishing Report Here.

Werribee South Pier Fishing Overview

The river discolours after heavy rains, which can send the Bream off the bite. Yeah, Bream is a finicky fish.

So I try to keep an eye on recent weather when I’m fishing at Werribee South.

As a general rule if there’s been heavy rain in the Western suburbs of Melbourne there’s a strong likelihood that the Werribee River entrance will be discoloured.

Werribee South Pier Fishing Tips

Werribee South Beach Fishing While flathead is caught in the estuary of the Werribee South Pier I’ve found them to be more common from off the adjoining Werribee South beach area on Port Phillip Bay.

In my experience, there seems to be more flathead caught off the pier in the months following dredging after the water settles and more sand is exposed.

My advice is that the fishing light here makes sense. Keeping mainline at or below 10lb, with a slightly heavier leader if you must.

When the weed is thick it’s hard to keep your bait – or lures – out of it.

I wouldn’t use a running sinker for this reason. Though even a paternoster is going to get weed entangled at times.

At these times, regardless of the rig pattern chosen, I would recommend setting up a Weedless Rig.

Werribee South Pier Fishing – Target Species

Fish SpeciesQuick Info
Australian Salmon 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 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) 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 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 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 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 Pier Fishing Review Summary

Definitely worth a visit. When the bream are biting fishing can be hectic. Otherwise can be very slow going.

Be prepared for a lot of weed. Consider using a weedless rig. Particularly if spinning lures.

Current can flow fairly quickly at times.

The condition of the actual pier is excellent and very comfortable to fish. The same can be said for the car parking which is free and extensive.

Overall it’s family-friendly with a children’s playground, picnic and BBQ facilities and a great view.

The toilets – I’d rate it as a travesty at times.

They can be left in a condition that I can only describe as some mad professors smelly and stomach-churning laboratory where demented creations may lurk and crawl – to swallow you whole.

Pros

  • Close to the inner city and Western suburbs. Not to bad access from Northern suburbs. Access via Princess Hwy
  • Good range of fish habitats. Beneath and out from the pier.
  • Bream a common target. But flathead, mullet and even Whiting and Pinkies are in the river.
  • Car Parking is very good. Free.

Cons

  • Toilets vary from fair to looking and smelling like an open drain at times
  • Weed build-up can make fishing challenging at times.
  • Warm nights can be very busy with swimming and fishing being popular.
  • Some locals have started to become less than welcoming to fishos. I’ve been shouted at for fishing on several occasions.
  • Some locals seem to believe it’s for exclusive use only.

Other Fishing Spots Near Werribee South Pier