The Ultimate Guide to Chasing Australian Salmon Along the South Australian Coastline
Introduction to Australian Salmon Fishing
Every winter, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of Australian salmon along our local South Australian coastline. This signals the start of the salmon season, with the first massive schools indicating that more fish are on their way. These high-energy beaches soon come alive with a vibrant biomass of hungry salmon.
When and Where to Find Australian Salmon
In South Australia, salmon schools typically arrive from the west and begin filtering onto our local beaches at the start of winter. While some salmon are available year-round, the peak season delivers an unparalleled number of fish as the water cools. Each year varies in timing and fish numbers, but we begin scouring the beaches for these schools from late autumn. This year promises to be particularly exciting.
Understanding Australian Salmon Species
Australian salmon come in two biological stocks:
- Eastern Australian Salmon: Found from southern Queensland, along the NSW coastline to eastern Victoria, and eastern Tasmania. This species is smaller, typically weighing 0.5–2kg, with occasional individuals reaching 5kg.
- Western Australian Salmon: Larger than their eastern counterparts, with regular sizes of 2.5–4kg and occasional 5kg fish. The maximum weight can reach up to 9kg, though this is rare. This species is found in western Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, extending up to Kalbarri and occasionally along the west coast of Tasmania. Visually, the two species are similar unless you count the number of gill rakers on the first gill arch.
Why Australian Salmon Make Great Sportfish
Australian salmon are highly sought after as sportfish due to their competitive feeding behavior and strong fighting abilities. They travel in large schools, making them a thrilling target for surf fishing. Catching salmon from a surf beach offers a unique fishing experience, with these fish displaying impressive aerial maneuvers during the fight.
Best Conditions for Surf Fishing
Winter conditions can be harsh, so it’s crucial to monitor the weather. For optimal salmon fishing, align your sessions with periods of light or offshore winds, good daytime tides, and small to medium swells. Arriving during the building tide helps as fish move into near-shore gutters towards high tide. Smaller swells improve visibility, making it easier to spot schools of salmon. In larger swells, switch to bait fishing.
Lure Fishing for Australian Salmon
Casting lures is an exhilarating method for targeting salmon. In South Australia, many surf beaches allow vehicle access, making it easier to locate schools. If a school is spotted out wide, note its location and return as the tide rises.
When fishing from shore, high vantage points like sand dunes or rocky headlands provide better visibility. Salmon schools often appear as dark masses within gutters or behind sandbars. Watch for silver flashes to confirm the presence of salmon.
For lure fishing, metal slugs in the 40 to 70-gram range are highly effective. Popular choices include the Halco Outcast, Oceans Legacy Sling Shot, and the original Lazer Lure. Casting distance is crucial, so choose a lure that casts well. Surface lures, like poppers or weighted stickbaits, can also be exciting when fish are close to shore.
Rod and Reel Setup for Salmon Fishing
To maximize your enjoyment of salmon fishing, use a lightweight rod rated at 5–8kg and 10 to 11 feet long. A fast-action rod helps with casting small metal lures. Match this with a 5000 or 6000-sized threadline reel and 20lb braid for an effective setup.
Bait Fishing Techniques
When lures aren’t effective or the swell is too large, bait fishing becomes a viable option. Larger gutters on surf beaches are ideal for bait fishing, often producing bigger fish and various by-catch like flathead, mullet, and trevally. The WA pilchard is a preferred bait, along with mullet, trevally, salmon, and squid.
For bait fishing, use an 11 to 12-foot rod rated at 8-12kg, with 30lb braid and an 8000-sized threadline reel. A standard surf rig with snelled hooks, heavy mono trace, and a suitable sinker is recommended. Casting into the current and positioning the rod in a holder helps manage the bait effectively.
Conclusion
Whether you choose lure or bait fishing, chasing Australian salmon in the surf is a thrilling experience. With the prime salmon months approaching, get out to your local surf beach and enjoy the excitement of this winter fishing adventure.
Words & Images: Jamie Crawford
