Port Hedland is an isolated mining town roughly 1700km north of Perth. It is the last major town before Broome in the Kimberley’s. Port Hedland fishing can be great for both land based and boat anglers. When planning a fishing trip in Port Hedland it is important to consider the large tides of up to 6m.

During Summer the creeks and rivers produce good Barramundi fishing. The Barramundi can be found close to Port Hedland from Oyster Inlet to Six Mile Creek and beyond. The Barramundi move into the creeks and along the beaches of Port Hedland searching for bait. Threadfin Salmon and Blue Salmon can be caught all year ‘round, a famous spot to target Threadfin is the Spoil Bank – a large sand bar created by dredging. On the eastern side of the bank is a fairly deep hole. Each winter the threadfin migrate along the coastline. Bread and butter species as well as Mangrove Jack, Cod, Trevally, Queenfish and Mackerel are also around throughout the year.

A small boat is the best way to go when fishing Port Hedland. With Oyster Inlet and numerous creeks to the north all with great fishing. There are several creeks that can be accessed via 4wd also, ‘make shift’ boat lunches give quick access to good Port Hedland fishing waters. Most of these isolated creeks are accessed via tracks over tidal flats, do not attempt to cross these after a large spring tide, seek local knowledge before planning a trip to an isolated creek.

Land Based Port Hedland Fishing

Port Hedland has many creeks and rivers worth exploring, quite a few can be accessed by four wheel drive. Most require driving over tidal flats, this should not be done after large spring tides as the risk of getting bogged is high. Some spots are also on stations and mining land leases, visit the local fisheries department to find out about public access.

The creeks, rivers and beaches produce some great fishing and the Barramundi fire up from September to February. All year round anglers have the chance at Threadfin and Blue Salmon, Black Jewfish, Dusky Flathead, Mangrove Jack, Cod, Trevally and Queenfish.

West Creek

West Creek is located on Finucane Island and provides access to the West Creek mouth. Here anglers can target Threadfin Salmon on a rising tide.

Port Hedland Harbour

The Port Hedland harbour is a great place for live baiting. During summer Black Jewfish and the odd Barramundi move into the harbour. Fishing from the jetty with live baits at night is a good time to target Black Jewfish. Heavy line and leader is recommended as there are some big black Jewfish over summer.

Spoil Bank

The Spoil Bank is a famous spot for Threadfin Salmon during their annual migration in winter. Bream, Flathead and Whiting are all regular catches. The spoil bank can be accessed by four wheel drive and there are tracks along most of the bank.

Cooke Point

A good spot to target Threadfin Salmon during winter. Also produces Trevally, Bream and Cod.

Four Mile Creek

Barramundi in Summer around the mangroves, cast shallow diving hard body lures close to the mangroves on an incoming tide. Threadfin Salmon caught here throughout the year. Mangrove Jack in the deep pools, try walking the creek and fishing the pools on low tide.

Six Mile Creek Mouth

A good rock bar and mangroves provide structure for Barramundi. Best fished on an incoming tide during summer.

Twelve Mile Creek

Fantastic Barramundi fishing during Summer, Twelve Mile Creek is accessed via the Twelve Mile Creek Road – check with fisheries before making the trip here by four wheel drive. Black Jewfish are also caught in the deeper holes. Threadfin Salmon around the mouth of the river and in the deep holes during neap tides. Good pools and rocks bars further upstream where Mangrove Jack and Cod can be targeted.

Offshore Port Hedland Fishing 

Weerdee Island

Mostly Trevally, Queenfish and Mackerel around the island. On high tide the reefs can fish well for Tuskfish, Cod and Bream.

Oyster Inlet

Mangrove Jack, Threadfin Salmon and Barramundi in Summer up in the creeks of Oyster Inlet. On the incoming tide fish up into the small feeder creeks for Barramundi. On the out going tide target the feeder creeks from the main channel.

Downee Island

Good threadfin Salmon fishing around the island. Tuskfish, Cod and Mangrove Jack are regular catches around the mouth.

Port Hedland Harbour

Good deep holes in the main channel which fish well for Black Jewfish and the odd Cobia. During summer is a good time for Black Jewfish. The harbour also produces Spanish Mackerel, Queenfish and Trevally.

Channel Markers

The channel markers hold some big Trevally and Queenfish at times. Along the edges of the shipping channels are good places to sound around for reefs where Coral Trout, Emperor, Cod, Cobia and Chinaman fish can be jigged on the bottom.

Minilya Bank

A good reef fishing spot located approximately 20km offshore from Port Hedland. Fishing at Minilya Bank reef produces Red Emperor, Coral Trout, Trevally and Queenfish.

De Grey River

Approximately 120km north east of Port Hedland, the mighty De Grey River is accessed for an unsealed road. The fishing here produces Barramundi during summer. For the rest of the year anglers can target Threadfin Salmon, Black Jewfish, Mangrove Jack, Cod, Trevally and Queenfish. During the spring tides live baiting in deep holes on along transit lanes of the river is the best way to land some good size like Jewies, Threadfin or Barra. Lure fishing should be done on neap tides, jigging soft vibes in the deep holes is a effective technique. Further upstream work the mangroves, snags and small feeder creeks for Mangrove Jack, Barra and Threadfin Salmon.