What Australian Herring Are and Where They Live

Australian herring are a saltwater fish found along the southern and eastern coasts of Australia, from Western Australia around to Queensland. They are not true herring — they belong to the family Arripidae — but the name has stuck among anglers. The fish typically grow to 30–50 centimetres, though specimens over 60 centimetres are caught regularly. They have a silvery body, a forked tail, and a streamlined shape built for speed in open water.

Australian herring school in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters where they hunt smaller fish and crustaceans. They prefer areas with moderate current and sandy or rocky bottoms. The species tolerates both salt and brackish water, so you will find them in river mouths and tidal creeks as well as open coastal bays. They are most active in cooler months — autumn and winter in the southern states, and winter through early spring in Queensland.

Key Takeaways

  • Australian herring are found along Australia's southern and eastern coasts, most reliably in bays, estuaries, and river mouths during cooler months.
  • They respond well to small lures, soft plastics, and live bait cast near current lines and rocky outcrops where they hunt in schools.
  • No special permit is required in most states, but bag limits and minimum sizes vary — check your state's fishing handbook before you fish.
  • Early morning and late afternoon produce the most consistent bites, especially on overcast days or during the hour either side of tide changes.
  • Tackle can be light — 2–4 kg line on a 6–7 foot rod is standard — because the fish rarely exceed 1 kg and fight on the run rather than in deep water.

Best Seasons and Timing

Australian herring bite most reliably from March through August, when water temperatures drop and the fish move into shallower bays to feed. In Western Australia and South Australia, this window is tight — April to July is peak — because the fish disperse into deeper water once spring arrives. In New South Wales and Queensland, the season extends longer, with autumn (March–May) and winter (June–August) both productive.

Within each day, early morning from first light until mid-morning produces the most consistent action. Late afternoon, starting two hours before sunset, is the second-best window. Overcast days outfish clear ones because the fish are less wary and feed more actively in low light. Tide changes matter: the hour before and the hour after a tide turn — either slack or change of direction — concentrates feeding activity, especially in estuaries and river mouths where current is pronounced.

Tackle and Technique

Australian herring do not require heavy gear. A 6–7 foot spinning rod rated for 2–4 kg line is the standard setup. Pair it with a small spinning reel holding 150–200 metres of 3–4 kg monofilament or braid. Braid casts lighter lures farther and detects bites more clearly, but monofilament is more forgiving if you hook bottom or a snag. A small ball-bearing swivel between your main line and leader reduces twist when casting small lures repeatedly.

Lures work better than bait for herring because they allow you to cover water and locate schools quickly. Small metal slices (20–30 grams), soft plastics (60–100 millimetres), and shallow-diving hard-bodies all take fish. Cast parallel to current lines, rocky points, and weed beds where herring hunt. Retrieve with a steady, medium pace — herring chase moving prey, so a dead retrieve rarely works. If you prefer live bait, use small garfish, pilchards, or whitebait on a simple running ledger or under a small float in shallow water.

Top Locations by State

Western Australia: Cockburn Sound near Perth and the estuaries around Busselton hold herring year-round, with peak numbers April to June. The Blackwood River estuary and Hardy Inlet are reliable for autumn and winter fishing. Access is straightforward from public boat ramps and shore.

South Australia: Gulf St Vincent, particularly around Edithburgh and Stansbury, holds good populations. The Onkaparinga River mouth and Barker Inlet near Adelaide are accessible from shore and produce consistent catches in autumn and winter. Bag limits are typically 20 fish per day.

Victoria: Port Phillip Bay is the premier herring fishery in the state. Shallow bays around Sorrento, Portsea, and the western shore hold schools year-round, with autumn and winter peak. Lake Entrance and Gippsland Lakes also hold herring, especially in winter. Most fishing is from shore or small boats in water under 5 metres deep.

New South Wales: Botany Bay, Port Hacking, and Broken Bay near Sydney hold herring March through August. The Hawkesbury River estuary is productive in autumn. Further north, Wallis Lake and Myall Lakes hold herring through winter. Minimum size is typically 25 centimetres; check your local regulations.

Queensland: Moreton Bay near Brisbane is the main herring fishery. Shallows around Stradbroke Island and the bay's western shore hold schools June through September. The Noosa River and Maroochy River estuaries are secondary options. Herring are less abundant north of Brisbane but present in suitable habitat year-round.

Regulations and Bag Limits

Australian herring are not a protected species, and no special permit is required to fish for them in any state. However, bag limits and minimum sizes vary. Most states allow 20 fish per day, though some permit higher numbers. Minimum size is typically 25 centimetres fork length, but confirm this in your state's current fishing handbook before you go — regulations change and vary between regions within each state.

Check your state's fisheries website or download the official fishing guide for your area. Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland each publish free handbooks listing daily bag limits, closed seasons (rare for herring), and size restrictions by species and region. If you are fishing from a boat, carry a measuring device — a simple ruler marked on your rod works — because fisheries officers conduct random checks.

What to Expect When You Fish

Australian herring are fast, aggressive feeders that rarely take long to hook once you locate a school. A typical session involves casting small lures into likely water, retrieving steadily, and connecting within the first few casts if fish are present. Bites are hard and immediate — herring do not mouth baits or lures. Once hooked, they run hard and jump, making them fun on light tackle despite their modest size.

Schools can be scattered, so if you do not connect in 10–15 casts, move to new water. In bays and estuaries, work current lines where deeper water meets shallows, and rocky outcrops where baitfish congregate. In river mouths, focus on the transition zone between fresh and salt water where herring hunt. Early in the season (March–April) fish are often in deeper water; as winter deepens, they move shallower and closer to shore. Expect to land 5–15 fish in a productive two-hour session, though some days yield none if the school has moved or the tide is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to catch Australian herring?

Yes, every state requires a recreational fishing license. Most states offer free or low-cost options for residents, and some allow short-term visitor licenses. Check your state's fisheries website to purchase or register before you fish — enforcement is active in popular bays and estuaries.

What is the best bait for Australian herring?

Live small fish work well — garfish, pilchards, and whitebait are the top choices. Cast them under a small float in shallow water or on a running ledger in deeper bays. Lures outfish bait in most situations because they let you cover water faster and locate schools more efficiently.

Can I catch Australian herring from shore?

Yes. Bays, estuaries, and river mouths are accessible from public beaches and boat ramps. Focus on areas with current, rocky points, and weed beds. Early morning and late afternoon from shore often produce as well as boat fishing because herring move into shallows to feed during these windows.

What time of year is worst for Australian herring fishing?

Late spring and summer (September–February) are slowest because water temperatures rise and herring disperse into deeper offshore water. Fishing is possible but inconsistent. Autumn and winter are reliably productive across all states.

How do I find where herring are schooling on the day I fish?

Look for baitfish activity — small fish jumping or birds diving — and cast toward current lines and rocky outcrops. If you do not see signs, work systematically along the shoreline or bay edge, casting every 20–30 metres. Once you hook one fish, stay in that area because herring school tightly and more will follow.