Fishing in Adelaide isn’t just a weekend hobby — it’s part of the lifestyle.

Whether you’re chasing mullet off a jetty, casting for bream in the river, or dropping a line off the rocks, there’s no shortage of good fishing spots in Adelaide.

You don’t need fancy gear or a boat either — some of the best spots are right off the shore and easy to get to.

What makes Adelaide great for fishing is how close the water is, no matter where you are.

In this guide, we will reveal the seven best fishing spots in Adelaide that locals swear by. If you’re keen for a decent tug on the line, these spots are worth a visit for fishing.

Best Fishing Spots in Adelaide

1- Semaphore Jetty

Semaphore Jetty is located at the Esplanade, Semaphore, offering excellent fishing opportunities along Adelaide’s northern coastline.

The jetty features free parking facilities and is fully accessible with beach wheelchair availability and accessible pathways.

Safety measures include patrolled beaches during summer weekends and well-lit areas for evening fishing.

Popular fish species include Tommy Ruff (Herring), Garfish, Yellowfin Whiting, and Blue Swimmer Crabs. F

ishing here is free, making it perfect for beginners and experienced fishers alike.

Light tackle works best – use small hooks (size 6-8) with bait like prawns, worms, or pilchards. The jetty’s deeper waters toward the end are ideal for whiting and tommy ruff.

Nearby dining options include numerous cafes and restaurants along Semaphore Road. The Semaphore Palais hotel provides accommodation with ocean views.

The area has a historic charm with the century-old carousel and Timeball Tower nearby, making it perfect for family fishing trips.

2- Grange Jetty

Grange Jetty is located on the Esplanade at Grange Beach providing excellent fishing access with ample free parking directly on the foreshore.

The jetty is accessible by public transport and offers safe, well-maintained facilities for all skill levels. There is also the Grange Jetty Reserve Park nearby for picnics and family activities.

Common catches include Garfish, Tommy Ruff, Yellowfin Whiting, and occasional Blue Swimmer Crabs.

Fishing is completely free with no permits required for jetty fishing. Use light spinning gear with small hooks and fresh bait like prawns or marine worms.

If you want to catch lots of fish, go fishing early morning or evening.

If you feel hungry, there is the Grange Jetty Cafe nearby that you can visit for great food with big portions and friendly service.

Other nearby restaurants include Wok on Water and Grange Pizza Bar.

3- Henley Beach Jetty

Henley Beach Jetty is located at Seaview Road, positioned at the end of the popular Henley Square precinct.

This jetty offers excellent accessibility with regular bus services connecting to Adelaide city center and free parking areas nearby.

The place is pretty safe for fishing with well-lit walkways and regular patrols during busy periods.

Target species include Tommy Ruff, Garfish, Yellowfin Whiting, and Mullet.

Fishing at Henley Beach Jetty is free with no licensing required for jetty fishing.

Best techniques involve using light tackle with small hooks (size 4-8) and fresh baits like prawns, worms, or small fish pieces.

The jetty’s structure attracts fish throughout the day, with dawn and dusk being particularly productive.

There are also many restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops with stunning ocean views nearby. Popular dining spots include Ocean Kitchen, Henley House, and Mia Margarita, all overlooking the beach.

Also Read: Best Beaches in Adelaide

4- Glenelg Jetty

Glenelg Jetty is located at Jetty Road in Glenelg and offers easy access via the free tram service from Adelaide’s CBD.

The jetty provides excellent fishing opportunities with safety railings and well-maintained pathways for all skill levels.

You can expect to catch tommy ruff, snapper, whiting, and squid throughout the year.

Basic fishing gear works well here – bring medium-weight rods with running sinker rigs and fresh baits like prawns or pilchards.

The area features numerous dining options along Jetty Road, including Turkish restaurants and various cafes with excellent reviews.

Several hotels and accommodation options are also within walking distance of the jetty.

Fishing from the Glenelg Jetty is free, making it one of the best fishing spots in Adelaide.

Also, parking maps are available, with both paid and free parking zones throughout Glenelg.

5- Brighton Jetty

Brighton Jetty is located at Brighton Beach, approximately 15 kilometers south of Adelaide. Built in 1886, this historic jetty extends 200 meters into the sea and provides scenic fishing opportunities.

The structure includes safety features and offers stunning views of Adelaide’s skyline and the Adelaide Hills.

Common catches include garfish, tommy ruff, mullet, and flathead, particularly during dawn and dusk fishing sessions.

Light tackle with small hooks and live baits like beach worms or small fish work best for the variety of sea species found here.

Beach Pit restaurant, located meters from Brighton Jetty, offers fresh seafood and gourmet dining options.

The Esplanade Hotel (locally known as “the Espy”) provides accommodation and dining with sea views, situated directly opposite the jetty.

Also, no fishing permits are required for jetty fishing. Free parking is also available at the beach entrance, though spaces can be limited during peak times.

6- Port Noarlunga Jetty

Port Noarlunga Jetty is located approximately 30-33 kilometers south of Adelaide at the mouth of the Onkaparinga River at 95/96 Esplanade.

This jetty offers unique fishing experiences due to its proximity to the Port Noarlunga Reef, part of the Encounter Marine Park.

The protected reef system attracts diverse fish species including snapper, blue groper, leather jackets, and various reef fish. Safety features include proper lighting and protective barriers along the jetty structure.

The town offers excellent dining options including Becs Bakehouse, Agatha’s Kitchen, Drifters Pizza Bar, and Port Noarlunga Fish and Chips.

The Port Noarlunga Hotel provides accommodation options within walking distance of the jetty.

Jetty fishing remains free of charge for recreational anglers. Convenient parking is available just minutes from the jetty, with easy access to local businesses.

For best results, use heavier tackle due to the reef structure, with fresh baits like squid, prawns, or small fish.

The reef environment makes this location particularly rewarding for patient fishers looking to catch quality fish.

7- River Torrens

The River Torrens flows through Adelaide’s city center, offering convenient urban fishing experiences.

The renowned hot spots are: Adelaide University Bridge, behind the Adelaide Zoo, Bonython Park and the Popeye Dock.

The river provides free fishing with good parking available at most locations, including designated spots near the Adelaide Oval and along the riverbank walking paths.

Safety measures include well-maintained walkways, lighting, and regular maintenance. The river is also easily accessible by public transport and on foot from the city center.

Carp are the main species, with fish averaging 6-8 pounds and some exceeding 20 pounds.

Basic fishing gear works well here, with bread, corn, and scrubworms being the most effective baits.

The riverbank areas provide excellent spots for families and beginners. Adelaide’s CBD offers countless dining options within walking distance, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.

Multiple hotels are located nearby, ranging from budget backpacker hostels to luxury accommodations.