Locations
Murray River Mandurah Flats Fishing For Bream
Fishing the Flats of the Murray River in Mandurah for Bream
The Murray River in Mandurah, Western Australia, offers an exceptional fishing experience, particularly for those targeting black bream on the flats. As one of the most accessible rivers in the Peel-Harvey Estuary system, the Murray River provides a rich estuarine environment with diverse habitats, including expansive flats that draw bream in search of food. The river’s slow-flowing sections, sandy and muddy flats, and abundant structure make it ideal for bream anglers who enjoy fishing in scenic and productive waters.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best flats for bream fishing along the Murray River, covering tips, tackle, and techniques to help you land black bream in this beautiful estuarine river.
Why the Murray River is Ideal for Bream Fishing
The Murray River is characterized by brackish water near its mouth, where it flows into the Peel Inlet, and gradually transitions to freshwater further upstream. This blend of salt and freshwater, especially in the lower stretches, creates a perfect habitat for black bream. The flats along the river offer plenty of cover, food, and shallow waters, where bream forage for small fish, crustaceans, and other prey.
With tidal influences from the Peel Inlet, the Murray River experiences changes that stir up food sources and attract bream to the flats, particularly during rising tides. These natural feeding grounds and the accessibility of the Murray River make it an attractive spot for anglers looking to target bream on light tackle.
Key Flats Locations for Bream in the Murray River
The Murray River has several productive flats that are known for holding black bream. These spots are particularly fruitful during the warmer months when bream are actively feeding in the shallows. Here are some of the best flats for targeting bream in the Murray River:
South Yunderup Flats
South Yunderup is a popular area near the mouth of the Murray River, where the river meets the Peel Inlet. The flats here consist of sandy patches and shallow seagrass beds that attract black bream, particularly during rising tides. The tidal movements bring fresh water and nutrients, making these flats a hotspot for feeding bream. The area is easily accessible for shore-based anglers and is productive for lure and bait fishing alike.
Ravenswood Flats
Located further upstream, Ravenswood offers a mix of shallow flats and deeper channels. The flats in this area are sandy with scattered rocks and seagrass, creating an ideal habitat for bream. During tidal changes, bream move onto the flats to hunt for small crustaceans and baitfish. The Ravenswood flats are accessible from the shore or by kayak, making it a versatile spot for anglers.
Pinjarra Flats
Pinjarra, located higher up the Murray River, has flats with a mix of mud, sand, and occasional vegetation. These flats are home to bream, especially during the warmer months when they venture upstream to feed. The flats near Pinjarra are a bit more secluded, providing a peaceful fishing experience. This area is ideal for wading anglers who enjoy casting soft plastics along the shallow, muddy flats.
Murray Bend Flats
Murray Bend is where the Murray River takes a sharp turn, creating a series of sandy flats with deeper drop-offs. These flats are productive for bream, which patrol the sandy areas looking for food. Fishing near the drop-offs or along the edges of the flats can be highly effective, especially during high tide when bream are more likely to feed in the shallows.
Willow Gardens Flats
Located near the quieter sections of the Murray River, Willow Gardens has a variety of flats with mixed sandy and muddy substrates. The area is known for holding black bream, which take advantage of the shallow waters and plentiful food sources. The Willow Gardens flats are accessible for shore-based anglers, and wading is possible in certain areas, allowing anglers to reach productive spots close to the riverbank.
North Yunderup Flats
Near North Yunderup, these flats are situated close to the Peel Inlet and experience tidal movements that bring in fresh baitfish and crustaceans. Bream can often be found patrolling the sandy flats here, especially during a rising tide. This area is ideal for shore fishing and is particularly productive in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Tips and Techniques for Bream Fishing on the Murray River Flats
Fishing the flats of the Murray River for bream requires a blend of patience, stealth, and understanding of bream behavior. Here are some tips and techniques to maximize your chances of catching bream on the flats:
Timing and Tides: Bream in the Murray River are most active on the flats during tidal movements, especially a rising tide. As the tide comes in, bream move into the shallows to feed on small crustaceans, worms, and other prey that are stirred up. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to target bream, as the fish are less wary during low-light conditions.
Stealth and Approach: Since the Murray River’s flats are often shallow and clear, a stealthy approach is essential. Bream can be easily spooked, especially in calm, clear water. When wading, move slowly and avoid making sudden movements. For shore-based anglers, staying low and casting from a distance can increase your chances of catching bream without alerting them.
Light Tackle: Light tackle is ideal for targeting bream on the flats. A 1-3 kg rod with a fast action will give you the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites while providing enough power to handle bream. A 2000-2500 size reel paired with a light fluorocarbon leader (6-8 lb) offers a balance of strength and low visibility, which is key when fishing clear water.
Lure Selection: Bream in the Murray River respond well to lures that resemble their natural prey, such as small fish, prawns, and crabs. Soft plastics in natural colors like brown, olive, and clear work well, as do small hardbody lures and crab imitations. Choose lures that match the size of the prey found on the flats to increase the chances of attracting bream.
Presentations and Techniques: Slow and steady retrieves are often effective when fishing for bream on the flats. Techniques like slow rolling, bottom-hopping, and suspended retrieves can mimic the movement of prey that bream encounter in their natural habitat. Try varying the retrieve speed and incorporating pauses to create a natural and enticing presentation.
Tackle and Lure Recommendations for Bream in the Murray River
The right tackle and lures can make a significant difference when targeting bream on the Murray River flats. Here’s a suggested setup to help you make the most of your bream fishing experience:
Rod and Reel
A light spinning rod between 6-7 feet with a 1-3 kg rating is ideal for bream fishing on the flats. Paired with a 2000-2500 size reel, this setup allows for accurate casting, sensitivity to detect subtle bites, and enough power to handle bream in shallow water.
Line and Leader
Use a 6-8 lb braided line for sensitivity and casting distance. For a leader, a 6-8 lb fluorocarbon line is recommended due to its abrasion resistance and low visibility, which is important when fishing clear water where bream may be cautious.
Effective Lures
Soft Plastics: Paddle-tail or curl-tail soft plastics in the 2-3 inch range are versatile and effective for bream on the flats. Natural colors like brown, olive, and clear are ideal, as they blend in with the environment and mimic the natural prey found in the Murray River.
Crab Imitations: Small crab lures work well on the flats, particularly in areas with sandy or rocky substrates. Use light jigheads to keep the lure near the bottom, where bream are likely to find it.
Hardbody Lures: Small hardbody lures that mimic baitfish are also productive when fished along the sandy edges or near submerged rocks. Retrieve these lures slowly, with occasional pauses, to trigger strikes from cautious bream.
The flats of the Murray River offer a prime habitat for black bream, creating an ideal environment for anglers who enjoy fishing on light tackle in a scenic, natural setting. From South Yunderup to Pinjarra, the river is home to productive flats that attract bream, especially during tidal movements. With the right tackle, a stealthy approach, and a good understanding of bream behavior, fishing the flats of the Murray River can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re casting soft plastics, trying out crab imitations, or simply soaking up the beauty of the river, fishing for bream in the Murray River is a fantastic way to connect with Western Australia’s diverse estuarine environment.
The Murray River in Mandurah, Western Australia, offers an exceptional fishing experience, particularly for those targeting black bream on the flats. As one of the most accessible rivers in the Peel-Harvey Estuary system, the Murray River provides a rich estuarine environment with diverse habitats, including expansive flats that draw bream in search of food. The river’s slow-flowing sections, sandy and muddy flats, and abundant structure make it ideal for bream anglers who enjoy fishing in scenic and productive waters.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best flats for bream fishing along the Murray River, covering tips, tackle, and techniques to help you land black bream in this beautiful estuarine river.
Why the Murray River is Ideal for Bream Fishing
The Murray River is characterized by brackish water near its mouth, where it flows into the Peel Inlet, and gradually transitions to freshwater further upstream. This blend of salt and freshwater, especially in the lower stretches, creates a perfect habitat for black bream. The flats along the river offer plenty of cover, food, and shallow waters, where bream forage for small fish, crustaceans, and other prey.
With tidal influences from the Peel Inlet, the Murray River experiences changes that stir up food sources and attract bream to the flats, particularly during rising tides. These natural feeding grounds and the accessibility of the Murray River make it an attractive spot for anglers looking to target bream on light tackle.
Key Flats Locations for Bream in the Murray River
The Murray River has several productive flats that are known for holding black bream. These spots are particularly fruitful during the warmer months when bream are actively feeding in the shallows. Here are some of the best flats for targeting bream in the Murray River:
South Yunderup Flats
South Yunderup is a popular area near the mouth of the Murray River, where the river meets the Peel Inlet. The flats here consist of sandy patches and shallow seagrass beds that attract black bream, particularly during rising tides. The tidal movements bring fresh water and nutrients, making these flats a hotspot for feeding bream. The area is easily accessible for shore-based anglers and is productive for lure and bait fishing alike.
Ravenswood Flats
Located further upstream, Ravenswood offers a mix of shallow flats and deeper channels. The flats in this area are sandy with scattered rocks and seagrass, creating an ideal habitat for bream. During tidal changes, bream move onto the flats to hunt for small crustaceans and baitfish. The Ravenswood flats are accessible from the shore or by kayak, making it a versatile spot for anglers.
Pinjarra Flats
Pinjarra, located higher up the Murray River, has flats with a mix of mud, sand, and occasional vegetation. These flats are home to bream, especially during the warmer months when they venture upstream to feed. The flats near Pinjarra are a bit more secluded, providing a peaceful fishing experience. This area is ideal for wading anglers who enjoy casting soft plastics along the shallow, muddy flats.
Murray Bend Flats
Murray Bend is where the Murray River takes a sharp turn, creating a series of sandy flats with deeper drop-offs. These flats are productive for bream, which patrol the sandy areas looking for food. Fishing near the drop-offs or along the edges of the flats can be highly effective, especially during high tide when bream are more likely to feed in the shallows.
Willow Gardens Flats
Located near the quieter sections of the Murray River, Willow Gardens has a variety of flats with mixed sandy and muddy substrates. The area is known for holding black bream, which take advantage of the shallow waters and plentiful food sources. The Willow Gardens flats are accessible for shore-based anglers, and wading is possible in certain areas, allowing anglers to reach productive spots close to the riverbank.
North Yunderup Flats
Near North Yunderup, these flats are situated close to the Peel Inlet and experience tidal movements that bring in fresh baitfish and crustaceans. Bream can often be found patrolling the sandy flats here, especially during a rising tide. This area is ideal for shore fishing and is particularly productive in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Tips and Techniques for Bream Fishing on the Murray River Flats
Fishing the flats of the Murray River for bream requires a blend of patience, stealth, and understanding of bream behavior. Here are some tips and techniques to maximize your chances of catching bream on the flats:
Timing and Tides: Bream in the Murray River are most active on the flats during tidal movements, especially a rising tide. As the tide comes in, bream move into the shallows to feed on small crustaceans, worms, and other prey that are stirred up. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to target bream, as the fish are less wary during low-light conditions.
Stealth and Approach: Since the Murray River’s flats are often shallow and clear, a stealthy approach is essential. Bream can be easily spooked, especially in calm, clear water. When wading, move slowly and avoid making sudden movements. For shore-based anglers, staying low and casting from a distance can increase your chances of catching bream without alerting them.
Light Tackle: Light tackle is ideal for targeting bream on the flats. A 1-3 kg rod with a fast action will give you the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites while providing enough power to handle bream. A 2000-2500 size reel paired with a light fluorocarbon leader (6-8 lb) offers a balance of strength and low visibility, which is key when fishing clear water.
Lure Selection: Bream in the Murray River respond well to lures that resemble their natural prey, such as small fish, prawns, and crabs. Soft plastics in natural colors like brown, olive, and clear work well, as do small hardbody lures and crab imitations. Choose lures that match the size of the prey found on the flats to increase the chances of attracting bream.
Presentations and Techniques: Slow and steady retrieves are often effective when fishing for bream on the flats. Techniques like slow rolling, bottom-hopping, and suspended retrieves can mimic the movement of prey that bream encounter in their natural habitat. Try varying the retrieve speed and incorporating pauses to create a natural and enticing presentation.
Tackle and Lure Recommendations for Bream in the Murray River
The right tackle and lures can make a significant difference when targeting bream on the Murray River flats. Here’s a suggested setup to help you make the most of your bream fishing experience:
Rod and Reel
A light spinning rod between 6-7 feet with a 1-3 kg rating is ideal for bream fishing on the flats. Paired with a 2000-2500 size reel, this setup allows for accurate casting, sensitivity to detect subtle bites, and enough power to handle bream in shallow water.
Line and Leader
Use a 6-8 lb braided line for sensitivity and casting distance. For a leader, a 6-8 lb fluorocarbon line is recommended due to its abrasion resistance and low visibility, which is important when fishing clear water where bream may be cautious.
Effective Lures
Soft Plastics: Paddle-tail or curl-tail soft plastics in the 2-3 inch range are versatile and effective for bream on the flats. Natural colors like brown, olive, and clear are ideal, as they blend in with the environment and mimic the natural prey found in the Murray River.
Crab Imitations: Small crab lures work well on the flats, particularly in areas with sandy or rocky substrates. Use light jigheads to keep the lure near the bottom, where bream are likely to find it.
Hardbody Lures: Small hardbody lures that mimic baitfish are also productive when fished along the sandy edges or near submerged rocks. Retrieve these lures slowly, with occasional pauses, to trigger strikes from cautious bream.
The flats of the Murray River offer a prime habitat for black bream, creating an ideal environment for anglers who enjoy fishing on light tackle in a scenic, natural setting. From South Yunderup to Pinjarra, the river is home to productive flats that attract bream, especially during tidal movements. With the right tackle, a stealthy approach, and a good understanding of bream behavior, fishing the flats of the Murray River can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re casting soft plastics, trying out crab imitations, or simply soaking up the beauty of the river, fishing for bream in the Murray River is a fantastic way to connect with Western Australia’s diverse estuarine environment.
