Ruqayyah Snyder
Salmon fishing is a popular activity in Western Australia, with the annual salmon run attracting anglers from across the state. The salmon season typically occurs during autumn, with large schools of salmon migrating along the southern coastline of Western Australia. Cheynes Beach, located on the south coast, is known as one of the best spots in the state to catch salmon, with sightings of massive schools of fish drawing hundreds of fishers each year. The salmon run offers a unique fishing experience, with the fish known for their strong fighting abilities and varied bait preferences. While they are not considered the tastiest fish, salmon are sought after by recreational fishers for the challenge and accessibility they present.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Autumn |
| Locations | Cheynes Beach, Esperance, Perth, Exmouth, Albany |
| Timing | March-April |
| Weight | 4kg-7kg |
| Bait | Sardines, squid, bluebait, whitebait, live herring, and lures |
| Size | Minimum size limit for Australian Salmon: 21 cm |
| Gear | Single or ganged hook rig, anchor or surf sinker, 6-15 kg line |
| Handling | Bled immediately and kept in an ice bucket |
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What You'll Learn
Salmon season attracts fishers and sharks to the south coast
Salmon season is a highlight for fishers of all skill levels in Western Australia. The annual salmon run sees thousands of salmon migrate along the southern coastline of Western Australia, drawing anglers from across the state keen on landing a prize catch. The schools of salmon can be spotted in shallow waters, sometimes even in ankle-deep water, making them easily accessible to fishers. This accessibility is part of the popularity of the salmon season, as it reduces the risk of rock fishing.
The salmon run typically occurs during autumn, with fishers gearing up with the latest salmon fishing tackle and techniques to make the most of the season. Western Angler Magazine, in partnership with Recfishwest, celebrates the iconic southern sportfish during the annual Awesome Autumn of Salmon, which includes one of Australia's biggest fishing competitions, the Salmon Slam. This event highlights the importance of protecting the fantastic, safe, and accessible sportfishing that WA salmon provides.
Cheynes Beach, located on Western Australia's south coast, is one of the best spots in the state to catch salmon. In 2025, a massive school of salmon was spotted off Cheynes Beach, drawing hundreds to the area. The school was so large that beachgoers could grab fish barehanded from the water. Salmon are also known to frequent other beaches along the southern coast, such as Esperance and Exmouth.
The salmon run not only attracts fishers but also sharks to the south coast. It is advised that anglers stick to beaches, while those fishing from rocks should have the correct equipment, including life jackets and rock fishing boots. The presence of dolphins and sharks can be an indicator of the presence of salmon, so fishers should keep an eye out for these animals.
The Australian Salmon, also known as Salmon Trout or WA Salmon, is a unique species that can be caught all year round. However, the largest fish are prevalent between June and October. These fish range from 4kg to 7kg in weight and are known to take varied baits, including live herring and many types of lures.
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Salmon run from the Great Australian Bight to Perth's shores
Salmon season in Western Australia is an exciting time for fishers of all skill levels. Each year, thousands of salmon make their way from the Great Australian Bight to Perth's shores, travelling in huge schools and offering anglers an opportunity to land a prize catch.
The salmon run typically begins in autumn, with the fish arriving on the southern coast of Western Australia. The schools of salmon, ranging from 4-8kg in weight, are a spectacular sight as they herd baitfish into the shallows. Their presence attracts not only fishers but also dolphins, sharks and other predators to the southern coast.
Cheynes Beach, located on the south coast, is one of the best spots in the state to catch salmon. In recent years, witnesses have reported schools of salmon so large that beachgoers could grab the fish bare-handed from the water. The easy access to the fish at this location is part of its popularity among anglers.
As the salmon continue their journey north, they eventually reach Perth's beaches a few weeks after their initial arrival in Western Australia. Their presence in Perth offers urban anglers a chance to join in on the salmon season without having to travel far.
The salmon run in Western Australia is celebrated by Recfishwest and thousands of WA salmon fishers during the annual Awesome Autumn of Salmon. This event includes one of Australia's biggest fishing competitions, the Salmon Slam, showcasing the abundance of salmon in the region and the fantastic fishing experiences it provides for the WA community.
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Salmon are known to school in ankle-deep water
Salmon are fascinating fish that lead interesting lives. They are anadromous, meaning they spend part of their lives in freshwater streams and part of their lives in the salty ocean. Salmon typically hatch in freshwater and live most of their adult lives in the ocean, before swimming back to the upper reaches of rivers to spawn. This annual migration is known as the salmon run.
The salmon run typically occurs during the autumn, from September through November. It is during this time that salmon can be found schooling in ankle-deep water. This behaviour has been observed in Cheynes Beach in southern Western Australia, where thousands of salmon gather each year. The easy access to the fish in these shallow waters is part of the popularity of the salmon run for fishers.
Salmon are known to school together in ankle-deep water during their migration. This behaviour may be influenced by the fact that salmon are typically born in freshwater upstream in inland tributaries. As they approach the time to migrate to the ocean, they undergo physiological changes that allow them to survive in saltwater. This includes developing silvery scales that visually confuse ocean predators.
Once they have matured in the ocean, salmon swim back to the rivers to reproduce. It is thought that they use magnetoreception to locate their natal river and spawning grounds. During the salmon run, they form large schools that can be easily spotted by fishers. This makes the salmon run a dangerous time for the fish, as it not only attracts fishers but also sharks and other predators.
Overall, the behaviour of salmon schooling in ankle-deep water is a fascinating aspect of their annual migration. It is a well-known event in Western Australia, attracting people from across the state to try their luck at catching these prized fish.
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Cheynes Beach is one of the best spots to catch salmon
Cheynes Beach in Western Australia is one of the best spots in the state to catch salmon. The beach is located in the south of Western Australia, where thousands of salmon migrate annually. The salmon run typically occurs between March and May and then again from October to September.
The beach is a popular fishing location for both locals and visitors, who snap up the salmon with rods, nets, and even their bare hands. The easy access to the fish, which are known to school in ankle-deep water, is part of its popularity. This accessibility means fishers can reduce the risk of rock fishing.
Cheynes Beach is also a great spot to witness a spectacular natural phenomenon. Each year, massive schools of salmon arrive on the beach, creating a frenzy of activity as fishers try to catch them. This event has been described as a "once-in-a-century" occurrence, with aerial photographs showing the vast size of the salmon schools.
The salmon migration also attracts sharks to the south coast of Western Australia, adding an element of excitement and danger to the fishing experience. The Salmon Holes, located close to Albany, is another famous fishing spot in the area that is easily accessible via a two-wheel drive.
In addition to being a prime fishing location, Cheynes Beach is also home to three of Australia's rarest and most elusive birds: the western whipbird, the noisy scrub-bird, and the western bristlebird. The beach offers a diverse range of natural attractions that appeal to both fishers and bird-watching enthusiasts alike.
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Salmon are a great sporting fish
Salmon are a highly prized game fish for recreational fishing, and it's easy to see why. Salmon fishing is a technically demanding sport, providing a unique fishing experience. In Western Australia, the arrival of autumn signals the annual migration of thousands of salmon along the southern coastline. This event attracts anglers from across the state, eager to land a prize catch.
Salmon are an excellent sporting fish due to their accessibility to a wide range of fishers. In Western Australia, they can be found in ankle-deep water at popular fishing spots like Cheynes Beach. Their abundance in these waters provides an exciting opportunity for fishers of all skill levels to try their hand at landing this highly sought-after game fish.
The popularity of salmon as a sporting fish is also driven by their nutritional value. Salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, making them a superfood for athletes. Their high protein content aids in muscle recovery and repair, while omega-3 is essential for heart health and healthy blood flow. Salmon are also a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, and riboflavin, which help the body convert food into energy efficiently.
Additionally, salmon are a popular choice for sport fishers due to their mild, buttery flavor and versatility in the kitchen. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, from cream sauces to lemon butter, herbs, and oils, making them a delicious and nutritious meal.
The sustainability of Western Australian salmon stocks is another factor contributing to their popularity as a sporting fish. The annual salmon run ensures a consistent supply, and the fish are sustainably managed to protect this valuable resource for the fishing community and the local economy.
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Frequently asked questions
Salmon run in Western Australia during autumn.
Salmon run along the southern coastline of Western Australia. Cheynes Beach is one of the best spots to catch salmon.
The salmon run is the annual migration of thousands of salmon along the southern coastline of Western Australia.
While it is not illegal to eat the salmon in Western Australia, they are not known for being the tastiest fish in the ocean, so most people choose to catch and release.
