Home » Sport » Salmon running riot in the bay

Salmon running riot in the bay

Salmon are running red hot inside Corio Bay at the moment with anglers flocking to the jetties and wharfs around the Geelong waterfront and having great success landing solid numbers of fish.

The salmon have been feeding on small baitfish inside the bay and can quite often be seen busting up in various locations.

Casting small minnow profile soft plastics into the commotion has been a lethal tactic when feeding on the surface. If worked on the bottom you can expect to catch just about anything at the moment including snapper, trevally, flathead, whiting and snook.

Snook have also started to make their presence known in the waterfront with anglers fishing for salmon picking them up along the way. If you were to target them, best throw bigger hardbody lures such as Daiwa double clutch 95s.

Although the weather has been far from favourable there is still some good fishing off Barwon Heads with sharks, snapper and tuna all on the chew. The 30 to 50 metre line has been producing plenty of tasty bottom fish. Fresh salmon and calamari as usual are proving to be the standout bait.

Tuna have been hanging out towards the east side of the rip along the 60 metre line. School fish and barrels trolling skirted lures like Tornado, JBs or Aloha lures have been producing plenty of fish.

With the recent rain the Otway Rivers and streams are well worth having a look at as they should have some nice flow and hungry fish.

Just about every system along the great ocean road is worth putting some time in – the Cumberland River is a fantastic spot to suss out.

Small shallow diving hard bodies such as Rapala XR4s or Strike Tiger Nymphs are fantastic lures to throw around.

Lake Purrumbete is producing some quality brown trout in the shallows over the past week or two and the whole lake system is a great option if it’s a bit windy and wild to get into the saltwater.

Osp Bent Minnows and Megabass Vision Onetens have been working very well in the shallower water and there has been some quality fish to over 6lb being caught.

There has also been plenty of redfin cruising about also and have been taking a liking to the bigger lures too.

Digital Editions


  • Seagulls continue winning ways

    Seagulls continue winning ways

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 509768 BARWON HEADS demolished Inverleigh to retain its unbeaten status in Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade. New-ball pair…

More News

  • It’s all happening

    It’s all happening

    We are spoiled for choice when it comes to cultural and community events taking place across the Bellarine these school holidays. If you’re looking for inspiration to get outdoors or…

  • Top shelf but lots of competition

    Top shelf but lots of competition

    Gosh it seems like a long time since the Australian launch of the Polestar 2 EV. It was fresh, it was entirely new and it was late November, 2021 –…

  • From the archives

    From the archives

    10 years ago 6 to 19 January, 2016 Barwon Heads resident Sally Smith is searching for five heroic beach-goers, who she says saved her life just days before Christmas. Sally,…

  • Tribute to the godfathers of metal

    Tribute to the godfathers of metal

    Australia’s premier Black Sabbath tribute band comes to town next weekend. Sydney band Sabbath Bloody Sabbath will bring all the iconic hits, sludgy riffs and shredding solos of the preeminent…

  • 10 in a row for Moolap

    10 in a row for Moolap

    Tennis Geelong’s Thursday Triples season culminated on grand final night late December with eight sections all enjoying some fabulous hitting and competition. Moolap’s Two Phones Chol were hoping for their…

  • Community calendar

    Community calendar

    Bellarine Historical Society Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. Every Sunday until end December, 10.30am-12.30pm, Courthouse Museum, 11 High St, Drysdale. ■ bellarinehistory.org Ocean Grove Day VIEW Meets…

  • Beach cricket at summertime

    Beach cricket at summertime

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 526485 Harvey, Violet, Maisie and Lenny are pictured playing some beach cricket at Ocean Grove main beach on a lovely Tuesday 6 January before…

  • Mussels back on the menu

    Mussels back on the menu

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 451995 The region’s favourite culinary-themed festival is back this weekend, drawing thousands of foodies to the region for a celebration of seafood and community.…

  • A voice for queer youth

    A voice for queer youth

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 526483 Imogen O’Shannessy has packed a lot into her 18 years including being nominated as a finalist in the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards. Justin…

  • Lifesaver receives national award

    Lifesaver receives national award

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 527217 A local lifesaver has had their years of dedication and service recognised by the nation’s peak body. Surf Life Saving Australia awarded the…