Feeling the bite on the end of your line and then reeling in a fish can be an exhilarating and very satisfying experience. There are plenty of places and species around Ipswich to enjoy a great day of fishing.
Places to wet a line
- The Bremer River is a well-kept fishing secret. Catches at the annual Father's Day Fishing Fest have included quality specimens of bream, threadfin salmon, Australian bass, catfish, eels and bull sharks. Remember to fish for the future by releasing your catch alive after a quick photo.
- Popular places to fish from the bank are Cribb Park (North Ipswich) and Joseph Brady Park (Barellan Point). Please see the canoeing and kayaking webpage for canoe and kayak access points.
- Boat ramps are located at Cribb Park (Norma Brown St, North Ipswich), Riverside Park (Settler Way, Karalee) and Richardson Park (Brisbane Terrace, Goodna).
- The mid-Brisbane River between Pine Mountain and Kholo is a great place to target bass, especially in summer. Great fishing can be had by drifting in a kayak or canoe and casting lures to structure along the banks. See the canoeing and kayaking webpage for information on access points.
Clubs
There are a number of clubs and groups in the Ipswich area dedicated to fishing. Most offer membership to people of all interest and skill levels, often organising social gatherings for members to get to know one another. The major club in the region is Aberdare Extended Amateur Fishing Club, which is located in Raceview and part of the Queensland Amateur Fishing Club Association.
Safety tips
Like any activity involving venturing out into nature, when fishing it’s wise to take a number of simple steps to keep yourself safe. Before you head off, be sure to notify someone of your planned destination, check weather forecasts and fire and weather warnings and check all equipment. If canoeing or kayaking, always wear a life vest. Also, pack plenty of water, food and sunscreen, making sure to wear appropriate clothing. Always take a mobile phone and emergency contact details with you.
Code of conduct
Like any activity involving venturing out into nature, when angling it’s wise to take a number of simple steps to keep yourself safe and ensure you have an enjoyable outing:
- Observe legal sizes and restrictions and release all undersized fish immediately.
- Report all illegal activities using the Fish Watch hotline on 1800 017 116.
- Consider your fellow anglers and other members of the public, observing common courtesies by disposing of fish offal and unused bait properly.
- Observe boating laws at all times.
- Always read and obey all signage.
- Do not disturb or remove any plants, animals, rocks or artefacts from cultural sites.
- Leave no trace - remove all rubbish you take in and respect the environment.
- In case of accidents or emergencies call 000 or 112 immediately.