Fly fishing

Fly fishing Western Australia, Mackerel Islands

Fly fishing Mackerel Islands

Mackerel Islands has become one of the top destinations for salt water fly fishing in Western Australia. Very few places in Australia or in the world for that matter can produce the amount of saltwater action that can be enjoyed in and around the Mackerel Islands. Fly Fishers have been known to catch as many as 20 species of fish or more during fly fishing trips to the island, including mega class fish, those any fly fisherman dreams of catching.

Meter long queenies are beaten to the fly by even bigger models, 25lb golden trevelly, and the ever-present, unstoppable golden trevallys’s have the ability to transform your 10wt or even 12wt rod from a four piece to a six piece in a second, it’s that sort of place.

All the Islands and sand cays in the group produce quality fish, both from the shore and from a boat. Both options can produce sessions which would be hard to beat anywhere in the world. Well-known fly fishing expert David Bell, a visitor to the islands, tells the following tale:

“I planned to walk around a small Island one afternoon. I allowed three hours to cover all the likely looking spots before the boat was due to pick me up. I managed to cover less than 500 meters. I was hooked up solid from the first cast, a hard fighting Trevor and from then on a smorgasbord of quality fish followed, mostly sight casting in crystal clear water. There was everything from queenies, blue fin, golden, brassy gold spot trevor’s, dart, bream, blue nose salmon, the list went on and on. The Mackerel Islands is truly is a special place, one I will gladly return to in the near future. Next time I may strike gold and hook up to Permit or even a bonefish which are caught not too far away in Exmouth and Onslow. You never know your luck in a place like the Mackerels.”

David bell, fly fishing expert.

What Fly Gear To Take

Shore based either 8 or 9wt rod with intermediate line should cover all the bases, from a boat 10-12wt rods with fast sinking line are the go you will encounter larger fish hanging on the drop offs so a fast sinking line will get you in the zone for the trophy fish which are there waiting for your fly.

Staying on Thevenard Island which is some 22 kilometres out from Onslow makes life very easy, it offers a wide range of accommodation options, which can cater for small to large groups.

The general store provides all your daily needs with, fuel supplies available for your boat; Thevenard Island also have a restaurant and a bar, great food and great entertainment. The boat anchorage is suitable for all sizes of boats which are moored only meters from your bungalows. But the best thing about the Island is the Island crew who are all committed to providing a very high standard of service. Nothing is too much trouble.

Need somewhere to stay? Checkout our accommodation on the Mackerel Islands or accommodation in Onslow