Dampier and Karratha fishing spots
Karratha, Dampier and Point Samson face the Dampier Archipelago, dozens of islands of rocky reef, mangroves and deep channels in the heart of the Pilbara. Shore anglers fish beaches, breakwalls and mangrove creeks for queenfish, trevally, jacks and mud crabs, while boats work the islands for coral trout, cod and mackerel. September to April is pelagic time; the tides drive everything.
Updated
6 spots here: 5 fished from land and 1 reached only by boat, plus 6 public boat ramps. Seasons follow our Pilbara coast species list for Western Australia. Positions are a guide only, not for navigation.
Under each spot, "Forecast for this spot" opens the app's forecast worked out for that spot: Go, Marginal or No-go for each day of the week ahead, with the best times, wind, waves and tide. Open the forecast.
Spots at a glance
| Spot | Type | Fished from | Water | Marine park |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dampier foreshore | Rocks | Land-based | Bay, estuary or river | – |
| 2. Hearson Cove | Beach | Land-based | Bay, estuary or river | – |
| 3. Nickol River & Back Beach creeks | Estuary | Land-based, boat and kayak | Bay, estuary or river | – |
| 4. Johns Creek harbour, Point Samson | Breakwall | Land-based | Bay, estuary or river | – |
| 5. Cossack creeks (Butcher Inlet) | Estuary | Land-based and boat | Bay, estuary or river | – |
| 6. Dampier Archipelago (Flying Foam Passage) | Channel | Boat | Bay, estuary or river | – |
1. Dampier foreshore
- Type
- Rocks · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Land-based. Along the Dampier town foreshore by the boat ramp, walking south towards the marina and causeway.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: queenfish and trevally. Also in season: pikey bream.
- Best tide
- Not confirmed for this spot yet.
- Best wind
- Light winds or easterlies (offshore). Faces NW.
- Note
- Walk the foreshore rocks and points with stickbaits and soft plastics for queenfish and golden or giant trevally, with bream around the rocks. Coordinate is Foul Point by the marina.
- Safety
- Crocodile country: stay a few metres back from the water, never wade or clean fish at the edge.
- Zone
- No state marine park zoning in force; a Dampier Archipelago marine park has been proposed for years Guide only, not for navigation: check dpird.wa.gov.au.
- Map
- -20.66250, 116.70110 · Open in Google Maps (position: Foul Point, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
2. Hearson Cove
- Type
- Beach · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Land-based. Short drive onto the Burrup Peninsula; day use only, no camping.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: queenfish and trevally. Also in season: blue threadfin.
- Best tide
- Higher stages of the tide, when water reaches the rock ledges.
- Best wind
- Westerlies (offshore); open to the east. Faces ESE.
- Note
- Wide beach on the Burrup with mangroves and low rock ledges at the far end: on a high tide queenfish and GT push up to the ledges. Low tide drains to broad mudflats.
- Safety
- A large crocodile has been reported in nearby Airport Creek: stay back from creek mouths. Irukandji stings are most often reported Nov-Jun but happen in any month: avoid swimming, carry vinegar.
- Zone
- No marine park zoning; the surrounding land is Murujuga National Park Guide only, not for navigation: check dpird.wa.gov.au.
- Map
- -20.63080, 116.79720 · Open in Google Maps (position: Hearson Cove Beach, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
3. Nickol River & Back Beach creeks
- Type
- Estuary · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Land-based, boat and kayak. Launch at the Karratha Back Beach ramp; the creeks are easiest by small boat.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: mangrove jack, mud crab, golden snapper and barramundi. Also in season: pikey bream.
- Best tide
- Not confirmed for this spot yet.
- Best wind
- Not confirmed for this spot yet.
- Note
- Mangrove creeks on Nickol Bay right beside Karratha: jacks, bream and fingermark on lures around snags, and muddies in season. Wet-season rain brings the odd barra.
- Safety
- Crocodile country: stay a few metres back from the water, never wade or clean fish at the edge. Big tides: creeks drain fast, so watch your exit.
- Zone
- No marine park zoning Guide only, not for navigation: check dpird.wa.gov.au.
- Map
- -20.71250, 116.92500 · Open in Google Maps (position: Nickol River, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
4. Johns Creek harbour, Point Samson
- Type
- Breakwall · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Land-based. At the Johns Creek boat harbour, Point Samson; car park and toilets.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: queenfish, trevally and estuary cod.
- Best tide
- Not confirmed for this spot yet.
- Best wind
- Westerlies (offshore). Faces SSE.
- Note
- Fish the rock groynes at the harbour for queenfish, trevally and cod; Honeymoon Cove next door is another popular cast. On the Point Samson reef only finfish may be taken.
- Safety
- Slippery groyne rocks and boat traffic. Crocodile country: stay a few metres back from the water, never wade or clean fish at the edge.
- Zone
- Next to the Point Samson Reef Protected Area, which lies between the northern headland of Sam's Creek and the site of the old Point Samson jetty: finfish only there, no taking shells, crabs, squid, octopus or other invertebrates Guide only, not for navigation: check dpird.wa.gov.au.
- Map
- -20.63750, 117.19330 · Open in Google Maps (position: Point Samson, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
5. Cossack creeks (Butcher Inlet)
- Type
- Estuary · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Land-based and boat. At the historic Cossack townsite; unsealed boat ramp, small boats best.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: mud crab, mangrove jack and estuary cod.
- Best tide
- Run-in tide for crabbing in the upper creek.
- Best wind
- Not confirmed for this spot yet.
- Note
- Mangrove inlet and Harding River mouth at old Cossack: set crab gear in the upper reaches as the tide floods, and cast lures at snags for jacks and cod.
- Safety
- Crocodile country: stay a few metres back from the water, never wade or clean fish at the edge. Mud and fast-running tides: do not wade.
- Zone
- No marine park zoning Guide only, not for navigation: check dpird.wa.gov.au.
- Map
- -20.67810, 117.19280 · Open in Google Maps (position: Butcher Inlet, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
6. Dampier Archipelago (Flying Foam Passage)
- Type
- Channel · bay, estuary or river
- Access
- Boat. From the Dampier or Karratha Back Beach ramps; navigate carefully at low tide.
- What's good here
- Peak in October: estuary cod, Spanish mackerel, trevally and spangled emperor. Also in season: coral trout.
- Best tide
- Not confirmed for this spot yet.
- Best wind
- Light winds; strong tidal currents run through the passages.
- Note
- Deep channel between the islands: coral trout and cod on reef edges, Spanish mackerel and trevally on current lines and shoals. Pelagics peak from September to April.
- Safety
- Strong currents and rocky bommies: watch the sounder. Island landings are controlled (nature reserves and Murujuga National Park).
- Zone
- No state marine park zoning in force; the Commonwealth Dampier Marine Park further offshore has a no-take National Park Zone Guide only, not for navigation: check australianmarineparks.gov.au.
- Map
- -20.46530, 116.83330 · Open in Google Maps (position: Flying Foam Passage, Composite Gazetteer of Australia)
- Forecast
- Forecast for this spot
Boat ramps
6 public boat ramps are listed for Dampier and Karratha, with positions from Public Boat Ramps (DOT-033). Lanes, parking and tide access are as the data says: check them on the day.
| Ramp | Notes | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Dampier town boat ramp | Sealed, 4 lanes, 2 finger jetties, about 100 trailer bays. | -20.65629, 116.70764 Google Maps |
| Karratha Back Beach boat ramp | Unsealed single lane, about 50 trailer bays; tide-dependent, launches into Nickol Bay and its creeks. | -20.72121, 116.88986 Google Maps |
| Withnell Bay boat ramp | Unsealed single lane on the Burrup, about 20 trailer bays. | -20.63753, 116.75759 Google Maps |
| Point Samson (Johns Creek) boat ramp | Sealed, 2 lanes, 1 finger jetty, about 100 trailer bays in the Johns Creek harbour. | -20.63747, 117.19272 Google Maps |
| Cossack boat ramp | Unsealed single lane, about 50 trailer bays; small boats, tide-dependent. | -20.67929, 117.18926 Google Maps |
| Forty Mile Beach (Gnoorea Point) ramp | Unsealed natural ramp at the Gnoorea Point (40 Mile) camping area west of Karratha. | -20.83998, 116.34774 Google Maps |
What's biting here in October?
In peak season at Dampier and Karratha in October: trevally, estuary cod, queenfish, mangrove jack and 11 more. Of the 26 species our Pilbara coast list has for this part of the coast, 15 peak in October 2026 and 11 more are in season.
Peak in October: trevally, estuary cod, queenfish, mangrove jack, mud crab, barramundi, golden snapper, Spanish mackerel, spangled emperor, whiting, longtail tuna, cobia, sailfish, marlin and squid.
Also in season: pikey bream, blue threadfin, coral trout, king threadfin, black jewfish, western yellowfin bream, school mackerel, red emperor, goldband snapper, Rankin cod and blue swimmer crab.
Seasons are closure-aware: a species is never listed as in season, for the area or at a spot, while it is closed there; a closure for part of the area says where. Species links go to our South East Queensland species guides, with Queensland's limits: Western Australia's own size and bag limits are on the official rules page.
Can you fish here? Rules and safety
No licence for shore-based line fishing. Any fishing from a powered boat (incl. crabbing, squid, catch and release) needs a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence: $40/yr, half price concession incl. under 16 (DPIRD, Oct 2026). Licence details. Size and bag limits and closed seasons apply: Western Australia's limits (checked 9 Oct 2026).
Rules at Dampier and Karratha
- Point Samson Reef Protected Area: finfish only (by line, or by spear for bony fish but not sharks or rays); no taking shells, crabs, squid, octopus, coral or other invertebrates.
- No fishing within 500 m of the Kunmunya and Samson II wreck sites, about 23 km north of Point Samson.
- Commonwealth Dampier Marine Park: National Park Zone is no-take; check the zoning map before fishing offshore.
- North Coast netting: haul and set nets banned except restricted haul netting for mullet and garfish from Dampier Archipelago islands; a net licence is needed for any net.
- Powered boats need a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence; North Coast demersal bag is 4 per person from 1 Jun 2026.
Marine parks and no-take zones
Zones are a guide only, not for navigation: check the official maps before you fish.
Safety at Dampier and Karratha
- Crocodiles live in Pilbara creeks and mangroves: a large one was reported in Airport Creek near Hearson Cove in 2023.
- Irukandji occur across tropical northern Australia, including Pilbara waters: avoid swimming in the warmer months.
- Big tides drain bays and creeks quickly; cyclone season runs roughly November to April.
- Crocodile country: saltwater crocodiles live in rivers, estuaries, beaches and around islands here. Stay well back from the water's edge, never clean fish at the water, and don't stand on logs or overhanging banks. More.
- Marine stingers (box jellyfish and irukandji) can be in these waters, mostly in the warmer months: cover up if you wade or swim, and carry vinegar. More.
Western Australia: official links
Read the official forecast and warnings in the Bureau of Meteorology's own words: WA coastal and local waters forecast map and current warnings.
Boating: Western Australia boating safety and lifejacket rules. Lifejackets: Powered boats <4.8m: everyone wears L100+ when >400m offshore in unprotected waters. >=4.8m there: children 1-12 wear L100+. PWC: always. Paddle craft <4.8m: wear L50S+ >400m offshore.
Heading out on the water? Log on and off with Marine Rescue WA (Volunteer Marine Rescue Service, DFES). Log on and off by marine radio with the local marine rescue group every trip, or use the Log on Log off (LOLO) feature in the DECKEE app, which notifies Marine Rescue WA.
Marine parks and closed areas: DPIRD - marine protected areas and fishing, WA recreational fishing rules site (interactive MPA maps) and Australian Marine Parks (North-west and South-west networks).
- Water Police HF watch: Water Police monitor HF 4125, 6215 and 8291 kHz 24/7; VHF 16/67 Perth metro only. More.
Western Australia's official rules: size and bag limits and closed seasons and areas (checked 9 Oct 2026).
Emergency: 000 (112 from mobiles) · VHF channel 16 for distress.
Nearby fishing areas
- Port Hedland (about 175 km east)
- Onslow and Mackerel Islands (about 218 km south-west)
- Exmouth and Exmouth Gulf (about 325 km south-west)
- Coral Bay (about 429 km south-west)
Distances are between the middle of each area. Every area in Western Australia · all fishing spot guides.
Sources and checked dates
- Spot and ramp positions: Composite Gazetteer of Australia (Geoscience Australia and the state and territory naming authorities), CC BY 4.0, ABS Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Edition 3 (2021) (Australian Bureau of Statistics), CC BY 4.0 and Public Boat Ramps (DOT-033) (Western Australian Department of Transport), CC BY 4.0; gazetteer and ABS positions through our place index. Guide only, not for navigation.
- Spot research checked 9 Oct 2026 and fact-checked 9 Oct 2026; species seasons and rules checked 9 Oct 2026; safety links checked 9 Oct 2026. Text in our own words.
- Research sources: catalogue.data.wa.gov.au (Boat ramp coordinates, lanes, finger jetties and trailer bays (WA DoT Public Boat Ramps DOT-033, CC BY 4.0)); public-services.slip.wa.gov.au (DPIRD Fisheries Guide polygons (DPIRD-061): every spot was tested against sanctuary, fishing-prohibition and FHPA areas); public-services.slip.wa.gov.au (DBCA Legislated Lands and Waters (DBCA-011): which marine park each spot sits in); issuu.com (Karratha creek competition catches (jacks, fingermark, barra) and a 2-3 m crocodile in Airport Creek (Fishing Monthly, Jan 2023; seen via search excerpt)); saltwaterflyrodders.com.au (Angler reports: Hearson Cove ledges, Dampier foreshore, King Bay and Withnell Bay species); australiasnorthwest.com (Johns Creek groynes, Honeymoon Cove, Sam's Creek and the reef protection zone); australiasnorthwest.com (Point Samson islands (cod, trout), Cossack mud crabbing on the incoming tide); australiasnorthwest.com (Public ramps: Dampier, Back Beach, Johns Creek, Point Samson, Cossack); karratha.wa.gov.au (Hearson Cove is day use only; designated camping at Cleaverville and 40 Mile); recfishwest.org.au (Mangrove jack habits in Pilbara creeks); dpird.wa.gov.au (Point Samson Reef Protected Area and wreck-site closures); australianmarineparks.gov.au (Commonwealth Dampier Marine Park zones); broome.wa.gov.au (Irukandji season and range across tropical northern Australia (Shire of Broome)); dpird.wa.gov.au (North Coast netting rules); dbca.wa.gov.au (Crocodile safety).
- Every source and licence: Sources and disclaimers.