Creek, River and Lake Fishing near Brisbane

Moreton Bay Marine Park is not the only fishing spot near Brisbane. With its network of creeks, rivers and lakes, the Moreton Bay Region Hinterland has plenty to offer the avid angler. Throw a line in from the banks, or disembark from one of the local boating ramps.

North Pine River

Extending approximately 54 kilometres, the North Pine River offers many locations for shoreline fishing near Brisbane as well as on the water. Rising in the Mount Mee Forest Reserve of D’Aguilar National Park, the North Pine River flows southeast through the greater part of the Moreton Bay Region. It is dammed at Lake Samsonvale before it continues to form its confluence with the South Pine River.

Leis Park in Petrie is one of the best launching spots for a day out on the North Pine River boasting three boat ramps (two accessible at any tide and one great for kayaks, canoes, etc.).

Estuary species include:

  • Bass
  • Bream
  • Cod
  • Flathead
  • Jewfish
  • Mangrove Jacks
  • Mud crabs and prawns
  • Mullet
  • Tailor
  • Trevally
  • Whiting

Please note that species may vary depending on where you’re fishing from.

South Pine River

A shorter run than the North Pine River, the South Pine extends over 41 kilometres to form its confluence with North Pine in Lawnton. Rising in the D’Aguilar Range below Mount Glorious, the South Pine River flows east through Samford, winding its way toward Eatons Hill and Brendale until it reaches Albany Creek in the suburb of the same name. If you choose the South Pine River as your ideal fishing near Brisbane spot, you may also enjoy the North Pine River as they are home to the same fish species.

Lake Samsonvale (North Pine Dam)

In the centre of some of the Moreton Bay’s most bustling suburbs is the picturesque Lake Samsonvale. Not only providing drinking water to the greater Brisbane region, Lake Samsonvale is also a scenic location for couples, families and hobby fishers. With the stock maintained by the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association, you can rest assured you’ll be getting plenty of bites from Australian bass, golden and silver perch along with cod and red claw crayfish.

Top fishing near Brisbane spots at Lake Samsonvale includes Bullocky Rest, McGavin View, Forgan Park, Forgan Cove and Kobble Creek. Like boating, shore fishing is strictly by permit only. These are obtainable from the Samsonvale Water Sports Association or the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association.

Caboolture River

The Caboolture River is a small river that forms in the D’Aguilar Range and flows generally east to enter the Moreton Bay. Covering 45 kilometres, the Caboolture Rivers is made up of four separate systems: riverine, palustrine, estuarine and artificial/highly modified. Due to this unique mix, you will find different fish species in each section, though you will likely find the same as the Pine Rivers.

Lake Kurwongbah (Sideling Creek Dam)

North of Lake Samsonvale and surrounded by privately owned residential acreage, Lake Kurwongbah is home to a variety of native birds, fish and other land animals. It’s a tranquil location and the backdrop to the Lakeside International Raceway. You can fish from the shoreline or paddle craft seven days a week, from Mick Hanfling Park and the Lake Kurwongbah Day Use area. Boating and water skiing are only permitted by members and guests of the Lake Kurwongbah Water Ski Zone and Waterski Queensland.

Make sure you have your fishing permit with you and check with SEQwater for any updates. Lake Kurwongbah is stocked by the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association Inc with Australian bass, golden perch, Mary River cod and Saratoga among the most common finds.

For more fishing hot spots around the region or to turn your fish into a day trip, check out:

Fishing On Bribie Island – There’s Something For Everyone

Top Ten Places To Go Hiking In Moreton Bay

Woodford Gardens Cafe

Discover Food Trail Day Trips from Brisbane in the Hinterland

Hashtag your hinterland fishing near Brisbane adventure on Insta #visitmoretonbayregion or tag us @visitmoretonbayregion on Facebook!

Looking for more things to do and see? Pop into one of the region's Accredited Visitor Information Centres, the volunteers have a wealth of local knowledge.

More to read:

Fuel your wanderlust & stay in touch!

Subscribe

Acknowledgement of Country - We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of the Moreton Bay Region, the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, and Turrbal people and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise the ongoing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land.