What are the inner-gulf pink snapper rules?

The Eastern Gulf, Denham Sound and Freycinet Estuary each have their own arrangements. Eastern Gulf is closed May, June and July; Freycinet Estuary closes 15 August to 30 September. The rules apply when landing fish at the Denham ramp even if caught outside the inner gulfs. Check the DPIRD page or ask at the Fisheries office on Knight Terrace before a trip.

Is Shark Bay in the West Coast or Gascoyne Bioregion?

Gascoyne Coast Bioregion. The boat-based demersal closure that runs south of Kalbarri does not apply here, though the inner-gulf snapper has its own strict regime. Different rules, different limits, different paperwork — read the Gascoyne guide rather than the West Coast one.

Are there crocodiles in Shark Bay?

No. Saltwater crocodile range in WA starts roughly around Onslow and extends north — Shark Bay is well south of that. Sharks are the relevant apex predator here, and tigers in particular are common.

How long is the drive from Perth?

Around 9 hours via the Brand Highway and North West Coastal, then the Denham–Hamelin Road off to the west. Most anglers stay at least four nights given the distance and the size of the bay.

Bite Compass

Fish Activity

Denham (Shark Bay)

Thu 09 Apr 2026 · Australia/Perth

Change spot

←

9 Apr

tap to pick date

→

Today Tomorrow Sat 9 May

📍 Denham (Shark Bay)

last quarter · 57%

Weather: Sunny Wind: S 159° · 19 km/h Water: 23.7 °C

★★★★☆

High Fish Activity

▸ Why this score?

Wind S 19 km/h — Moderate

Solunar Major window active

Water Temp 23.7°C

Moon Phase last quarter — 57%

Learn how the score works →

Activity Forecast

Feeding Windows

Best times to fish based on activity score.

Peak

5:30 pm → 8:30 pm

Good

6:00 am → 8:30 am

2h 30m

Sunrise

7:38 am

Sunset

7:16 pm

Moonrise

—

Moonset

1:50 pm

High tide

4:00 pm

Hourly Wind

High Bite Hours Highlighted