Logans Beach (Warrnambool)
Summary for 20 Oct 2026
Bite Compass is showing a low fish activity bite score on 20 Oct 2026. Wind is around N at 13 km/h. Solunar feeding windows are listed below.
Feeding Windows
Local Knowledge
Logans Beach is the surf beach running east from the Hopkins River mouth at Warrnambool, better known for the southern right whales that use the water off it as a nursery than for its fishing. It is still a straightforward surf beach to fish, with salmon in the gutters, sharks after dark and the Hopkins next door feeding the odd mulloway onto the beach. Expect the usual Warrnambool surf mix rather than anything exotic. On a winter morning there is a real chance the biggest thing you see all session is a whale, which is a fair trade for a quiet rod.
The best gutter is usually at the Hopkins end, where the river's outflow cuts the bank; fish it on the rising tide with pilchard or bluebait on a paternoster, or a metal slug cast across the current. Salmon hunt the edge of the dirty river water after rain. At night, fresh fillet on a running rig is the gummy and mulloway play. Keep an eye on the river mouth — the current there is stronger than it looks.
Salmon are the most likely catch, with gummy sharks at night and the occasional mulloway near the river end. Victorian limits: Australian salmon 21 cm with 20 combined with Australian herring, gummy shark 45 cm partial length with 2 combined with school shark. Mulloway are 60 cm with a bag of 5 for now, but VFA has proposed a larger size and smaller bag, so check the current guide before keeping one. Gummy sharks must be kept whole until you leave the beach.
The whale nursery exclusion off Logans Beach (1 June to 31 October) applies to powered craft — it does not stop shore fishing, but keep your distance from whales and follow any signs at the viewing platform. Merri Marine Sanctuary is on the other side of Warrnambool and no-take; Logans Beach is well clear of it. Fish away from the viewing platform crowds in whale season.
Access & Conditions
Logans Beach is reached by road from Warrnambool's east side, with parking at the whale viewing area. Short tracks lead from the car park onto the sand. Facilities beyond the viewing platform area are limited, so bring what you need. The sand is soft and the walk to the gutters can be longer than it looks.
The beach faces the Southern Ocean and takes the south-westerly swell. A small to moderate swell makes good gutters; a big swell makes it dangerous and unfishable. Northerly winds blow offshore and clean the water up. Low light on a rising tide is the best window. On a winter morning the breeze off the water has a knack for finding the gap between your collar and your neck.
Open surf beach with rips — do not wade out to cast, and avoid fishing alone. The Hopkins River mouth can have strong outflow currents. Swell can surge high up the beach without warning. If someone is in trouble, throw something that floats and call 000.
Gear & Rigs
A 10–12 ft surf rod with a 5000–6000 reel and 15–20 lb line handles the river-end current. Use 40–60 g metals for salmon when the outflow is running, and a paternoster with 2/0 hooks for bait. For gummies and mulloway, step up to 20–30 lb line and a 50 lb leader with 6/0–7/0 snelled hooks. Carry 5 oz grip sinkers; plain stars roll in the outflow.
Seasons
Salmon can turn up in any month, and gummies are a night fish all year. A mulloway off the river end is the session's wildcard. Whales use the nursery from about June to October, which is the busiest time for visitors.
If This Spot's Blown Out
Frequently Asked
Yes from the shore. The whale nursery exclusion from 1 June to 31 October applies to powered craft, not shore anglers — but keep your distance from whales.
Salmon are the most likely catch, with gummy sharks at night and the occasional mulloway near the Hopkins River end.
No. The Merri Marine Sanctuary is on the western side of Warrnambool; Logans Beach is outside it.