Powlett River Mouth

The Powlett River reaches Bass Strait east of Kilcunda, inside Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park, and the mouth gives two fisheries in one walk: calm river water behind the sand and open surf beaches either side. Estuary perch and black bream are the river's signature fish. The mouth is a wetland of national significance and a nesting area for the Hooded Plover, so the fishing comes with company that deserves some space. The ocean beach runs back west toward Kilcunda and suits salmon in the gutters.

In the river, fish light: small baits such as sandworm, pipi or peeled prawn on a running sinker rig near snags, drop-offs and the edges of the channel, or small soft plastics and hardbodies for perch on dusk. The mouth opens and closes with the sand, so read what the river is doing on the day; it keeps its own diary and does not share it. On the surf side, walk to a gutter and fish metals or pilchard baits for salmon on the rising tide.

Black bream (28 cm, bag 10 here — the Gippsland Lakes slot does not apply) and estuary perch (27 cm, combined bag 5 with no more than 2 Australian bass) are the river prizes, and both must be kept whole on the water. Yelloweye mullet (combined bag 40) are the reliable bite. Salmon (21 cm, combined bag 20 with herring) work the surf, and flathead (27 cm, combined bag 20) turn up in both.

Keep well clear of fenced and signed Hooded Plover nesting areas on the beach, especially through the spring and summer breeding season. Perch are a dusk-and-dark fish — a quiet approach on the bank beats long casts. Estuary perch have excellent hearing and no patience for a running commentary. Many anglers release estuary perch to keep the river's population healthy.

Mouth of Powlett Road leads to the Powlett River Day Visitor Area and car parks near the mouth; the privately run Powlett River Caravan Park sits nearby. It is a short walk over the dunes to the river and beach. Facilities are limited, and the beaches along this stretch are not patrolled.

The surf beach faces Bass Strait and takes the full south-westerly swell, so it is often big; the river behind the sand stays calm. Whether the mouth is open to the sea changes the fishing — an open mouth after rain pulls bait and salmon toward the entrance. Rain makes the river dirty for a few days.

The ocean beaches here are unpatrolled and swell-exposed, with rips that shift with the sand — fish from dry sand, not knee-deep. The river mouth itself can run hard when it is open; never try to wade across it. West of Kilcunda, lifejackets are compulsory on all rock platforms between Bore Beach and Kilcunda (AS 4758, Level 50S or greater; children Level 100 or greater) — wear one on any rocks along this coast.

Yes. Fishing is allowed at the Powlett River mouth, in Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park, and estuary perch and black bream are the fish of the river. The nearest no-take area is the Bunurong Marine National Park, well to the east.

Estuary perch, black bream and mullet in the river, with salmon and flathead on the ocean beaches beside the mouth. Bream are 28 cm minimum and estuary perch 27 cm minimum.

Yes on the rocks: lifejackets are compulsory on all rock platforms between Bore Beach (San Remo) and Kilcunda — AS 4758 Level 50S or greater, and Level 100 or greater for children. Wear one on any rock platform along this coast, and on the sand keep well back from the surf.