Denmark/Wilson Inlet

Denmark is approximately 421km (4 1/2 to 5 hours) from Perth. Visitors to Denmark enjoy world-class natural attractions, including the Valley of the Giants, home of the world famous Tree Top Walk, glorious beaches such as Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, and wonderful wineries and breweries that all include great Cafés (which can all make for a happy family).

The most direct road access is via the Albany Highway to Mt Barker, and then following the Denmark Mt Barker Road. If travelling down on/after sundown please be mindful of our National Emblem and drive safely.

FISHING

  • Fishing in Denmark can be good, with the main targets being Bream (Black) in the rivers, and Bream (Black & Silver), Whiting (Yellowfin & King George), Smallish Pink Snapper, Flathead (Blue spot) and Cobbler from the weed banks and rock bars around the Wilson Inlet. Resident Salmon are also a possibility.
  • There can be some really nice Skippy (Silver Trevally) in the holes along Ocean beach especially out from the closed river mouth, if conditions are kind. Salmon, Tailor and big Herring (Tommy Ruff) are also found along Ocean beach (try a berley trail to get them closer to shore). They usually only play the game when the wind chops things up a bit. Not good for the long wand,
  •  The Denmark River has been known to hold some good Bream; the fish ability by boat is quite small. A kayak would open up more of this river. Shore based with fly would be hard
  • The Hay River does hold some good bream and in good numbers. It would be dam near impossible to fish this rivers from shore for any real length.  If using a boat, best treat this little river with respect as there is many a rock bar around the mouth and snags out into the channel up river. Take care through the bridge as it is very low and has lots of old bridge stumps and prop killers. Another really good yak option.
  • Poison Point area is quite fishable from shore with fly rod. You can drive down and out to the point on a track. Not soft, but some good ground clearance is required. A few little bays and rock bars are accessible with a bit of bush bashing.
  • The flats at the mouth inside Wilson Inlet, for a shot at some good size Blue spot Flatties. Best fished wading. This area can be unbelievable when the mouth breaks for a couple days with sessions, being a fish a cast.

Denmark

TACKLE

Tackle wise, a 4 – 6 weight outfit will cover most instances. Fishing light will increase the fun factor, given the average size of fish caught. If targeting Salmon, or in windy conditions from the beach, an 8 – 10 weight will be a better choice. (A stripping basket would be useful from the beach).

A floating line will cover most situations. Intermediate lines are useful when fishing out of a boat, fishing deeper water, or where there is faster water flow. Temperate lines work well for most of the year.

Light tippets will result in more success. There are not many situations that you will need more than 10 pound tippets. You may wish to go up a little if fishing the rivers when it can be rather woody. Size 2 – 6 flies will catch most species on offer. Flies that mimic baitfish and prawns are most popular. Crazy Charlie, Clouser Minnow, BMS and Surf Candies all have their place in the fly box. It’s worth having a variety of colours on hand.

 

BOAT RAMPS

Rivermouth Caravan Park:-  Inlet Drive

Denmark River:-  South Coast Highway, east of the traffic bridge.

Poddy Shot:-  off Minsterly Road.

Offshore from Denmark can be very good though it is beach launch and you really do need to know what you are doing in the Southern Ocean.

Ocean Beach – for the experienced only

Madfish Bay – boats smaller than 6.5 metres may be launched in fair conditions and with care.

Parry Beach – recommended for boats over 6.5 metres.

Peaceful Bay– recommended for boats over 6.5 metres.