Australia is home to some of the best bass fishing in the world — whether you’re chasing wild Australian bass in the rivers of New South Wales or casting into serene lakes in Queensland. This 2025 guide covers the top bass fishing spots in Australia, with tips on where to go, what to bring, and how to make the most of your trip.
Let’s dive in.
🎯 Why Target Australian Bass?
The Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) is a native, hard-fighting species that loves structure, topwater lures, and tight casts. They’re popular with both beginner and experienced anglers thanks to:
•💪 Strong fight for their size
•🌊 Accessible locations (rivers, creeks, impoundments)
•🎣 Responsive to a variety of lures
🗺️ Best Bass Fishing Spots by Region
📍 New South Wales (NSW)
✅ Nepean River
– Topwater heaven in summer
– Ideal for kayak fishing
✅ Shoalhaven River
– Brackish water bass near Nowra
– Try crankbaits and spinnerbaits
✅ Macquarie River (Bathurst region)
– Classic freshwater bass territory
– Fish deeper pools near structure
✅ Manning River
– Great for surface lures in the early morning
– Access by boat or from shore
📍 Queensland
✅ Maroon Dam
– Clear water, finesse required
– Great for soft plastics and jerkbaits
✅ Wivenhoe Dam
– Large impoundment with deep bass
– Use vibes, deep cranks, and spoons
✅ Noosa River
– Bass closer to the fresh/salt divide
– Great for land-based fishing too
📍 Victoria (limited but growing)
✅ Snowy River system (East Gippsland)
– Wild bass in rugged terrain
– Mostly suited for experienced anglers
✅ Lake Glenmaggie
– Stocked bass population
– Try spinnerbaits and weedless rigs
🧠 When to Fish for Bass
Season What to Expect
Spring Active bass, rising temps, surface hits
Summer Peak topwater season — fish early/late
Autumn Feeding up before winter, deeper lures
Winter Slower bite, target deep structure
💡 Best time: Early morning and late afternoon in spring/summer.
🧰 Recommended Gear for Bass Fishing
You don’t need much — but quality matters.
✅ Rod Recommendation: Favorite X1 Series
•7’0” ML or M power
•Fast action for plastics and topwater
•Great sensitivity + backbone
✅ Budget Option: Favorite U1 Series
•Affordable but powerful
•Perfect for beginners and intermediate anglers
🎣 Tackle:
•1/8 to 1/4 oz jigheads
•3” soft plastics, crankbaits, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits
•8–12 lb braid + 10–14 lb fluorocarbon leader
❓ FAQ – Bass Fishing in Australia
Q: Do I need a boat to catch bass?
✅ No — many rivers and dams have great land-based access.
Q: Can I catch bass all year round?
🎯 Yes, but they are more active in warmer months.
Q: Is bass fishing good for beginners?
✅ Definitely. Bass are accessible and rewarding to target.
Q: What time of day is best for bass?
🌅 Dawn and dusk — especially with surface lures.
🛒 Related Articles
•Favorite X1 vs U1: Which Should You Choose?
•Must-Have Bass Lures for Aussie Waters
•Best Beginner Rods in Australia
🎯 Final Thoughts
Australian bass offer incredible fishing experiences — and with so many locations across NSW, QLD, and VIC, there’s always a new spot to explore.
Whether you’re walking the bank at dawn or launching your kayak into a quiet river, having the right gear will make all the difference.
That’s why we recommend the Favorite X1 or U1 — built for Aussie conditions, tested in real-world fishing.
🛍️ Explore Our Bass Rods Now →
Fish structure. Fish smart. Fish Favorite.