Spencer Fishing Guides
Spencer fishing charters work the lower Hawkesbury River, its tidal creeks, and nearby estuary channels where jewfish, flathead, and bream keep rods bending year-round.
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Spencer, NSW Fishing Guide
Spencer sits right on the junction of Mangrove Creek and the Hawkesbury, which makes it a perfect launch point for both upstream estuary fishing and runs downriver toward Broken Bay. The structure here is classic river country—deep holes, rocky banks, oyster leases, and sand flats all within a short run of the boat ramp. You don’t need to steam far from town to find fish. Most trips leave from the public ramp in Spencer, and from there it’s 5–10 minutes to productive holes, or 30–40 minutes downriver if you want to push toward Patonga, Dangar Island, or Lion Island at the mouth.
Charter styles lean toward half-day and full-day estuary trips, with night runs in demand for jewfish when tides and moon phases line up. The river holds mulloway, bream, flathead, tailor, and estuary perch, with whiting across the sandbanks in summer. Up Mangrove Creek, bass fishing is popular on lures during the warmer months, especially early morning or late evening. Spencer is also a good stepping-off point for anglers who want to target blue swimmer crabs, with drop nets laid out along the channels on a rising tide.
Seasonality plays a big role. Winter sees mulloway holding tight in the deep bends, while bream school up around the rock bars and leases. Summer brings whiting, flathead, and tailor into the shallows, with bass pushing hard in the creeks. Autumn and spring are transition seasons where you can get a mix—mulloway in the deeper water and surface action from tailor and perch higher up.
Techniques are straightforward but effective. Live baits—mullet, prawns, or squid—are gold for mulloway and flathead. Paternoster rigs and soft vibes fished vertically do well in the deeper holes. Light tackle with soft plastics or blades is standard for bream and whiting on the flats. Surface lures and hardbodies work a treat for bass in Mangrove Creek. Spencer’s appeal is simple: you’re fishing prime Hawkesbury country without the crowds of Brooklyn or Mooney Mooney, and the variety on offer keeps things fresh every trip.
Fishing Seasons in Spencer
Spring (March–May)
Spring brings life back to the river. Flathead start to fire on the sand flats and drains as the water warms, making soft plastics and live poddy mullet prime baits. Bream become more active around the oyster leases and rocky edges, feeding on prawns and small lures. Mangrove Creek sees bass begin to stir, especially on surface lures in the early morning. Jewfish are around in the deeper holes, best targeted on live mullet or squid during the tide changes at night. Charters this time of year often mix estuary trolling with bait fishing, giving anglers a good shot at multiple species.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak estuary season in Spencer. Whiting school thick across sand flats and are best targeted with worms, nippers, or small surface poppers. Mangrove jacks are rare here, but bass fishing in Mangrove Creek can be excellent, especially late afternoons. Flathead are everywhere—drop-offs, drains, and sand edges all hold fish, with soft plastics and drifting baits the go-to. Offshore isn’t really an option here, but the river mouth near Lion Island sees tailor and the odd kingfish. Mulloway are still active, though the warmer water makes them more of a night-time target. Afternoon storms can change the bite quickly, but summer is the time for variety and numbers.
Fall (September–November)
By autumn, the heat drops off and the estuary bite stays steady. Flathead remain reliable along the edges, and bream school tighter around rock bars. Jewfish continue to feed in deeper channels, with live squid the preferred bait. Tailor show in stronger numbers in Broken Bay and will push upriver at times, smashing lures at dawn and dusk. Bass action in Mangrove Creek remains solid, especially after rainfall pushes bait down. Charters in fall often focus on mixed-bag sessions, with good shots at both estuary species and night mulloway.
Winter (December–February)
Winter slows some of the estuary surface action but turns Spencer into jewfish country. Mulloway hold tight in the deep holes, with big live baits and vibes accounting for the better fish. Bream fishing peaks, especially around oyster leases and rocky structure, with small prawns and blades producing well. Flathead taper off but can still be caught in deeper bends. Tailor move in schools through Broken Bay and occasionally into the lower river, keeping lure casters busy. Crabbing is a popular winter sideline, with blue swimmers and mud crabs taken on drop nets along channel edges. Cold mornings dominate, but calm, clear days make winter fishing steady and enjoyable.
Gamefish in Spencer
- Mulloway (Jewfish) – 10–50 lb. Found year-round in deep holes, best at night on live mullet or squid.
- Flathead – 2–10 lb. Common on sand flats and drains, strongest in spring and summer on soft plastics and live baits.
- Bream – 1–3 lb. School around leases and rock bars, best in winter on prawns, blades, and small hardbodies.
- Whiting – 1–2 lb. Summer sand flat target, caught on worms, nippers, and surface poppers.
- Bass – 1–5 lb. Up Mangrove Creek in warmer months, hitting surface lures and small hardbodies.
- Tailor – 1–5 lb. Work the river mouth and bays, best on metal slices and trolling small lures.
- Estuary Perch – 1–4 lb. Found in tidal creeks and snags, more active in spring and fall on lures and live prawns.
- Cobia/Kingfish (occasional) – 10–30 lb. Rare but possible near the river mouth and Broken Bay on live bait.
Spencer Fishing FAQs
Where do Spencer charters usually launch from?
Most trips launch from the public ramp right in Spencer, giving quick access to both the Hawkesbury and Mangrove Creek.
How long are typical trips?
Half-day charters cover the local river holes and creeks, while full-day runs may push toward Broken Bay and Lion Island for more variety.
Do charters provide tackle?
Yes, all rods, reels, and bait are supplied. Many guides also bring lures and soft plastics for anglers who want to mix things up.
Is a fishing license required in Spencer?
Yes, NSW requires a recreational fishing license, but your charter will normally have that covered in the booking.
When is the best time of year to fish Spencer?
Summer offers the most variety—flathead, whiting, bream, and bass all firing. Winter is prime for mulloway and bream in the deeper holes.
What techniques do guides use here?
Live-baiting mullet and squid for jewfish, drifting prawns and plastics for bream and flathead, and surface lures for bass up Mangrove Creek are the main tactics.
What species are best for beginners?
Flathead and bream are reliable for first-timers. Whiting on the sandflats are also great for kids, and bass trips provide steady lure action.
How many anglers can join a charter?
Estuary boats usually take 2–6 anglers comfortably, depending on vessel size. Smaller groups make it easier to fish tight creek systems.
Are night trips available?
Yes, night charters are popular for targeting jewfish on live bait during moon and tide changes. These trips focus on fewer species but often produce the biggest fish