17/05/2026
Bream Firing and Mulloway on the Move Across the Region
The Mid North Coast has seen consistent showers over the past week, and while a sprinkle or two is just part of the deal for dedicated anglers, we’re all keeping an eye out for some extended sunshine. These consistent showers are great for the long-term health of our waterways, though the forecast suggests the damp trend will stick around for the rest of May.
In the Hastings River, the recent weather has stirred up the estuary, turning the water a slight brown. Because of this, you’ll find the best action toward the lower reaches and the river mouth where the water is a bit clearer. Despite the murk, bream fishing remains fantastic; daytime lure fishers were doing well with soft vibes before the showers, while bait anglers are still pulling in solid catches on mullet strips. Flathead are also biting well in the lower Hastings on both lures and traditional baits like whitebait and prawns. For those chasing bigger prizes, some massive mulloway (up to 20kg!) have been landed around the Coal Wharf. Meanwhile, the rock fishing scene is all about tailor right now. Local ledges from Port Macquarie up to Plomer are producing great numbers, with garfish and large lures doing the heavy lifting. Drummer numbers are also starting to climb, which is a promising sign for the coming weeks. Along the beaches, bream remain reliable, particularly during evening sessions on pilchards or slab baits. If you're hitting North Beach or Lighthouse, worms and pipis are the go-to for bream and the occasional whiting. Offshore, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The inshore reefs south toward Lighthouse have seen appearances from cobia, mackerel and tuna, while those trolling closer to shore are finding plenty of bonito and tailor. Bottom bashers aren't missing out either, with quality snapper and pearl perch reported.
Further south, the Diamond Head ledges are holding quality tailor up to 2.5kg. On the sand, school mulloway are active around Dunbogan and Lake Cathie. With the mullet now traveling and tailor numbers holding steady, we expect to see some even larger predators moving in soon. Offshore, Snapper up to 5kg are being caught on bait, with pearl perch and kingfish showing up on the deeper reefs.
The Macleay River is the place to be for luderick fans, as numbers have spiked along the breakwalls. Green w**d is the prize bait, but cabbage and w**d flies are also doing the trick. Bream fishers are equally happy, with consistent catches coming from Back Creek and the breakwalls. Aim for an evening session with mullet strips if you’re looking to land the bigger models.
Port Macquarie local David Henry showing off a solid Mulloway caught during a recent session.
