Dunsborough salmon season lures anglers to South West

The annual salmon season drives a number of tourists and professional fishermen to the region and Naturaliste Game and Sport Fishing Club president Graham Morris said the 2016 season shows signs of being a prosperous one.

“There are a number of people catching salmon off the beach already and the early numbers are really good,” he said.

“We’ve received reports about plenty of schools around the area.”

The salmon migrate from as far south as the Great Australian Bight and continue north along the west coast.

Mr Morris said this year’s schools had made their journey from Esperance at a faster pace than usual, with a majority of them bypassing Albany before arriving in Margaret River.

“The usual theory that’s thrown around is that the salmon prefer the colder water, around 18 degrees,” he said.

“Some divers have reported that the water is getting colder closer to our shore, so that could be indicative of the early positive numbers.”

Mr Morris, who has been catching salmon since he was a boy, said he had spotted schools in Hamelin Bay and Injidup.

“I remember as a young kid, fishing for salmon were some of my favourite memories,” he said.

“Your fishing gear would sit in the cupboard just waiting to be used and catching salmon is some of the best fun you can have fishing.”

The Naturaliste Game and Sport Fishing Club will hold a game-fishing competition to coincide with salmon season this month.

“We don’t have an overly large amount of game-fishing in our area, compared to those up north like Exmouth, so it’s great to be able to hold this one seasonally,” Mr Morris said.

“Everyone seems to be gearing up for a big season, so this is just another way to enjoy it.”

For more information on the fishing contest call Mr Morris on 0439 938 140.

If you score a salmon this season, let us know about it – send in photos of your catch to editorial.bdmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au