Fishing Report: Mid-July to early August 2026 – Bribie Island & Pumicestone Passage

G’day all, hope the winter fishing has been treating you well.  

With the local reports coming through, here is my general overall take on land-based fishing within the Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage channels, flats and canals from mid-July through to early August. 

The strong south-easterlies have limited consistent effort at times, but when the weather has settled the passage and accessible shore spots have continued to fish steadily in classic winter fashion.  

Overall picture by species 

Bream: Still one of the most reliable targets. Good numbers moving through the passage, around bridge pylons, mangrove edges and structure. Fresh bait and small plastics continue to work well. 

Flathead: Consistent on the shallow flats and channel edges. Soft plastics on the run-out tide around the usual spots (oyster jetty flats, White Patch area, mainland side) have been producing keepers. 

Whiting: Holding up nicely in the milder patches. Quality sand whiting still being taken from the flats and gutters, especially on prawns and worms on the incoming tide. 

Jewfish/School Jew: A few school-sized fish reported from deeper holes and channels in the passage, plus some action from the beaches. Night or slack-tide sessions offer the best chance. 

Tailor: Remained relatively quiet through much of the period, though a few have been mixed in around Bribie and the beaches. 

Other: Mud crabs are still active in the local creek systems. Tarwhine and the odd dart turning up along the surf beaches. 

Bribie Island canals 

The canals (Pacific Harbour, Banksia Beach mouths and surrounding systems) have been producing solid bream, especially around pontoons and structure after dark. Juvenile snapper, trevally and flathead are also common. Soft plastics or prawns/squid fished close to the walls and pontoons have been effective. Canal mouths,where they meet the passage, create good current lines for flathead and the occasional school jew on the tide change.  

General takeaways 

Land-based sessions have been steady rather than red-hot, with the best results coming around tide changes in protected channel and flat spots. The Bribie Bridge surrounds, mainland flats, White Patch and canal access points remain the go-to easy options. Fresh local baits are still hard to beat, while soft plastics continue to account for plenty of flathead and bream. 

Overall, it’s been a solid mid-winter period in the Pumicestone Passage and canals. Bream, flathead and whiting have formed the backbone, with a few jewfish adding interest. Conditions should improve further as we head toward the end of the snapper closure and into late winter/early spring patterns. 

Tight lines if you’re getting out there — check the tides, wrap up warm and stay safe 

Roger