Clarence River
- Saltwater
- Estuary
Clarence River
- Saltwater
- Estuary
- Sq. miles
- 128
- Boat Ramps
- 10
- Access Points
- 1
- Species
- 16
The Clarence River is Australia's largest east-coast river system, a vast tidal estuary in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Flowing through the Clarence Valley, it passes historic towns like Grafton and Maclean before emptying into the ocean near the coastal towns of Iluka and Yamba. This extensive waterway is characterized by a diverse range of habitats within a single ecosystem, from its upper freshwater reaches to the expansive saltwater estuary and its junction with the sea. The river provides critical breeding grounds for many fish species and is a highly significant area for both recreational and commercial fishing. The landscape is shaped by the river, dotted with beaches, and enveloped by World Heritage-listed rainforest reserves, creating a premier destination for anglers seeking a mix of inshore, estuarine, and near-coastal fishing opportunities.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Clarence River and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Clarence River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Clarence River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
New South Wales licenses and regulations
New South Wales Boating Regulations
Official Transport for NSW (NSW Maritime) hub for safety and rules on NSW waterways, including the Boating Handbook, lifejacket and safety-equipment requirements, and navigation and speed rules.
New South Wales Fishing License
Official Service NSW page for the NSW recreational fishing fee/licence. Anyone fishing NSW waters (fresh or salt) must pay the recreational fishing fee and carry the receipt unless exempt. See the page for current fees and exemptions.
New South Wales Fishing Regulations
Official NSW DPIRD Fisheries hub for recreational fishing rules, covering saltwater and freshwater bag and size limits, possession limits, gear rules and closures.
New South Wales Stream Access Laws
Official NSW DPIRD Fisheries Angler Access page - NSW's closest equivalent to a stream-access page. Explains the public right to fish tidal waters, legal stream access via public land, and that crossing private land needs the owner's permission.
Take Clarence River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Clarence River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Clarence River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)
On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Clarence River and check the marine forecast before you launch.
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Fishing near Clarence River
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Charlie Ryan Park Boat Ramp
- Crown Hotel Boat Ramp (Alt. Junction Hill)
- Ilarwil Boat Ramp
- Iluka Boat Ramp
- Lawrence - Clarence River
- River Street Boat Ramp
- The Anchorage - Clarence River
- Through Street Boat Ramp
- Yamba Boat Ramp (East Of Fishing Club Ramp)
- Yamba Rd Boat Ramp, (Opp Golding St)
- Yamba Marina
- Clarence River Campers Paradise
Nearby waters
More in New South Wales
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