Bowes River

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 0

The Bowes River is a coastal river system located in Western Australia's Mid West region, flowing into the Indian Ocean near the small settlement of Horrocks. This river is characterized by a seasonal sandbar that typically closes its mouth, creating a lagoon-like environment at its estuary. The surrounding area is known for its secluded beaches and serves as a popular destination for a variety of coastal and estuarine fishing activities.

Western Australia licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Bowes River and what's needed to catch them.

No species information available.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Bowes 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.

The most prominent and popular fishing location is the estuary at Horrocks Beach, where the Bowes River meets the Indian Ocean. This spot is a wonderful place to set up for the day, offering opportunities for both beach fishing and fishing within the river mouth lagoon. The secluded nature of the beach adds to its appeal.

Know where you can legally fish on Bowes 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.

Western Australia licenses and regulations

Western Australia Boating Regulations

Official WA Department of Transport page for recreational boating rules, including vessel registration, safety equipment and lifejacket requirements, speed limits, and marine alcohol and drug laws under the WA Marine Act 1982.

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Western Australia Fishing License

Official WA DPIRD page for recreational fishing licences. WA has activity-specific licences rather than one general licence, including a South-West Freshwater Angling licence for inland fishing, plus separate licences for boat fishing, net fishing, rock lobster, abalone, and marron.

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Western Australia Fishing Regulations

Official DPIRD page for WA recreational fishing rules, covering bag, size and possession limits, closed seasons, and gear restrictions. Links to the searchable rules database for limits by species and location.

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Western Australia Stream Access Laws

WA has no dedicated public stream-access page; this is the closest official page, covering WA's water resources legislation, primarily the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914, which vests water in the Crown.

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Take Bowes 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 Bowes River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Bowes River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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