Fishing Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off), Lake Macquarie Guide

Lake (Sheltered) Best: Midday Tide: Tide changes

Sheltered bay with extensive seagrass beds and sandy drop-offs. The western edge has a defined drop-off where flathead stage. Protected from most winds.

Depth: 2-4m on the drop-off, shallower over weed beds

Best day to fish Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off) this week

The standout looks like Fri 11 Sept, 2:00 pm for Dusky Flathead.

You'll hit the tide change, and that's the switch that turns them on. The barometer's on the slide, so they'll gorge before the change, and barely a breath of wind on it.

Scored from the live 7-day outlook, updated Thu 5:00am. Re-check the live rating above before you head out.

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What You Can Catch

Dusky Flathead Good Yellowfin Bream Good

Where to Cast

Western drop-off Defined depth change where sand meets extensive weed beds. Classic flathead positioning.
Deep holes in seagrass Natural depressions in the weed beds where bream hold out of current.
Sand gutters through weed Fish highways through the seagrass where both bream and flathead travel.

Seasonal Calendar

Species	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Dusky Flathead	Peak	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good	-	-	Good	Good	Peak	Peak
Yellowfin Bream	Peak	Peak	Good	Good	Good	Peak	Peak	Peak	Good	Good	Good	Peak

Current month highlighted. Peak = best months, Good = adjacent months, - = slow.

Local Tips

Drift the drop-off casting soft plastics to weed edges
Electric motor trolling for better drift control
Tide change gets fish moving and feeding
This bay is sheltered - good option on windy days
Bream respond well to small vibes worked through the weed
Flathead average 40-50cm with occasional bigger fish

Getting There

Parking

Launch from Valentine boat ramp or Warners Bay. Croudace Bay is a short run.

Facilities

Nearest ramp at Valentine. No facilities on water - come prepared.

Tackle & Bait

Hot Tackle Warners Bay - 60 Medcalf St, Warners Bay. Tackle and packaged baits.

Access

Boat

Open in Google Maps

Safety

Hazards

Seagrass can foul propeller in shallows. Other boats drifting same area. Water ski zone nearby.

Nearby Spots

Green Point Jetty

Lake Macquarie · 3.4km away
Yellowfin Bream · Dusky Flathead · Sand Whiting

Toronto Foreshore Jetty

Lake Macquarie · 4km away
Yellowfin Bream

Speers Point Jetty

Lake Macquarie · 4.3km away
Yellowfin Bream

Belmont Wharf

Lake Macquarie · 4.5km away
Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari · Blue Swimmer Crab · Leatherjacket

Explore more

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best day to fish Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off) this week?

Based on the live 7-day outlook, the best day to fish Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off) looks like Fri 11 Sept, 2:00 pm for Dusky Flathead. You'll hit the tide change, and that's the switch that turns them on. The barometer's on the slide, so they'll gorge before the change, and barely a breath of wind on it. Conditions shift through the day, so check the live rating on this page before you head out.

What fish can I catch at Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off)?

At Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off) you can target Dusky Flathead, Yellowfin Bream. Boat drift along sand/weed interface 2-4m. Best tide: Tide changes. Top spot: Western drop-off. Tip: Drift the drop-off casting soft plastics to weed edges.

When is the best time to fish Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off)?

The best times to fish Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off) are midday on a tide changes. Sheltered bay with extensive seagrass beds and sandy drop-offs. The western edge has a defined drop-off where flathead stage. Protected from most winds.

How do I get to Croudace Bay (Western Drop-off)?

Launch from Valentine boat ramp or Warners Bay. Croudace Bay is a short run. Nearest ramp at Valentine. No facilities on water - come prepared. Nearest other spot: Green Point Jetty (3.4km away). Nearest tackle: Hot Tackle Warners Bay (60 Medcalf St, Warners Bay).