Fishing for compliments may be a much easier thing to do than fishing for fish. It takes a whole lot of patience, know-how, and a dash of luck to ensure that your catch is a satisfying and fruitful one. Well, fishing may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it certainly is a hobby for all the enthusiastic and aspiring anglers amongst us.
If you’re new to the game, here are the legal fishing spots in Singapore.
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The designated fishing zone located near Paddle Lodge provides a scenic view of the surrounding greenery. But beautiful visitas aren’t all that’s in store – after getting your catch of the day, you can also explore the many nearby attractions by hiking up to the MacRitchie Treetop Walk, or strolling over to the Zig-Zag Bridge.
Image credit: PUB
Address: South-Eastern end of the MacRitchie Reservoir, near Paddle Lodge
Live your best kelong life away from civilisation at Pulau Ubin, where anglers can expect to fish in peace without hoards of others in the vicinity. While most head there to hike and cycle, it’s a surprisingly great fishing ground as well.
Image credit: @itsall_abvoutthe_fishes via Instagram
There are fishing spots scattered all throughout the island with Jelutong Bridge being popular among those gunning for large barramundi to take home for dinner. Sungei Mamam, located on the other end of the island is another spot that’s worth a shot for some HTHTs while fishing with the pals.
While most of the island has the green light for rod casting, there are some prohibited areas to take note of which you can find out more about on the NPark’s fishing info sheet.
Address: Various spots around Pulau Ubin
Experienced anglers need no introduction to East Coast Park’s Bedok Jetty. But for greenhorns, consider it one of the best places to kickstart the hobby, with frequent schools of fishes and a large community of fellow fishermen you can chat with while waiting for your rod to tug.
Laojiaos there may even share tips and stories of how they’ve managed to pull up a barracuda shark on a lucky day. Other fishes you can hook here include tambans, jewfish, and stingrays.
Address: East Coast Park Service Road, Singapore 449876
Punggol Jetty is a considerably short and small jetty where you can fish at. Since it is small, expect to have to rub shoulders with fellow anglers as it can be rather crowded. Fishes that you may get to take home with you include grouper, barramundi, rabbitfish, and sand whiting.
Image adopted from: Google Maps
Address: Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, towards the end of Punggol Road
D’Best Recreation is a fishing spot in Pasir Ris that’s just a 4-minute walk from Pasir Ris MRT station. Although you’ll have to pay to cast a rod (from $61/session), there’s a good variety of saltwater fish you can catch, such as sea bass, snapper, pomfret, and grouper.
Helpful anglers in the online community recommend that you fish at the Main Pond instead of the Pro Pond to make your money’s worth.
Address: 90 Pasir Ris Central, Pasir Ris Town Park, Singapore 519635
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Contact: 6583 9030 | D’Best Fishing website
Image credit: @jivesfishing via Instagram
Situated along Serangoon Reservoir, this fishing spot requires some planning in order to get a bite. You can use Tides 4 Fishing to calculate the best times to fish there, just for an extra challenge.
Image adapted from: PUB
Address: North Eastern Riverine Loop Park Connector Network, near Punggol Promenade Nature Walk
Image credit: @xcarrolx via Instagram
Not only is Woodlands Waterfront Park a great place for those looking to exercise or spot JB in the distance, the jetty that it houses is the longest in Singapore. Although you are only permitted to fish towards the end of the jetty, keep in mind that there are big catches for you to look forward to.
The main species of fish that you can catch here is the barracuda. Anglers there have caught gigantic barracudas weighing up to a whopping 6kg!
Image credit: Google Maps
Address: Woodlands Waterfront Park, Admiralty Road West, Singapore 759956
As a quieter fishing spot, Changi Beach Park is perfect for those uninterested in jostling with fellow anglers. It is also one of the few places in Singapore where fishing is allowed along the entire beach. Types of fishes that you may be able to catch include brown stingray, sickle fish, javelin grunter, goatee croaker, barramundi, and veined catfish.
Not sure which part of the beach to throw your fishing line in? Anglers recommend that you make yourself comfortable along the beach at the following areas:
Address: Nicoll Drive, Singapore 498991
For those who live in the eastern part of Singapore, Bedok Reservoir is where you can try your hand at fishing in a freshwater pond. Make sure that you are using only artificial bait so that you don’t mess up the reservoir’s water quality! You might want to release your catch back into the reservoir to do your part in maintaining the ecosystem there, though.
Fishes that you may hook include the African walking catfish, armoured sucker catfish, peacock bass, and tarpon – despite the fact that these are not indigenous to Singapore.
There are plenty of spots to fish at, demarcated by the dark blue areas on the border of the reservoir.
Image credit: PUB
Address: Along Bedok Reservoir Road, north of Bedok New Town
Westies, you can go fishing at Jurong Lake Gardens instead of travelling to other ends of the country just to keep your fishing hobby alive. Nestled in the Southern end of tranquil Jurong Lake is the recreational fishing jetty where you can try your luck fishing for pacu, soon hock, and peacock bass.
Remember not to venture to Lake View Promenade because fishing isn’t allowed over there. Also, keep in mind to only use artificial bait.
The blue line highlights the fishing zone in Jurong Lake Gardens.
Image credit: PUB
Address: Jurong Lake Park along Yuan Ching Road and Boon Lay Way
Lower Seletar Reservoir’s fishing deck and Rower’s Bay are popular hot spots amongst anglers who enjoy freshwater fishing. Fishes that you can catch over these areas range from giant snakehead to barramundi. There have also been lucky anglers who’ve caught stingrays that tip the scales at 25kg.
Image credit: PUB
Address: Along Lentor Avenue and Seletar West Link (Lower Seletar Reservoir), and along Rower’s Bay
Fishing in a more central region of Singapore is no problem too, if you make your way to Lower Peirce Reservoir Park. As with other reservoirs in Singapore where you can fish without breaking the law, only use artificial bait when you are fishing. The types of fishes that you may catch here include peacock bass, flowerhorn cichlids, and zebra tilapias.
Image credit: PUB
Address: Lower Peirce Reservoir Park, near the pavilion
Image credit: @guerillafishing via Instagram
For a fishing experience in the CBD area with views of the cityscape, make your way to Kallang River, along the Marina Reservoir. As usual, you can only use artificial bait to lure those fish. Fishes lurking under the waters there include the snubnose pompano, hound needlefish, halfbeak, and peacock bass.
Located smack in central Singapore, Marina Reservoir proves that you don’t even have to travel to the edge of the island for some good ol’ fishing.
Image credit: PUB
Address: At dedicated areas along Kallang River
Other than our tip 13 picks, some other places you can consider fishing at include:
Fishing is a waiting game that only those with lots of patience and determination will enjoy. Spots in Singapore are aplenty but you’ll have to try them out for yourselves to decide your favourites.
Also check out these outdoor activities in and around Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: @xcarrolx, @limpat, @jivesfishing & @ivanbotakyong via Instagram
Original article published on 27th December 2016 by Hazel Cheng. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 14th November 2023.
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