Your guide to fishing in Darwin
Experience the best of fishing in the Darwin region
Before you start planning your next fishing adventure in the Northern Territory, learn about the different types of fishing you can do in this anglers paradise.
Barra fishing
The Top End is considered one of the best places in the world to hook these iconic fish. Choose from barra fishing in the open seas, or try your luck in one of the Top End rivers.
The best time to fish for barra is in the build up between October and December when barra breeding season starts. The ‘run-off’ season between March and April is also a great time for barra around the mouths of creeks and rivers.
Even better, from October to May the annual Million Dollar Fish comps is on. This means you have the chance to catch a tagged barra worth a whopping $1M! There are also a bunch of other prized barra to be caught.
Photo: Kjell Hensen
Photo: @jns_touring
Bluewater and reef fishing
Cast a line in the Top End's turquoise seas and experience some of the best bluewater and reef fishing in Australia.
March and April are excellent months for bluewater fishing. The wet season wind has diminished, and the dry season wind is yet to start meaning the seas are calm.
Both sport and reef fish are active in the bluewater at this time - expect pelagic species like queenfish, giant trevally and golden trevally, and reef fish like golden snapper and black jewfish.
Mudcrabbing
Do something a little different on your trip to the Top End and give mud crabbing a go. Mud crabs are found in creeks and rivers, and on coastal flats at creek mouths.
Most mud crab are caught during the Dry Season from May to October. The Top End's huge tidal variation also means conditions change rapidly - an incoming tide is likely to give you the best crabbing, and fish pieces are known to be good bait.
Photo: Tourism NT
Photo: @elleschembri
Inland fishing
The Top End's inland systems offer a great opportunity to catch a variety of tropical fish.
There are lots of inland fishing options just a couple hours drive from the Darwin CBD. Explore Mary River, Adelaide River, or head down the track a little further to experience fishing in Kakadu - one of the Top End's most iconic national parks.
Helifishing tours
This is definitely one to tick off the bucket list. Helifishing will take your fishing adventures to the next level and give you access to the Top End's best secluded fishing spots.
You'll also get to experience the Top End from the air and fly over impressive landscapes on your way to your fishing destinations.
Photo: Tourism NT
Discover more of Darwin and Surrounds
There's so much to see and do in Darwin and Surrounds. Book unique experiences, see local tips and find out what not to miss in this tropical paradise.
