NT Fishing Trips & Seasons

In the Top End, there are three primary fishing seasons ideal for barramundi, reef, and game fishing. These periods are the most favorable for planning a fishing trip to Darwin. The wet season is excluded, as sea conditions may not be optimal due to erratic weather, including the risk of cyclones. The skilled team at Fish Dundee Boat Hire can assist in advising the best time of year and tides to ensure a fantastic fishing experience.

Run-off | March-May

Barramundi fishing:

From March to May, the rainfall decreases as the monsoon winds down. The major rivers begin to reshape as the floodplains empty into the ocean. This period, known as the ‘Run-Off’, is undoubtedly the prime time for barramundi fishing.

Firstly, the barramundi that are still in the floodplains or channels need to migrate to the main river before the water levels drop too significantly. They must navigate through creek mouths to accomplish this, which is fortunate for us!

Secondly, all other aquatic creatures must also make this timely departure. Small fish, tadpoles, and crustaceans are pushed downstream, making them vulnerable to hungry barramundi waiting at the creek mouths.

Bluewater fishing:

The run-off season is also an excellent time for blue-water fishing throughout the Top End. Calm seas are often the norm, as the strong northerly winds of the wet season have subsided, and the easterlies of the dry season have yet to commence.

Both reef and game fish are active in the warm blue waters during this time. They benefit from the abundance of food being washed down the rivers and into the sea. Here, you can target pelagic species like queenfish and giant trevally (GTs), as well as reef fish such as golden snapper and black jewfish.

Further offshore, species like coral trout and red emperor are also very active in the warm waters. Off the coast of Dundee, large schools of longtail tuna are frequently spotted surface-feeding on sizable bait balls, and sailfish can also be found feeding on these bait balls.

Dry Season | June – September

The Dry season in the Northern Territory spans from late May to September, during which one can reliably expect clear blue skies, a gentle south-easterly breeze, and breathtaking sunsets on a daily basis!

This period also marks the peak season for blue-water fishing. A significant influx of spanish mackerel is typically drawn to the bait fish schools along the Top End coast at this time, alongside other pelagic species such as sailfish, longtail tuna, cobia, queenfish, and both giant and golden trevally, which often accompany the bait schools. For passionate anglers, this season offers an excellent chance to catch a variety of thrilling species.

Reef fishing for high-quality table fish also becomes more productive during the Dry. Favored species such as golden and tricky Snapper, black jewfish, coral trout, and red emperor are easily caught on both inshore and offshore reefs.

Additionally, this season is ideal for exploring the diverse habitats preferred by barramundi. The Finniss River continues to offer excellent barra fishing well into the dry season, while coastal mangrove estuaries and creeks serve as prime habitats for barramundi.

Build Up | October – December

The Build-Up extends from October to December. This period marks the pre-monsoon season— rain is imminent and humidity levels are increasing. The weather remains hot and sticky until the arrival of the monsoon rains in late December.

The Build-Up can yield the finest fishing of the year in the Top End. The growing cloud cover and rainfall stimulate barra activity, particularly in the saltwater estuaries and lower tidal river areas.

The barramundi breeding season commences around October each year, with large female breeders and smaller mature males gathering at river mouths and estuaries to spawn. This period is an excellent opportunity to target saltwater barra, as the tides and conditions are frequently ideal, resulting in exceptional fishing action.

In the blue-water, offshore conditions are typically the calmest of the year during this time, allowing for long-distance travel to pursue the Top End’s premier reef and game fish. Spanish mackerel remain active during this season, while reef fish such as golden snapper and jewfish gather in significant numbers on the inshore reefs near Dundee Beach and Fog Bay. The Build-Up is often regarded as the optimal time for a lengthy day of reef fishing out of Dundee.