Deals > Experience > Fishing > Fly fishing
Kakadu Billabongs
There are a number of billabongs in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park that offer great fly fishing for barramundi and saratoga. Consistent and accurate distance casting is of high importance when fishing to sighted barra in a metre of discoloured water. Boats need to be positioned so that no more than a ten metre cast is required.
Saratoga
Saratoga are beautifully coloured, high-jumping fish found in freshwater rivers, creeks and, more commonly, in the billabongs where they tend to shelter under lilies waiting for a passing meal. These ferocious predators will aggressively attack surface lures and flies. They can grow to around 5 kilograms but are usually caught at 1 to 2 kilograms.
Barramundi
Known for spectacular leaps out of the water once hooked, ‘barra’ make fantastic opponents for the fly fisher. They are highly sought after table fish and are often considered a trophy when caught at more than a metre.
Tarpon
Also known as ox-eye herring, tarpon are terrific sport on a fly rod or light gear. Their acrobatics are such that it is extremely difficult to keep them hooked. Tarpon can be found in most of the Northern Territory’s freshwater lagoons and rivers, with large specimens (up to 3 kilograms) occasionally caught in the saltwater estuaries.
Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands, Bathurst and Melville, lie about 80 kilometres north of Darwin. Goose Creek on the northern side of Melville Island is a top spot for fly-fishing however, as with most Aboriginal-owned land, access requires a permit. Recognising the attraction of these waters, the Tiwi Land Council has established streamlined access and permit procedures. Many Darwin based fishing tour operators offer trips to the Tiwi Islands.
The Northern Territory is considered to be one of the best tropical fly fishing holiday destinations in the world.
Its waters are home to a variety of saltwater and freshwater fly fishing environments for the experienced or novice fly angler.
Local fly fishing experiences range from sight casting in the clear flats and estuary systems, hooking pelagic fish in the blue water, and precision casting amongst the mangroves. Saratoga, mangrove jack, trevally, mackerel, tuna and bigger species like sailfish and marlin have all been known to take a fly.
As with most types of fishing in the Northern Territory, the hotter months of October to May are best for fly fishing.
