Whether you’re hoping to land barramundi or chasing black marlin, Queensland is a fishing hotspot. It’s an angler’s dream with world-class fishing opportunities if you know where to look, and the best bit is that many are free! Though if you’re fishing in certain areas, you’ll need a Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP), and you must adhere to size and possession limits on various species.
River Fishing Queensland
While Cairns and Port Douglas are known for world-class black marlin fishing in spring, it’s also a great fishing spot for trevally and barramundi, while the Capricorn Region is the place to be for barramundi. You’ll find a scenic fishing spot on the Fraser Coast and diverse species around the Great Barrier Reef, while the Gold Coast is known for snapper, tuna and marlin offshore and mangrove jack and flathead in the estuaries.
Brisbane River
For those looking for something nearby in the “big smoke”, the Brisbane River is a great spot for bull shark, catfish, and mullet in deeper areas, but it’s also a prime location for bream, mangrove jack, flathead, mulloway, and threadfin salmon. Winter is the ideal time to fish, with hotspots including College’s Crossing, Bulimba Creek, and the Gateway Bridge. Deep holes and rock walls are known holding areas.
Condamine River
Bit of a caravanner or camper? This inland fishing spot is popular for shore fishers and kayakers and is known for yellowbelly, Murray cod, European carp, and eel-tailed catfish. The most accessible (and popular) spot is Federation Park, but many people enjoy kayak fishing as much as bank fishing. It’s a year-round fishing location, but the ideal time for catching fish is the warmer months.
Daintree River
This river, located in the Tropical North (or the FNQ as locals call it), is home to a variety of trevally, as well as mangrove jack, barramundi, archerfish, jungle perch, and sooty grunter. You may also encounter bream, long tom, mouth almighty, and threadfin salmon. There’s also a healthy saltwater crocodile population, so beware.
Fitzroy River
Flowing through Rockhampton, the Fitzroy River is famous for a net-free fishing zone and is considered a premier spot for barramundi. If you’re looking for a trophy-sized catch, this is a good spot. You’ll also catch king threadfin, golden perch, mangrove jack, and leathery grunter. Popular casting spots include Queens Parks, Koongal, and the bridge pylons, with high tide being the prime time for fishing. The season opens in February. Beware of crocodiles.
Noosa River
This Sunshine Coast river is a prime location for trevally, whiting, bream, flathead, and mangrove jack in the lower river and mangrove jack and Australian bass upstream. You’re likely to encounter queenfish, tarpon, and mulloway in the estuary, while bull shark typically swim around structures. Interested in a spot of mud crabbing? This is the ideal spot for that. Whether you’re fishing from the land or in a boat, it’s a versatile fishing spot for all skill levels.
Some of the lesser-known fishing spots in Queensland include the Boyne River; Woody Point on the Redcliffe Peninsula, ideal for flathead and squid; Great Keppel Island to reef fish for trevally; Lake Lenthalls for barramundi in shallow and weed-filled waters; and Lake Maraboon, which is stocked with golden perch and barramundi.
Safe River Fishing Queensland
It’s worth noting that there is a risk of encountering crocodiles the further north you go in Queensland – particularly if you’re fishing north of the Boyne River near Gladstone. Estuaries, creeks, and tidal rivers are always a risk, and local signage should alert you to their presence. Regardless, keep your distance from banks and don’t clean your catches near the edge of the water.
If you’re planning a fishing trip in Queensland, take care when choosing your boat. River fishing is a delicate operation; power boats create a wake that is detrimental to both the environment and the perfect fishing conditions. Flat-bottomed boats are the best option. Pontoon boats are a great family friendly choice – river cruisers with room to move, loads of storage, shallow draft and can be beached on the shore.
Interested in a flat-bottomed boat? Learn More Here.
