It was a welcome change of pace this week as calmer weather swept across Far North Queensland, opening the floodgates for local fishos to hit the water in force. Whether you’re heading to the reef, estuaries, islands or up into the freshwater, there’s action everywhere right now.
Reef Fishing
Coral trout and Spanish mackerel stole the show over the weekend, especially around Batt, Michaelmas, Thetford, Sudbury and Gibson reefs. These species were hitting fish strips, pilchards, and even surface lures cast over the shallow reef edges. Spanish were particularly active, smashing floated pilchards and trolled gar off Cooktown and in closer to the inshore reef edges.
Large and small-mouth nannygai are still holding deep between reefs in 40–60 metre zones, with neap tides making for prime conditions and lighter tackle opportunities. Look for rubble patches and isolated rocks with bait presence. Tide changes are the key bite window.
Pro Tip: Target pressure edges and reef ledges where bait schools are sitting. For nannygai, hunt around structure and stay patient as they often circle nearby rather than sitting directly on the rock.
Rivers & Estuaries
Despite the cooler starts, estuary fishing remains red-hot. Barramundi and mangrove jacks continue to fire in the Russell, Mulgrave, Johnstone, Hull, Daintree and Endeavour Rivers. Live baits and hardbody lures around snags and mangrove edges are working best.
Fingermark are chewing well in deeper holes, especially in Mourilyan Harbour and the Cairns Inlet, while queenfish are busting bait schools at the mouths of the Daintree, Russell and Tully Rivers. Topwater lures are a go-to for these fast and furious sport fish.
Pro Tip: Fish the tide changes and use surface lures during low-light periods. Structure is everything – fish tight to snags, rocks and root systems.
Island Action
The local islands are producing a mixed bag of reef and pelagic species. Around the southern islands, grass sweetlip, cod and stripeys are responding well to soft plastics and bait fishing. Bar-cheek trout and Spanish mackerel are also showing up in solid numbers.
Pro Tip: Fish the up-current sides of islands and pressure points. Slow your presentation with prawn-style soft plastics or vibes to tempt the tricky ones.
Freshwater
Rainforest-lined rivers like the upper Russell, Mulgrave and Johnstone are offering great surface action for sooty grunter, jungle perch and even the odd barra. Surface poppers and small diving lures are producing in shaded pockets, fallen timber zones and drain mouths.
Pro Tip: Start upstream on the rising tide and drift down. Be stealthy and focus on late afternoon sessions for best results in cooler water.
Mud Crabs
Muddies are still in great numbers, especially in the Cairns Inlet, Mourilyan Harbour, Hinchinbrook and Hull River systems. The building tides are ideal for dropping pots – bait them with fresh fish frames or chicken carcasses.
Weekend Fishing Outlook
- SSE winds around 15–20 knots will keep most offshore action to the bigger boats. Stick to sheltered reef edges for trout and Spanish mackerel.
- Early high tides are ideal for casting at barra and jacks across mangrove flats and drains.
- Afternoon lows will expose key structure for lure and bait anglers alike.
- Look for grunter and salmon across shallow flats with fresh mullet or gar baits.
- Mud crabs are on the move with the tides, making them a great side mission for the weekend.
Need gear, bait or just a bit of local advice?
Swing by Cairns Tackle World at 172 Aumuller Street, Bungalow to chat with your local independent fishing experts.