Reef Fishing

Strong winds dominated this week’s offshore conditions in Far North Queensland, limiting boat access to the wider reef systems. In the northern zones off Cairns and Port Douglas, only larger charter boats were able to push out. Those who did were rewarded with quality catches of coral trout, long nose emperor, cattle dog cod, and mixed reef fish. Spanish mackerel were also taken by anglers floating pilchards while bottom fishing across reef edges.

To the south, protected inshore reef patches offered early morning opportunities before wind speeds increased. Trolling in the shipping channels produced both Spanish and school mackerel, with floaters rigged with pilchards or live bait also effective over shallow bommies. Early sessions were crucial as conditions deteriorated quickly throughout the day.

Islands & Headlands

When offshore fishing wasn’t an option, local anglers turned their focus to inshore islands and coastal headlands. Around Dunk Island, trolling along current lines resulted in solid Spanish and school mackerel hauls. Coral trout were also caught along the protected reef edges.

Land-based fishing produced the goods too. At Clump Point Jetty, bait schools attracted mackerel, queenfish, and trevally, creating exciting bite windows around tide changes. Live baiters and lure casters alike reported strong results, making it one of the standout spots for land-based fishing in the Cairns region this week.

Rivers & Estuaries

The rivers and estuaries stole the show this week with a strong mix of species across the board. In Cooktown’s Endeavour River, anglers found good numbers of barramundi, mangrove jack, and fingermark, especially when using live herring and pike.

The Daintree River added grunter to the mix, especially near the sandy gutters at the mouth. Mullet and garfish strip baits worked best. In the Cairns Inlet, results were mixed, but persistence paid off with catches of blue salmon, barra, fingermark, and trevally, particularly where live prawns and herring were used.

The Barron River continued its impressive run, with several large barra between 90 and 105cm landed on both lures and live baits. South of Cairns, the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers delivered barra and jacks, with Jackall Flat Shads and soft plastic paddle tails doing the heavy lifting. Grunter were also active across estuary flats and near river mouths.

The Hinchinbrook region delivered both in competition and general fishing. The Ingham Rod & Reel Club Catch & Release Tournament saw 305 barra released across 49 teams, with the biggest measuring 110cm. Other species on offer included threadfin salmon, fingermark, grunter, and mangrove jack, especially around bait-rich zones.

Mud Crabs

Estuary fishers chasing a feed of mud crabs were well rewarded this week. Systems such as the Annan River, Hull River, Hinchinbrook Channel, and Cairns Inlet all produced. Key to success was setting pots in deeper gutters and drains during the run-out tides and using fresh bait like fish or chicken frames.

Freshwater

Higher tides have pushed clean water into the upper catchments, activating the freshwater creeks and jungle streams. The Tully and Murray Rivers fished well for sooty grunter, tarpon, jungle perch, and the occasional small barra, especially when using surface lures and soft plastics. This visual fishing style is perfect for light tackle enthusiasts exploring tight, structure-filled waterways.

Weekend Outlook

Friday looks to be the pick of the forecast with light winds before conditions turn again for Saturday and Sunday. Offshore anglers should target deeper rubble patches and isolated reef systems for nannygai, gold-band snapper, and deep-water trout. For those dropping into 250–300m depths, flame snapper, ruby snapper, and jobfish are all on the cards.

If rainfall stays away, rivers like the Russell and Tully will run clean on the neap tides—perfect conditions for topwater queenfish and GTs. Expect some thrilling visual action on poppers and stickbaits.

Fingermark activity should pick up around headlands and deeper river holes, especially with live bait, vibes, and imitation prawns. Locals are hoping the Cairns Inlet fires again as the weather stabilises. Slow-rolling large prawn plastics or trolling deep structure will be the best bet for a trophy barra.