Northern Australia Fly Fishing
Top Sport Fish for Fly Anglers in Northern Australia
Discover the incredible diversity of species that call Northern Australian waters home, and learn about the thrill of targeting them on fly.
1. Blue Bastard
Fly Fishing for Blue Bastard:
Blue Bastards are an elusive and highly sought-after fly target on the flats. They are incredibly wary and require stealthy approaches and accurate casts with crab or shrimp patterns. Once hooked, they provide a powerful and sustained fight.
2. Permit
Fly Fishing for Permit:
Permit are renowned as one of the most challenging fly targets. They are incredibly spooky and require precise casts with crab or shrimp patterns on shallow flats. A perfect presentation and a subtle retrieve are essential to entice a bite from these wary fish.
3. Giant Trevally (GT)
Fly Fishing for Giant Trevally:
GTs are the ultimate challenge on fly. Heavy rods (12wt and up) and large, durable flies are a must. Target them on shallow flats, around reef edges, or busting bait schools. The retrieve needs to be fast and aggressive to trigger a strike from these powerful “gangsters.”
4. Golden Trevally
Fly Fishing for Golden Trevally:
Golden Trevally are a beautiful and strong fighting species, often found on shallow flats, around sand patches, and near structure. They readily take crab and prawn imitations, and their distinctive golden hue makes them a prized sight-casting target.
5. Barramundi
Fly Fishing for Barramundi:
Barramundi are an iconic fly rod target. They respond well to large, flashy flies that imitate baitfish or prawns. Look for them around snags, rock bars, and mangrove edges, especially during the run-off season. A strong retrieve and a solid strip strike are essential to hook these powerful fighters.
6. Queenfish
Fly Fishing for Queenfish:
Queenfish are a fantastic fly rod species due to their acrobatic fights. They are often found in schools around rocky headlands, shallow reefs, and bait schools. Any fast-moving baitfish pattern will work, and a quick retrieve will usually trigger an exciting take.
7. Saratoga
Fly Fishing for Saratoga:
Saratoga are a freshwater fly angler’s dream. They are aggressive surface feeders, making poppers, gurglers, and large dry flies highly effective. Target them around lily pads, submerged timber, and undercut banks in rivers and impoundments.
8. Black Marlin
Fly Fishing for Black Marlin:
Fly fishing for Black Marlin is an epic undertaking, typically involving teasing fish to the boat with conventional tackle before switching to a fly rod. Large, durable flies that imitate baitfish are used. It’s a test of strength, skill, and endurance for both angler and tackle.
9. Black Spot Tuskfish
Fly Fishing for Black Spot Tuskfish:
Black Spot Tuskfish are a challenging and rewarding fly target on shallow reefs and rubble bottoms. Crab and prawn imitations are highly effective. Sight casting to individual fish and presenting the fly accurately is crucial. Their strong jaws and powerful runs require sturdy tackle.
10. Triggerfish
Fly Fishing for Triggerfish:
Triggerfish are a challenging but rewarding fly target on coral flats. They have small mouths and are incredibly wary. Small crab or shrimp patterns are effective, requiring precise casts and a delicate presentation. Their strong, erratic runs make for an exciting fight.
11. Spanish Mackerel
Fly Fishing for Spanish Mackerel:
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons on fly. Fast-sinking lines and long, slender baitfish patterns are key. Look for them busting bait on the surface or around prominent headlands and reefs. A super-fast retrieve is often needed to entice a strike, and wire leader is essential due to their sharp teeth.
12. Threadfin Salmon
Fly Fishing for Threadfin Salmon:
Threadfin Salmon are a popular fly target in estuaries and on mud flats. They respond well to prawn and baitfish imitations, often requiring a subtle retrieve. Look for them feeding in shallow water, indicated by their distinctive “threads” breaking the surface.
13. Sailfish
Fly Fishing for Sailfish:
Sailfish on fly offer spectacular aerial displays. Similar to marlin, they are often teased to the boat. Large, colorful flies that imitate small tuna or mackerel are effective. Their incredible speed and jumping ability make for an unforgettable fly fishing experience.
14. Cobia
Fly Fishing for Cobia:
Cobia are powerful fighters and a great fly target. They are often found cruising around structure, buoys, or even alongside larger marine animals like manta rays. Large, dark-colored flies that imitate crabs or baitfish work well. A direct cast and strong strip strike are key.
15. Coral Trout
Fly Fishing for Coral Trout:
Coral Trout are a beautiful and rewarding fly target on the reefs. Weighted baitfish or prawn patterns are effective. Cast accurately to coral bommies, ledges, and drop-offs. Be prepared for a strong initial dive for cover, requiring quick rod work to pull them clear.
16. Red Emperor
Fly Fishing for Red Emperor:
While primarily a bottom-dwelling species, Red Emperor can be targeted on fly in shallower reef areas. Heavy, fast-sinking lines and large, weighted baitfish or crab patterns are necessary. A quick and powerful hookset is crucial to prevent them from reefing you.
17. Cod (Estuary and other species)
Fly Fishing for Cod:
Cod species, particularly Estuary Cod, are powerful and often found around heavy structure. Large, weighted flies that imitate baitfish or crabs are effective. Accurate casting into tight spots and a strong retrieve are needed to pull these stubborn fish from their lairs.
18. Longtail Tuna
Fly Fishing for Longtail Tuna:
Longtail Tuna are a fantastic pelagic fly target. Look for them busting bait on the surface. Long casts with small, fast-moving baitfish imitations are effective. Be prepared for screaming runs and a serious workout on the fly rod.
19. Blue Salmon
Fly Fishing for Blue Salmon:
Blue Salmon are a common and fun fly target in estuaries and around creek mouths. Small baitfish or prawn patterns are effective, often fished on an intermediate line. Look for schooling fish and cast into their feeding zones for consistent action.
20. Other Trevally Species
Fly Fishing for Other Trevally Species:
Beyond the mighty GT and Golden Trevally, numerous other Trevally species like Tea-leaf, Diamond, and Brassy offer fantastic fly fishing opportunities. They are aggressive and respond well to a variety of baitfish and prawn patterns. Look for them on flats, around structure, and busting bait.
21. Barracuda
Fly Fishing for Barracuda:
Barracuda are an exciting fly target known for their explosive strikes and incredible speed. Long, slender baitfish patterns or poppers are effective. Look for them patrolling shallow flats or around reef edges. Be mindful of their sharp teeth and use wire leader.
22. Tarpon
Fly Fishing for Tarpon:
Tarpon are an incredible sport fish on fly, famous for their size, power, and spectacular acrobatic jumps. Large baitfish patterns are effective. Target them in freshwater rivers, brackish estuaries, and coastal areas. A strong strip strike is crucial to penetrate their bony mouths.
23. Golden Snapper (Fingermark)
Fly Fishing for Golden Snapper:
Golden Snapper are excellent fly targets, especially in their shallower habitats. Weighted flies imitating prawns or small baitfish are effective. Cast accurately to structure or schooling fish. Their strong initial run requires quick reactions and heavy leader.
24. Mangrove Jack
Fly Fishing for Mangrove Jack:
Mangrove Jacks are ambush predators. Fly anglers should focus on casting tight to structure like mangrove roots, fallen timber, and rock walls. Small to medium-sized baitfish patterns and poppers can be effective. Be prepared for an explosive strike and a lightning-fast run back into cover!
25. Black Jewfish
Fly Fishing for Black Jewfish:
Targeting Black Jewfish on fly requires heavy tackle and flies that can get down deep quickly, such as weighted clousers or deceivers. They often hold in deep holes, around structure, and on current lines. A fast retrieve and strong hookset are key to landing these hard-fighting fish.
