Barramundi fishing in the Kimberley – one for the bucket list!
Published on 29 Jul 2024
Imagine the thrill of casting your line into the expansive, azure waters of the Kimberley, where the elusive barramundi waits just beneath the surface.
This is not just fishing – it’s an adventure into one of the most stunning and remote landscapes Australia has to offer. This region, celebrated for its rugged wilderness and stunning beauty, transforms a simple fishing trip into a thrilling adventure.
The Kimberley is a premier destination for anglers worldwide, drawn by the iconic barramundi. And we don’t blame them! The Kimberley’s pristine rivers and estuaries offer the perfect spot to get up close to these huge fish.
The guides onboard our vessels are no strangers to uncovering the hidden nooks where barramundi hang out, so if you’re curious about Kimberley barramundi fishing and how you can take on this adventure yourself, keep reading.
What makes Kimberley barramundi so special?
Barramundi are something of the iconic centrepiece of Australian sport fishing. They stand out not only for their impressive size (it’s a big one!) but also for their dynamic behaviour that can really challenge keen anglers.
These silver-scaled fish can grow up to 1.3 metres in length and weigh over 40kg. Despite their size, they’re pretty strong and agile, and are known for their spectacular aerial acrobatics and powerful runs when hooked, making them a prized catch for anyone.
Their lifecycle is also very unique; they actually change sex from male to female as they mature, usually around the age of three or four years. They’re also able to move between fresh and saltwater at different life stages.
The Kimberley: the ultimate fishing destination
The Kimberley, a vast and remote region in the northwestern part of Australia, offers an unmatched backdrop for anglers looking for both adventure and solitude. Characterised by dramatic landscapes, the area features ancient cliffs, dense mangrove estuaries, and unique bushland. These diverse ecosystems are intersected by a network of rivers and tidal creeks, creating a complex environment ideal for barramundi fishing.
The region’s climate plays a big role in defining the fishing experience. The Kimberley operates under a tropical monsoon climate, marked by a distinct wet season and dry season.
Read more about the Kimberley’s climate.
Geography and environment
The Kimberley’s geography is both rugged and lush, characterised by red rock escarpments that tower over meandering rivers and expansive floodplains. These waterways, including the mighty Fitzroy and Ord Rivers, are the lifeblood of the region, supporting the rich biodiversity and serving as the prime habitats for barramundi. The purity of these waters, far from industrial developments, ensure only the most pristine fishing environment.
Climate and seasonal impact
During the wet season, the area is lush and vibrant rivers swell, and waterways become new passages to unexplored territories teeming with fish. On the other hand, the dry season leads to receding waters that concentrate fishing populations to smaller areas, meaning fishing for barramundi can be done year-round – music to our ears!
Remote and unspoiled landscapes
The remoteness of the Kimberley is one of its most enchanting features, offering an escape to purity you’ll probably not find anywhere else. This isolation ensures that the rivers and creeks remain unspoiled and teeming with life. Here, fishing is not just about the thrill of the catch; it’s about experiencing untouched wilderness.
A sanctuary of wildlife
It’s not just the barramundi you’ll get to enjoy, either; the Kimberley ecosystem is home to a variety of other wildlife, including a variety of other fish, crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and eagles flying overhead. The region’s commitment to conservation ensures that these experiences will remain for generations to come.
Read more about Ultimate Kimberley wildlife.
Catching a barramundi
Ready to try your hand at barramundi fishing? Luckily, our guides are pretty adept at snagging these beautiful big fish.
First is understanding where to catch them; their location will change depending on the wet season or dry season. The wet season, from November to April, sees barramundi spawning in the estuaries, making them more abundant, but sometimes a bit harder to reach due to the swollen rivers and flooded plains.
During the dry months, you’ll find them in billabongs, rivers, and creeks as water levels recede, making them easier to target. Larger, more mature barramundi are often caught towards the end of the dry season.
Lure fishing
A common way to catch barramundi is with artificial lures. This technique allows for great versatility and can be adapted to different conditions and times of the day.
- Soft plastics: Mimic live prey with soft plastics near submerged structures to target barramundi, which are known to ambush prey.
- Hard body lures: These are used in deep waters for aggressive retrieves, effective in both clear and murky conditions.
- Topwater lures: Employ these during early morning or late afternoon to stimulate surface strikes from active barramundi.
Fly fishing
This is a combination of the quiet stealth of casting with the thrill of active fishing. It’s particularly effective in clear, shallow waters during the dry season.
- Large streamers: Cast large streamers that imitate small fish or prawns into likely barramundi hiding spots, like under branches or near rocks.
- Poppers: Poppers with a steady, rhythmic retrieval mimic struggling prey and trigger surface strikes from barramundi.
Live bait fishing
Live bait like mullet, prawns, or small baitfish can be highly effective, particularly in murkier waters where scent and movement are crucial for attracting fish.
- Fishing rigs: Use a running sinker rig to target deep-dwelling barramundi or a float rig for bait near surface structures.
- Hook placement: Securely set the hook to counteract the barramundi’s tough mouth and prevent it from throwing the hook.
Tip and tricks
- Best times: Fish early morning or late afternoon when low light conditions favour barramundi ambush tactics.
- Tide influence: Monitor tides, as incoming tides can provide better opportunities for barramundi to feed.
- Be stealthy: Approach quietly and cast long to prevent spooking wary barramundi.
Kimberley barramundi fishing aboard the TRUE NORTH
If you want to score your own barramundi catch, the best way to do it is with True North. On board the TRUE NORTH, you get access to the most remote and pristine waters of the Kimberley. And it’s more than just fishing; you also get to experience a thrilling adventure on a luxury cruise.
We have a huge selection of activities on our Kimberley cruises, including plenty of opportunities to fish for the elusive barramundi. Our expert guides will be there to provide valuable insight and make sure you have the fishing experience of a lifetime.
Ready to embark? Explore our departure dates and book your expedition today!
