The legendary Daly River, about 210 km south-west of Darwin, is one of the Territory’s top barramundi fisheries and has been reserved for recreational fishing — no commercial fishing is allowed. Many fish over 10 kg are caught each year with some fish in the 18 to 20 kg class.
The Daly is home to the well-known NT Barra Classic and NT Barra Nationals fishing tournaments. This is a beautiful river, lined with massive trees, many of which have fallen into the river over the years and now provide perfect snag habitats for barramundi. There is prolific wildlife along the river including a healthy population of both fresh water and saltwater crocodiles. It rises and falls by up to 16 m according to the wet and dry seasons. The river drains a huge expanse of country from Katherine to Anson Bay.
The Daly is a big tidal river and the fish move with the seasons and the tides. One day they will be on your doorstep; the next they could be 40 km downstream. For the inexperienced, it can be a difficult river to navigate and find fish and using the services of a fishing guide is the best way to get to know it. This will improve the quality of your fishing and, if you intend to venture out on your own, will help you navigate the river in some safety.
Considering its relatively remote location, the Daly has excellent facilities for visiting anglers. They range from basic do-it-yourself camping through to cabin-type accommodation. Powered camping and caravan sites are available and some operators provide meals. Fuel and alcohol are available at the Daly River Pub and basic supplies and fishing requirements can be purchased at a number of locations on the river. Small hire boats are available and a number of operators provide sightseeing and guided fishing.
There is some terrific barra fishing casting lures at creek mouths and floodplain flow-ins at the end of the wet season and on into the early dry season. Once the river settles and clears after the wet season floods, lure trolling around the rock bars and numerous snags of the Daly produces prodigious numbers of barra, usually on neap tides as clearer water allows better lure visibility (although some locals swear by the big tides — big fish adage).
Trolling is sometimes frowned upon by visiting anglers but getting slammed by a big barra while trolling over a Daly River snag is something you won’t forget in a hurry — especially if you manage to get the fish out of that snag and into the net. From July through to the beginning of the wet season in November or December, it is still possible to catch barra on lures but live baits, usually local freshwater prawns called cherabin, produce more fish.
Fish to Catch
Barramundi When to Catch Them Throughout the year, except during high wet season floods. Best fishing is during the run-off and early dry season.
Access
The Daly is accessed on sealed roads from Katherine and Darwin, although access can be closed at times during the wet season. A public boat ramp, only accessible in the dry season off the Wooliana Road, is situated on the northern bank, 4.5 km upstream of Brown’s Creek.
Tips for the Traveller
The Daly is full of snags and rock bars and, depending on river heights and tides, can be very dangerous. Navigate with extreme care as swimming with the local crocodiles is a definite health hazard.
|
