Mary River
The Mary River is a recreational fishing-only area and the extent of its barramundi stocks — both in numbers and size — is testament to sound fishery management. The Mary includes legendary barramundi waters such as Corroboree Billabong, Hardies Lagoon, Shady Camp and Tommycut Creek. The river’s freshwater reaches form a series of separate waterholes (or billabongs) during the dry season and hold vast numbers of barramundi, saratoga and tarpon.
The Territory’s most famous waterhole, the massive Corroborree Billabong, has to be one of the most beautiful fishing spots in Australia. It is a large freshwater lagoon where the natural beauty and wildlife alone make a visit worthwhile. Corroboree and the adjoining Rockhole are strongholds for barra and high-flying saratoga and they are a Mecca for lure and fly fishers.
Houseboats and dinghies are available for hire at Corroboree and most Darwin-based barra fishing guides will be happy to take clients to fish the area on one-day or extended trips. Scenic boat tours operate from Corroboree and the Rockhole. Further down the river, Shady Camp consists of a freshwater lagoon and a tidal river system separated by a man-made barrage designed to stop saltwater intrusion into the freshwater ecosystem.
During the run-off, the barrage provides some exceptional barramundi fishing and special rules are in place to ensure it stays that way. Upstream of the barrage, there is typical freshwater lagoon fishing for barra and tarpon and downstream there is tidal river fishing with some huge barra regularly caught at various locations including an area known as The S-Bends.
During the run-off, a channel from Shady Camp provides access to Tommycut Creek, which also has excellent barra fishing. Dinghies may be hired at Shady Camp. From the Arnhem Highway, before the Mary River Bridge, you can take the Hardies Creek turn-off which leads to a delightful landlocked stretch of the Mary River.
For a quick fishing session, there is a concrete boat ramp at the Mary River Bridge lagoon and an opportunity to catch both barra and saratoga. The Mary is one of the Territory’s most fished river systems yet it consistently produces good numbers of quality fish for visiting and local anglers. For barramundi, a two fish per person possession limit applies throughout the system.
Special fishing regulations apply in the vicinity of the barrage at Shady Camp — signs at the barrage set out all the details — and there are regular visits from rangers and fisheries officers. The river below the barrage is closed to fishing from 1 October to 31 January each year.
One word of warning: Large saltwater crocodiles are prolific throughout the Mary River system and, although they pose little danger to anglers in boats, extreme care should be taken by people on foot or camping near the water.
Fish to Catch
Barramundi, saratoga, tarpon, black jewfish and mud crab (in lower reaches)
Tackle To Bring
When to Catch Them
Year-round with tidal fishing best during the run-off and billabong fishing best during the dry season and build-up.
Access
Roads are unsealed once you leave the Arnhem Highway. They can be slippery when wet and quite rough when they dry after rain. There are concrete launching ramps in Corroboree Billabong, The Rockhole and at the Mary River Bridge, and reasonable bank launching at Hardies Creek although there is a sealed boat ramp at Shady Camp (freshwater side).
Tips for the Traveller
If you are fishing Corroboree, encourage non-anglers to accompany you. The scenery, birds and wildlife here will satisfy the most ardent anti-anglers.
Accomodation: Mary River Park is a great place to stay and central to all your activities more |
