Fishing in the Kimberley is one of the last true fishing adventures.
This pristine and remote wilderness in the northwest corner of Australia is a fishermen’s paradise with a wide variety of fishing opportunities. These include un-spoilt beaches, prime barramundi fishing rivers; fish rich reef systems and blue water fishing at its best all surrounded by spectacular scenery.
The Kimberley is a rugged and sparsely populated land with a population of only 50 000 centered around a few main towns such as Broome and Derby on the west coast, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek in the South and Kununurra and Wyndham in the east. Other than the Great Northern highway connecting these towns few paved roads exist and most others are poorly maintained bush tracks or dirt roads. Many cross private aboriginal land requiring a permit and the wet season closes most of the later for up to six months over summer.
In this part of the world close to the equator only two seasons exist (although the Indigenous people recognize up to 8 seasons). The dry season from May to October is characterized by minimal rainfall and clear sunny and hot days. These average around 30 degrees May to August rising to 35 plus in October. Humidity is lower in the early months of the dry season but high in the later months.
The wet season starts with the “build up” to the monsoon from October to December when humidity and air and sea temperatures are rising. This is followed by the arrival of the monsoon usually around Christmas when it rains heavily until the end of March. Of course, Mother Nature marches to the beat of her own drum so these dates can vary by as much as a month either way.
March to November are the best months for Kimberley Rivers Barramundi fishing at its best after the wet season has finished from March onwards. This is known as the “run off” when the food-laden waters are running of the flood plains into the rivers and estuaries. Barramundi are more often found in the lower river systems and estuaries along the coast but can be found in saltwater or in freshwater far up stream. Many of these waters can be fished from riverbanks but better results will normally be attained if fishing from a boat. There are a number of excellent guides available mostly based in Broome, Derby or Kununurra. Some of the best and most accessible river systems for Barra fishing are the Fitzroy, Ord, Pentecost, Keep and the King Rivers and their tributaries.
The Kimberley coast is a spectacular and remote wilderness accessible in the most part only by boat. There are a number of charter vessels that cruise this remote coastline from March to November each year offering both specialist fishing cruises and also general interest cruises that include nature and aboriginal culture activities as well as fishing. The later are great options for the fishermen with the non-fishing partner.
These cruises will include opportunities for barramundi fishing where 1 meter plus Barramundi are often landed, and Mangrove Jack, Queen Fish, Finger Mark and Trevally are often on offer. The reef systems such as the huge Montgomery Reef are home to many species including Giant Trevally and Coral Trout and blue water and pelagic species such as Sailfish, Dogtooth and other Tuna, Wahoo and Spanish Mackerel.
It should always be remembered that there are dangers involved with travelling around the Kimberley uneducated and unprepared. These dangers include breakdowns in remote areas, lack of drinking water, heat stress and related issues, extreme weather events such as cyclones and flooding and of course the ever present snakes, marine stingers and crocodiles. All of the Kimberley is a crocodile habitat.
The cost of getting to and travelling around the Kimberley is quite high and consequently most fishermen will probably only visit once in a lifetime. It is advisable that visitors should maximize their experience by using the many excellent Kimberley fishing charters, guides, lodges, camps and live aboard vessels that are available.
Explore the last frontier coastline and expand your fishing experience with some real Kimberley fishing adventure. Kimberley gives you the opportunity to fish to your fullest. We do fishing trips to many areas of the Kimberley. Contact us today!