Katherine, Victoria River brimming with top fishing opportunities

WITH the town of Katherine situated right next to the Katherine River – the largest tributary feeding into the Daly River – it’s no surprise the area offers some excellent barramundi fishing platforms, and all within a 15km radius, writes ALEX JULIUS.

Caroline Demarco caught this 80cm barra downstream on the Victoria River. Picture: Supplied

THE town of Katherine, about 300km south of Darwin, is situated right next to the Katherine River, which in itself is the largest tributary feeding into the Daly River.

It’s no surprise then that there are some excellent barramundi fishing platforms, and all within a 15km radius.

According to the knowledgeable staff at Rod & Rifle Tackle World in Katherine, the following are the top local fishing spots in the area: Knotts Crossing, Donkey Camp, Low Level (aka Lowey) and Galloping Jacks (Crystal Rapids).

Each of these locations requires moving water to produce the best results.

I’d suggest you check out the informative website rodandrifle.com.au for detailed tips on how and when to fish these locations … or simply visit the store and ask.

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Heading west from Katherine, you’ll come to the Territory’s biggest river: the Victoria River.

Most anglers intent on fishing the Vic head straight for the little township of Timber Creek, 300km west of Katherine.

However, if you have the time, quench your thirst at the Victoria River Roadhouse and then head five minutes west to fish from the old Victoria River Crossing.

Garry Johnson caught this big fish in the Victoria River. Picture: Supplied

Timber Creek – via the boat ramp at Big Horse Creek – provides the access to the tidal reaches of the mighty Vic.

There are two well-known land-based fishing platforms near Timber Creek. One is the aforementioned boat ramp itself from which some huge barra have been caught under lure casting over the years.

The other is Policeman’s Point, five minutes’ drive west of Timber Creek; here, too, some magical catches can be had.

This about-to-be-released sprat was caught at popular-land based Katherine fishing spot Donkey Camp. Picture: Supplied

Boat fishos can travel for up to 100km downstream, stopping and fishing at one or more of the many great barra spots.

Some of the best fishing is to be had by trolling over and around the rockbars, but be careful, too, that you don’t belt into one … especially Skeg Rock which is well-named.

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Once again, neap tides for water clarity – due to reduced flow permitting suspended sediment to sink – are best for trolling.

During and just after the wet season, look for flowing feeder creeks to work your lures, but also swirling eddies adjacent to rocky points.