Hinchinbrook is one of the most scenic places to fish, surrounded by rainforest covered mountains and pristine estuaries – each year hundreds of fisherman test their skills and knowledge at Hinchinbrook.
Fishing the Hinchinbrook channel can initially be daunting due to the size of system its hard to know where to start and many people leave without any fish. During the wet season large amounts of fresh water run into the channel and it can be tough fishing as bread and butter species head for more salinity and others follow the bait into the brackish. Adding to the complexity of the system is tides and the massive network of creeks, islands and snags! Hopefully this guide will help you know where to start fishing Hinchinbrook.
The northern part of Hinchinbrook island is fairly simple consisting of very deep channels and structure lined banks. Missionary Bay is located on the Northern side of Hinchinbrook and is a series of small inlets with many channels and sand flats – where people from all over the world come to fly fish for the elusive Permit. The northern part of the Hinchinbrook Channel generally stays clearer than the southern with a good chance of a 1m+ Barramundi.
The southern part of Hinchinbrook is a complex network of tributaries and islands, running back out to sea pass the famous Lucinda Jetty. The southern side contains great river systems like the Herbet River and Seymour River along with a massive array of mangrove lined islands and channels.
Access to the Hinchinbrook channel is via 3 locations, the north, south and the middle.
Great fishing can had all year round in the Hinchinbrook channel, with around 10 – 20 different species on offer. Barramundi can also be caught all year round provided the water is between 18-30 degrees.
First point of call is working the mangrove lined smaller creeks, a common trap many first timers have is not spending long enough time in one spot, thinking the next creek will be better. Actually fact most anglers will be rewarded by spending time working over snags along a single creek – constantly keeping an eye on your sounder for protruding or snags out from the banks.
1000's of offshore spots coming soon!
As we enter into March the full extent of the wet season is still yet to be determined. Do date it has been a moderate wet season with occasional huge dumpings of... Read more
Fishing forecast provided by My Fishing Forecast, an advanced rating algorithm, it is the only predictive rating system that combines a multitude of proven Pro-Fishing Techniques including: Solunar Theory, Meteorological Theory, Vedic Astrology and more.
July 5, 2017
Looking to visit and fly fish the Hinchinbrook Chanel early-mid September. Would very much appreciate your assistance with locations for best Permit numbers and respective tide stages.
Your help is very much appreciated.
Kind regards
Christopher R. Hall
0407031469
July 9, 2017
Hi Chris, the Hinchinbrook area is pretty massive so there is a heap of water to cover. Are you staying at Cardwell or Lucinda side? The western side of Goold Island has permit, Missionary Bay is also a good spot. The sandbar to the north of and east of Benjamin flats also hold permit, the incoming tide is best using shrimp or crab flys. You might want to get in touch with these guys: http://www.australianflyfishingoutfitters.com.au/ for more detailed information.
July 11, 2017
Thank you Luke,
Will be staying at Cardwell!
Appreciate your help very much!
Cheers,
Chris
January 24, 2018
Hi,
I’m looking at a July fishing trip. Staying at this stage Lucinda end. What’s the common fish being caught at this time of year? Any pelagics running?
Cheers Will
March 16, 2018
I fish from Lucinda. Looking for good places to catch live bait. Will fish all areas up to Damper Creek. Any suggestions
April 10, 2018
G’Day, I am still wanting to know why my GPS have not downloaded..
Be a shame..I am going there next week with No spots to verify them also to find other locations.. Have contacted you on the following.. admin@fishingspots.com.au
Be good for an answer.. I am waiting.. Thanks guys
April 12, 2018
They are in your dashboard as a KML file and there was a link on the payment confirmation page.
June 18, 2018
Hi Guys . Thanks for having me,me and my mate travelling from south of Wolongong.Staying for a few weeks at Lucinda.Any tips for fishing and the surrounding areas.
Cheers
September 22, 2018
Hi has anyone jetski fished hinchinbrook
October 24, 2019
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