Best Times & Seasons to Fish the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular vacation destinations on earth but it is a very overlooked fishing destination with some of the best fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference.
The best season to fish the Great Barrier Reef is May through October for marlin, barramundi, mackerel, and grouper. The best season for sea trout, fingermark, and trevally is November through March.
| Fish Species | Best Times to Fish in Great Barrier Reef Coastal Waters |
| Barramundi | May through October is the peak fishing season. |
| School Mackerel | Mackerel are available year-round. March through October is best. |
| Spanish Mackerel | March through November is the best season for Spanish mackerel. |
| Marlin | May through October is the best season for black marlin. |
| Grouper | May through October is the best season for grouper. |
| Sea Reef Trout | Year-round availability. November through May is the peak season. |
| Fingermark | October through March is the best season for fingermark. |
| Trevally | November through April is the best season for local trevally. |
The Great Barrier Reef is well-known for its exceptional fishing. It’s the world’s biggest coral reef ecosystem and a world-class fishing destination. The ecosystem consists of islands, reefs, and coral cays. It’s worth noting that a huge part of the reef is untouched.
The Great Barrier Reef has the world’s natural wonders that attract so many travelers, anglers as well as snorkeling and diving enthusiasts from different parts of the world. The major fishing tournaments take place in this fishing destination every year.
Waters around the Great Barrier Reef are full of fish. The place impresses anglers with a high abundance and diversity of marine life. The reef attracts different species of food all year round. Fishing tours allow anglers to explore the local waters, marine life and get the most out of reef fishing.
Click here to see a complete guide to the best times to fish in Australia.
Best Time to Fish Great Barrier Reef
The success of a fishing trip to the Great Barrier Reef depends a lot on the time of the year. The reality is, fishing is different at different times of the year. And of course, anglers need to plan their fishing adventures for the times when fishing is the most productive. The big question is – when is the best time to go fishing in the area? Now, it’s time to get the answer!
The best conditions for fishing around the Great Barrier Reef are created during the warm months. The season to fish the reef starts in June and lasts until October. It’s important to know that fishing during these months has many great benefits for anglers.
June is the best time of the year to go to the Great Barrier Reef. Waters are calm and clean at the beginning of the summer. The early spring is the time when anglers can enjoy fishing and see the beauty of the reefs.
But most importantly, it’s a period of time when no rain falls and the vast majority of fish species become active. All of this means that fishermen can get the most effective results during this time of the year.
For a complete breakdown of the best seasons to fish in Cairns, check out this guide.
Great Barrier Reef Species Breakdown: Best Time
Many different species of fish can be found near the Great Barrier Reef and in its surrounding waters. You’ll hardly be able to find another place in the ocean where so many fish varieties can be found in a small area. Anglers can catch fish of different colors, shapes, and sizes in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
When preparing for a fishing trip to the Great Barrier Reef, anglers always need to study the behavior of targeted fish species carefully. Anglers need to know when and where to fish for these species in the area. Below, we’ll provide the list of the most common species of fish in the Great Barrier Reef area and describe their behavior.
Barramundi
Barramundi is one of the fish species that can be caught in the Great Barrier Reef region. Barramundi is also known as a giant perch. It’s possible to fish for barramundi at any time of the year, but fishing is usually the most productive in the summer months. It’s possible to catch barramundi in the early morning or in the late evening. Ideally, you should target barramundi north of Cairns. Here, anglers catch fish that’s more than 10 kilograms.
Groupers
Groupers are large and slow-moving fish that can be found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef area. Fishing for groupers is the most effective between May and October. The fish bites well in the early morning and late afternoon. It would be better to target groupers in the reef’s deeper areas.
Fingermark
Fingermark can be found in the waters of the Barrier Reef region as well. It’s possible to fish for fingermark at any time of the year. However, fishing is the most productive in the fall, winter, and early spring. So, go fishing between October and March if you are interested in targeting fingermark. Port Douglas is an ideal fishing spot to fish for fingermark.
Mangrove jack
Mangrove jack is another fish that so many anglers catch near the Great Barrier Reef. Mangrove jack is the most active during the summer months. The fish can be caught at dawn, at dusk, and at night. It makes sense to fish for mangrove jack near the Port Douglas.
Trevally
Fishermen have a chance to catch giant trevally during their fishing trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Trevally is usually the most active during the cold months. The season to fish for trevally starts in November and continues till April. The fish can be caught during the daytime and at night. Anglers should try to catch trevally on Cassowary Coast.
Sharks
It’s widely known that sharks can be found near reefs. The Great Barrier Reef has gained popularity among anglers, who prefer to target sharks. Great White Shark, White-tipped Reef Shark, Hammerheads as well as Tiger Sharks can be found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The shark fishing season starts in May and lasts till July. When catching sharks, anglers usually get the best results at dawn and at dusk.
Spanish mackerel
The Great Barrier Reef is a fishing destination where anglers often catch Spanish mackerel. The fish is active between March and September and bites well during the early morning and late evening hours. Go fishing either at dawn or at dusk. If you would like to catch Spanish mackerel during your fishing trip, go to Palm Cove.
School mackerel
School mackerel is also found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Fishermen target school mackerel during the winter and spring months. Ideally, you should aim to catch school mackerel near Palm Cove.
Sea Trout
And of course, you’ll have an opportunity to catch trout when fishing in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The reef attracts coral trout. This fish is well-known for its ability to change colors. Coral trout has spots on its body and a wedge-shaped tail. The fish is the most active between the late fall and the late spring. So, the season to fish coral trout starts in November and lasts till May. Coral trout can be found throughout the entire region.
Best Time of Day to Fish Great Barrier Reef
The time of day to fish the Great Barrier Reef mainly depends on the time of the year. If you are going to visit the Great Barrier Reef in summer, then plan your fishing adventures for morning hours. Waters cool down and fish start actively feeding in the morning. However, it would be better to go fishing in the afternoon if you choose to visit the reef during the cooler months. The temperature of water increases in the afternoon and this has a positive impact on the activity of fish.
Great Barrier Reef Fishing & Tidal Impacts
Fishermen should study tide times before going fishing to the Great Barrier Reef. They need to know what time of day the tides are the highest and lowest. Also, anglers have to understand how tides affect the behavior of the fish they are going to target. The vast majority of fish actively feed during incoming tides.
Storms & Great Barrier Reef Fishing
Storms of category three or greater may happen in the Great Barrier Reef region. Storms cause high winds as well as powerful waves that pose a threat to anglers. And of course, fishing during storms should be avoided. Nevertheless, fishing can be very productive before and after storms. Anglers should always check the weather forecasts when planning their fishing trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef gives anglers an opportunity to enjoy fishing at any time of the year. Winter reef fishing allows anglers to catch a variety of fish species including bream, queenfish, mangrove jack, trevally, trout, etc.
Night Fishing in Great Barrier Reef
Anglers, who like night fishing, also have excellent opportunities in the Great Barrier Reef. They can book a night fishing trip to the reef. Night fishing charters and overnight charters are available in the Great Barrier Reef region. Among the species of fish that are active during nighttime are mangrove jack, trevally, and others.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
The Great Barrier Reef offers some opportunities to those anglers, who give a preference to shore/surf fishing. Anglers can enjoy surf fishing on white-sand beaches at any time of the year. Among the best places for shore/surf fishing in the region are: Awana Beach, Kaitoke Beach, Medlands Beach as well as Palmers Beach, and Whangapoua Beach.
Top 5 Fishing Spots in Great Barrier Reef
When planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, anglers need to decide where to go fishing. That’s why you need to know the top fishing locations in the area. Here, we’ll tell you about some of the best fishing spots in the region. We’ll describe these fishing spots and explain when and what species it’s possible to catch in these places. As a result, you’ll know when and where to fish in the area.
Atherton Tablelands
Atherton Tablelands gives anglers an opportunity to target barramundi and sooty grunter. Fishing for these species in the cold months can be hard because they are not active. So, it would be great to visit this fishing spot in the summer. Fishing at sunrise and at sunset is the most productive during the summer months.
Trinity Inlet
Trinity Inlet is one of the best places to enjoy fishing near the Great Barrier Reef. It’s possible to fish Trinity Inlet all year round. Book a boat trip to explore this fishing spot. Such species of fish as barramundi, fingermark, and mangrove jack bite well in the summer. Such species of fish as bream, grunter, estuary cod as well as trevally are active in the fall, winter and spring.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is another popular fishing spot in the area. It’s the perfect location for anglers who are planning fishing adventures with families. Here, you’ll have everything that’s needed to have a picnic. Port Douglas offers BBQ facilities, playground equipment as well as picnic benches. Fishermen should visit this place in the summer if they would like to catch baitfish. Among the other species of fish that you can catch here are: barramundi, fingermark, and mangrove jack.
Yorkey’s Knob
Yorkey’s Knob is a good fishing spot for those anglers, who would like to catch a big barramundi fish. Oftentimes, anglers catch a trophy fish over 10kg in this place. The best time of the year to fish Yorkey’s Knob is summer. The best time of day to go fishing is either at dusk or at dawn. The chances to catch a trophy fish are high during these times.
Cassowary Coast
Cassowary Coast is a popular fishing spot that attracts a lot of anglers, who are interested in targeting barramundi. This fish is active during the summer months. Summer is also a great time to fish for fingermark and mangrove jack on the Cassowary Coast. During the cold months, fishermen can catch such species as queenfish as well as giant trevally.
Booking Charters in Great Barrier Reef
Different fishing tours to the Great Barrier Reef are available for anglers in different towns. It’s possible to book a fishing charter in such places as Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays. Whether you are a beginner or a professional angler, you can book a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy fishing in the area.
– Best season to go
Fishing in the Great Barrier Reef is the most productive during the summer months. However, the demand for fishing is usually high and prices go up in summer. That’s why fishing can be expensive. Also, you can go fishing in the early fall. The prices for fishing are lower, but opportunities are still great.
– Morning vs. afternoon
The vast majority of anglers should go fishing in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef either in the morning or afternoon. Ideally, you should go fishing in the early morning.
Fishing is the most productive during the morning hours. Also, fish bite well in the evening. So, you can go fishing in the afternoon to enjoy fishing during the evening hours.
It would be better to go fishing in the morning in summer. Water cools down in the morning and this has a positive impact on the activity of fish. On the other hand, waters heat up in the afternoon. So, you should go fishing during the afternoon hours in the fall.
-1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
Fishing trips in the Great Barrier Reef can last for a half-day, full day, or several days. So, anglers need to explore their options and decide how long they want to fish in advance.
Let’s say that your time fishing is limited. In this case, 1/2 fishing trips are worth considering. If you book such a fishing trip, you will manage to enjoy fishing either in the morning or afternoon. However, it’s the cheapest fishing option.
If you want to spend a day on fishing, then book a full-day trip. Full-day fishing trips give anglers much more time. So, anglers can fish in the morning and afternoon. However, such a trip is more expensive.
Actually, you can spend even more time fishing. Multi-day charters provide fishermen with better opportunities. However, it’s the most expensive fishing option.
