Barra Season Reels Back in Across the Burdekin

Anglers across the Burdekin spent the past weekend dusting off the rods, checking the tides and chasing one of North Queensland’s most iconic sportfish as the barramundi season officially kicks off for another year!

The highly anticipated barra season opener fired up across the state’s east coast and the Gulf of Carpentaria the moment the clock ticked over to 12:01am on Sunday, 1 February.

Running through to 31 October, the 2026 season follows another strong year for barramundi stocks statewide, supported by more than a decade of conservation efforts and the annual closed season that protects breeding fish during their most vulnerable spawning period. While destinations like Cairns and Rockhampton are reporting “phenomenal” numbers, locals know the Burdekin’s creeks, rivers and coastline more than hold their own when it comes to barra action.

The Burdekin delivers some of north Queensland’s most diverse and accessible barra fishing, whether you’re flicking lures from the Groper Creek jetty, launching into the Haughton or Burdekin rivers, weaving through sheltered estuaries, or casting along the shoreline at Alva and Wunjunga beaches. With eight public boat ramps spread across the shire, including well-known spots at Groper Creek, Cromarty, Barratta and Ocean Creek, anglers are never far from a prime fishing location. However, it’s not just barra on offer, with local waterways also producing grunter, mangrove jack, bream, flathead and mud crabs, making every trip a true mixed-bag chance.

Before heading out, fishers are reminded to brush up on the rules to help protect the fishery for future generations. Current regulations include a minimum size limit of 58 centimetres and a maximum size of 120 centimetres, with a bag limit of five barramundi per person, or 10 per boat when two or more people are onboard.

The closed barra season, which runs from November to January each year, plays a vital role in maintaining healthy stocks by allowing barramundi to spawn undisturbed in tidal waters. Anglers should also note that some stocked impoundments, such as Lake Dalrymple, may still allow barra fishing during the closed season, provided a valid Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is held.

With warm wet season flows, rising water temperatures and productive tides, February through to May is widely regarded as prime barra time, with another strong window returning in September and October. Fishers are encouraged to prepare their gear, check tide times, fish safely and respect local waterways and wildlife.

To stay up to date with size limits, possession rules and seasonal closures, anglers can download the Queensland Fishing 2.0 app, which provides localised updates and reminders.

Photo credit: Hayley Christensen
Photo credit: Tamara Kemp
Photo credit: Lachlan Burbidge
Photo credit: Trent Higgs
Photo credit: Josie Rogers

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