Alex's Fishing Column 17 April 2026

The damage caused by the major flooding of the Daly River has been a nightmare for the tourist parks along the river.

Every one of them has been left with the legacy of mega tonnes of mud across their properties that has required a massive clean-up.

Accommodations have been destroyed and the cost of repairs must place an enormous burden on what are mainly family businesses.

Of course, the lost revenue from cancelled bookings would add to the nightmare.

The Daly River Tourist Parks and Businesses Flood Recovery raised nearly $30,000 under GoFundMe, which will help a bit, but probably won’t even cover the costs being incurred by any one single business.

Not surprisingly, the major fishing competitions scheduled on the Daly River have been postponed.

The NT Barra Classic and Classic Masters at the Banyan Farm Tourist Park are now being held on 7-13 July 2026.

Unfortunately, the rescheduling has resulted in several teams now unable to compete and anyone interested in participating in either or both of these events should log into info@darwingamefishingclub.com.au to register their interest.

The Barra Nationals, also held at Banyan Farm, have been rescheduled to 31 May.

The Tackleworld Coolalinga Girls Gone Fishin' 2026 event has been postponed for 12 months to May 2027.

As for recreational fishos per se, it will be a while yet before they can launch into the river at the public boat ramp as the Wooliana Road has caved in at a couple of places.

Word has it that the public ramp car-park is not looking good either.

Of course, where would fishos stay anyway until the tourist parks are operational again?

It’s normally a great lifestyle living along the Daly River, but this year has been nothing short of heartbreaking.

On a much better note, some fishos have been enjoying good Runoff fishing elsewhere in the Top End.

However, it hasn’t been consistent.

One of my favourite locations is the upper South Alligator River which I checked out last week for the first time this year.

I must say, I was surprised at just how filthy the water was.

I ventured all the way to the top up past Leichardt Creek mouth and there was no one colour change; just murky brown water spewing out of the creeks.

Even Nourlangie Creek all the way to the top had little of interest to cast at.

I’m not sure how to read this, but I’m hoping as the run slows the river will clean up and clear water will flow from the creeks.

In the end, we put all our effort into the wide mouth of Nourlangie Creek as the water clarity was better there than anywhere else.

Fortunately, we caught fish, but it was hard work.

I haven’t heard what’s been happening at the East Alligator River but cars towing sexy barra boats have been getting in and launching.

Probably the best place to be this weekend on the big tides is along the coast either side of the Mary River delta mouth.

Those coastal creeks in Chambers Bay fired up with big fish on the last springs, and will likely do it again.

The issue will be getting a spot as there are bound to be many boats vying for the best positions.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go without much boat traffic, the tides are good for Darwin Harbour which by all accounts has been producing some quality barra.

 Mick Carter of Cairns with his trophy 110cm barra, the biggest of many good barra caught fishing at Shady Camp with his Darwin mate, Tim Bolch.

Tim Bolch with a typical barra from the Shady Camp trip.