Build Up, Run Off & Dry Season Fishing in the NT

To most local fisho's in the NT, there are two major seasons for fishing; 'the run off' and the 'build up'.

The Top End of the Northern Territory is home to some of the best Barra and Bluewater Fishing in the world, but like most fishing destinations, the seasons are going to dictate what you are likely to catch. Further to this, there are times of the year where the fish are bigger, there are times of the year where the fish are in higher numbers and there are times of the year where the fish are feeding more aggressively. As to picking a time to visit, you may also like to factor in the best weather, best times for spotting wildlife and so on....... Lets look into it!

To most local fisho's in the NT, there are two major seasons for fishing; 'the run-off' and 'the build-up'. These two seasons are heavily focused towards the best times to chase Barramundi as the water temperatures are optimum, and the food sources are abundant. On either side of these two seasons are 'the wet' and 'the dry', this time of year also provides amazing fishing for different reasons. 

To break it down:

The dry season: May, June, July, August & September  

About -The dry season is the peak time of the year for tourism. This is because the weather is spectacular and most attractions are open and accessible.                                                                Weather - the coolest time of the year (14-35 degrees), low humidity, south-easterly trade winds are common.                                                                                                                                                Best fishing - bottom bouncing the reefs and chasing schools of pelagic fish such as tuna and mackerel.

The build-up: October & November

The wet season: December, January, February, March & April

The run-off: (dependant on rainfall and floodplain levels) generally late March - early May