Lake Tinaroo

If you want monster freshwater barra, world record barra, the only place to go is Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands.

This magnificent artificial lake is situated a short hour and a half drive west of Cairns. Built by damming the head waters of the Barron River in 1958 to provide a reliable water supply to the varied farming interests on the tablelands, Australia's tropical food bowl, the lake has become a popular recreational spot and supports a variety of water activities. Long weekends and school holiday periods see hundreds or visitors, swimming, water skiing, sailing and speedboat racing.

Many of these activities are restricted to certain areas and the huge expanse of water (some 407,000 megalitres and 209 km of shoreline) leaves plenty of secluded bays, inlets, rocky outcrops and weed beds for the expectant angler to try. And there is no closed season either.

If your bag is to tangle with truly monster fish on light sportfishing tackle, Lake Tinaroo is a must do for your fishing trip or special holiday detour. The fish aren't suckers though, they are not easy targets and the lake only really fires under certain conditions.

Being a mountain lake, Tinaroo is some 670 metres above sea level, the prevailing temperature can be a lot cooler than down on the steamy coast. This can have a detrimental effect on the metabolism of the fish, barramundi preferring warm water, and put them in slow mode.

World record barra caught in Lake Tinaroo

This is where an expert guide comes into play, they know the lakes secrets and can still produce quality fish on a fairly consistent basis. It's not for everyone, but a challenge well worth the effort.

Won't you be ecstatic to see a 30kg monster barra tail walking along side the boat in the dim light of sunset. The lake surface is like glass, the barra's flanks all aglow and shiny bronze, and all you have is a spindly 10kg line. The lure hangs out the corner of the monster's mouth, she jumps again and its all over.

Barramundi fingerlings were released into Lake Tinaroo a decade ago, they have grown fast, very fast and fat. There is so much food in the lake that monster fish, to almost 80 old fashioned pounds, are there in numbers. You do deserve the challenge!

World record Sooty Grunter caught in Lake Tinaroo

Barra aren't the only targets however, sooty grunter (black bream) were also introduced years ago and although not in the same size class as the former fish, very respectable sized sooty's are regularly caught on lures, fly's and bait.

World record fish to 12 lb have come from these waters and on the right tackle, produce a spectacular but short fight.

Itinerary

Your charter commences with transfers from your Cairns accommodation at approx. 10 am. Travel up to the lake, settle into the accommodation and its on the water by 1.00 pm. You'll be amazed at the beauty of this place, rainforest right to the waters edge, thousands of whistling ducks, brolgas, owls and bats. This is lily lined tropical sweet water at its very best. And the sunsets must be seen to be believed - superb!

Accommodation is included at the recently completed Tinaroo Terraces. This property features self-contained cabins with absolute lake frontage, sandy beach, heated swimming pool and right next to café, restaurant and bar. Room facilities include TV, cable TV, phones and video hire.

Dawn and dusk are the prime fishing times here and we stay at it until approx. 9.00 pm. If you are really keen to bag that fish of a life time, its back on the water at 4.30 am. And watch the glorious sun rise over the mountain backdrop. We fish until 9.00 am before pulling the pin and head back to Cairns with the memories and photo's of some truly magical fish.

This package includes all lure and bait fishing equipment on a replace if lost / broken basis, boat, guide, soft drinks, lunch on first day, transfers and twin share accommodation.The cost does not include evening meals, breakfast, alcohol, or phone calls from your room.

2 days and one night - A$1285 per package

1 day afternoon / evening tour - A$600 per package

SELF DRIVE OPTIONS AVAILABLE From A$275 Half Day and A$440 Full Day for 1 to 4 people

Terms And Conditions

• General Terms and Conditions apply
• Package is subject to availability and seasonal conditions. Best months are from September to May.
• All rates quoted are in Australian Dollars and include 10% GST.
• All package prices quoted are based on 1-2 anglers only and are per package.

Please contact us if you would like to book this charter, or need some help in arranging an 'Up North' fishing holiday.

Check out our Reports page for an article by Jason Swan of Got One Cairns about landing monster Lake Tinaroo barra.