Barron River is a tidal waterway north of Cairns Airport.
The river has a boat ramp at Stratford, next to the Captain Cook Highway bridge, and also at Machans Beach near the mouth.
Much the same species are caught in the Barron as nearby Trinity Inlet, but the Barron tends to fish better on big tides.
There are several spots on the Barron suitable for landbased fishing, but keep in mind that large crocodiles are present.
The former Kamerunga bridge upstream from the highway is a fishing platform.
Upstream from the old bridge the bottom is rocky, and mainly cod, bream and mangrove jacks are caught.
The deep hole at the junction of Redden Creek has barramundi, jewfish, grunter and cod.
Another good spot is the last bend of the river before it enters the sea, and the drop-off along the mouth channel.
The Barron produces some big barramundi for those who put in the time. Large livebaits fished at night work best, but the fish also respond to well-presented lures.
Drop livebaits in deep holes, or near structure. Judicious use of a quality sounder can reveal the presence of single large fish.
Heavy rain can slow fishing down on the Barron
The sandbar at the sea entrance can fish well for queenfish, trevally, flathead and whiting.
Cairns tides
Great Barrier Reef zone map
Qld dam water levels
Qld stocked dam permits
Qld fishing regulations
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