The Hinchinbrook is a large estuary located halfway between Townsville and Cairns. It is comprised of a large channel separating two massive labyrinths of mangroves, sandbars, creeks, and passages that stretch to cover both the island and the mainland. Known by locals for its fantastic barramundi fishing, the Hinchinbrook offers so much more to the fly fisherman. In the Hinchinbrook system, tides are critical, and having a solid guide will be the key to your success. During the drier winter months, the water clears up allowing for easier sight casting to estuary dwellers. Mangrove jack and barramundi can be sight cast to as the outgoing tides pull them from their mangrove refuges. The main draw however, is during the incoming tide, good numbers of permit, and golden trevally venture onto the flats and sandbars both within the channel and along the outer islands. These fish experience very little pressure and are more than willing to take a well placed fly. Large GT and queenfish can also appear on the flats, but it is easier to target these species around pressure points and the massive sugar jetty located south of the channel. The Hinchinbrook is a fantastic system, however, timing and connecting with the right guide is absolutely vital to your success. Lodges are limited, but there are lots of waterfront rental houses, hotels, and campgrounds in the area to choose from. Several top notch guides operate out of the Hinchinbrook, but the best dates are often booked far in advance, so please don’t hesitate and give us a call!