Want to catch that elusive Barramundi but don’t have a boat?

At the ordinary Council meeting held on 19 February 2019, Council decision number 9/0488 states: “THAT Council approve recreational fishing in all Council owned and managed waters in a reserve noting that no additional fishing infrastructure such as platforms will be provided at this time, and that any request for fish stocking will be independently assessed”. 

Now residents, families and visitors can utilise all of the lakes throughout Palmerston for recreational fishing purposes. Please see the maps below to help you find a lake near you!

There are a few simple rules to follow when fishing in these lakes:

• Strictly catch and release only - ALL fish are to be returned to the lake
• Only barbless hooks can be used
• NO NETS allowed in any of the lakes in Palmerston

Follow these tips to improve the survival of released fish:

• Minimise handling time
• When holding the fish support its weight horizontally – do not hold vertically by its mouth or gills
• Don’t lay a fish on a hot surface or allow it to thrash around
• If a fish is deeply hooked, cut the line close to the mouth and leave the hook in place

We need your help to keep our lakes and parks clean so please ensure that all hooks, fishing line and litter is correctly disposed of in bins. Happy Fishing!

Other places to fish!

There are many creeks and flats in the Elizabeth River. Barramundi, Threadfin Salmon, Golden Snapper, Mangrove Jacks and crabs can be found in the area. Mulloway are also caught around the Elizabeth River Bridge pylons at times.

Approximately 5km from the Palmerston CBD is the Elizabeth River Boat Ramp, a great place to slip the boat in with good access to both the upper reaches of the river and downstream to the East Arm of Darwin Harbour. You may also have great success fishing by simply throwing a line off the Elizabeth River Jetty, beside the ramp.

Ramp access: the ramp is well constructed and provides access to the water at all tides. It has bitumen access, is constructed of concrete and is two lanes wide.
Parking: available at the ramp site.
Fees: no fees are payable.

Please be aware the Northern Territory Government is responsible for the Elizabeth River Boat Ramp. Visit public boat ramps in the Top End for more information. Don't forget to check the tides before you plan to go for a fish.