Why Mackay Isaac Is Queensland’s 12-Month Fishing Playground
In Mackay Isaac, barramundi fishing doesn’t wait for the right month - it happens when you’re ready. It’s the kind of place where a spontaneous cast after work can turn into a story worth telling and photo worth sharing.
That’s the beauty of barra fishing here. It follows the seasons sure, but it never disappears.
A coastline that changed the game
Back in November 2015, Mackay became one of just three Net Free Zones in Queensland, putting a stop to commercial net fishing from St Helens to Cape Hillsborough, including the Pioneer River. The result? Healthier fish stocks, cleaner waters, and a fishing culture built around respect, patience and the long game.
It’s a decision that still pays off today, especially for recreational anglers chasing barra in some of the most accessible waterways in the state.
When barra season officially kicks off
Each year, barramundi across Queensland’s estuaries get a breather during the closed season from 1 November to 31 January, giving stocks time to restock and reset. Then, on 1 February, barra season officially opens again and Mackay Isaac comes alive.
Fishing during the open season follows a Voluntary Code of Practice, designed to protect the fishery for future generations. It’s about fishing smart, handling fish with care, respecting the environment, and keeping things fair for everyone who loves these waters.
The vibe is simple: look after the fish, and they’ll keep showing up.
Our big difference: barra all year round
Here’s where Mackay Isaac really stands apart.
Unlike neighbouring regions, four freshwater dams across the Mackay Isaac region sit outside the Net Free Zone, meaning anglers can target barramundi all year round. Even when estuary fishing pauses elsewhere, the action here keeps rolling.
- Kinchant Dam – A big favourite with anglers, located about 40km west of Mackay. Known for trophy-sized barramundi and excellent fishing opportunities close to town.
- Teemburra Dam – In the scenic Pioneer Valley, this large dam has plenty of inlets and structure that fish love, making it a top pick for freshwater barra chasing.
- Eungella Dam – Up in the cooler hills near Eungella, this dam is known for both barra and other freshwater species, and rewards anglers with spectacular views as well as action.
- Theresa Creek Dam – Just outside the Isaac region near Clermont, this dam is part of the broader Mackay Isaac fishing network and offers barra along with a mix of other freshwater species.
These dams are what makes our region a true 12-month barra destination, perfect for locals who fish whenever the mood strikes, and visitors who don’t want their trip dictated by a calendar.
And if you want to tap into the local know-how, Hooked On Mackay is the region’s official fishing brand, connecting anglers with stories, spots and the people who live for life on the water.
Barra fishing in Mackay Isaac fits the Free Spirit way of doing things. Come when it suits. Fish how you like. Stay a little longer if the bite’s good.
Because here, the best fishing plans rarely involve a plan at all.
