The Johnstone River runs through Innisfail is approximately 90km south of Cairns. It is a great place target Barramundi and the River has been stocked since 1994 and continues to be stocked with the last release was in 2009.

The Johnstone River has a few notable features to get you started catching fish including rocky outcrops, mangroves, feeder creeks and sand flats. Barramundi can be targeted all year around with exception to the closed season, experienced lure fisherman will know the techniques required – during the cooler periods remember to slow down the lure retrieve. The classic Barra lures will work well in the Johnstone River, remembering dark lures on cloudy days. Soft plastics rigged on weedless hooks are always a confidence booster when fishing the mangrove forest for Mangrove Jacks, try white plastics.

After the rains its well worth casting at the feeder creeks on a receding tide Barramundi, Jacks and Grunter.

Upstream the Johnstone River produces some of the best fresh water creek fishing in Far North Queensland with great Sooty Grunter and Jungle Perch on offer. A stealth approach is key when chasing Jungle Perch as once they are startled they can completely shut down and move on.