Every year, once the skies ease up after the wet season and the floodplains start draining, something magic happens up here in the Northern Territory — it’s called Runoff Season, and it’s hands down the best time of the year to chase big barra.
But what actually is it? Why is it such a big deal? And how do you make the most of it?
We’re glad you asked!
💧 What is Runoff Season?
Runoff Season kicks off when the Top End’s Wet Season wraps up, usually around March to May, depending on how much rain we’ve copped.
After months of tropical downpours, the floodplains, creeks, and billabongs are full to the brim. As all that freshwater starts to “run off” back into the main rivers and estuaries, it creates the perfect feeding ground for one of Australia’s most iconic sportfish — the Barramundi.
When all that nutrient-rich water pushes baitfish into tighter channels, the barra come in hot. They hang around the mouths of creeks, drains, and junctions where the dirty freshwater meets the clear salt waiting to ambush anything that moves.
It’s a feeding frenzy, and your lure might just be the next thing that gets smashed.
🐟 Why It’s the Best Time to Catch Barra
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you: Runoff is prime time if you’re serious about hooking a metery (that’s a barra over 1 metre — the holy grail of barra fishing)!
It’s not just about the numbers though, trust us, there are plenty! It’s about the size and aggression of the fish.
During Runoff, barra are hungry, active, and on the hunt. When they hit, they hit hard — and there’s no better feeling than watching that silver slab launch out of the water mid-fight.
📍 Why It’s So Special in the Northern Territory
The NT does Runoff like nowhere else. The mix of hot, humid temps, wild weather, and vast floodplains create the perfect storm (literally and figuratively) for big barra fishing.
Places like the South Alligator River, Daly River, Shady Camp, and Mary River become barra hotspots.
Locals plan their year around it. Travellers fly up just for it. And if you know where to go or go with someone who does, you’ve got a real shot at the fish of a lifetime.
🌊 Tides & Timing Matter
Success during Runoff isn’t just about showing up — it’s about fishing the right tides, at the right time, in the right spots.
That’s where we come in!
At Just Doon It, our Capt’n Doon lives and breathes NT barra. 👌🏻 We’ve been watching these systems, tracking movements, and finding those perfect junctions where the barra stack up. When you come out with us, you’re not wasting time, you’re getting put straight onto fish.
We recommend booking a minimum of 3 days to make the most of Runoff.
It gives us room to hit multiple spots and work with the tides, so you get the best possible shot at a monster.
🧳 What’s Included with Just Doon It?
Coming from interstate? Easy. Your Runoff trip with Just Doon It is all-inclusive.
That means:
✅ Airport pick-up and drop-off
✅ All meals and drinks sorted
✅ Comfy accommodation included
✅ Fishing gear supplied
✅ 2 boats available (we can take up to 8 people)
✅ A bloody good time, guaranteed
All you need to do is pack your bag, bring your sunnies, and get ready to chase the fish of your dreams. Whether you're flying solo, bringing your best mate, or organising a group getaway, we’ve got you covered!
📸 Highlights from Our Last Runoff Season
Still not convinced? Here’s a few sneak peeks at what our clients got up to during the last Runoff — some seriously good fish, plenty of laughs, and memories for life.
🎣 Ready to Fish the Runoff?
Runoff Season isn’t just a fishing trip, it’s a bucket list experience!
Whether you’re chasing your first barra or hunting that elusive metery, there’s no better time to get amongst it. And with 2026 spots already filling fast, now’s the time to lock it in.
Want more info? Hit us up through the website or slide into our DMs — we’re always keen for a yarn!
Book your Runoff adventure now and let’s Just Doon It!
