Estuary FishPolydactylus macrochir

Threadfin Salmon Fishing

Giant threadfin grow over 1m and are the NT's second most prized estuary target. Tidal creek mouths and river bars in the build-up deliver outstanding sport on large soft plastics and hard bodies.

Best Months

Jan – Dec

Best Time

Most active at dawn and dusk

Tide

Tidal creek mouths and shallow sand bars on the run-out tide are prime spots

Top Locations

25 regions

How to Catch Threadfin Salmon

Most active at dawn and duskTidal creek mouths and shallow sand bars on the run-out tide are prime spotsTurbid water near creek mouths is prime threadfin habitat

Tides

Tidal creek mouths and shallow sand bars on the run-out tide are prime spots. Large threadfin hold at the entrance waiting for prey to wash out.

Time of Day

Most active at dawn and dusk, but will feed throughout the day near structure. Night fishing on moon tides can produce trophy fish.

Conditions

Turbid water near creek mouths is prime threadfin habitat. These fish are built for low-visibility hunting using their sensitive pectoral filaments.

Structure

Sandy creek mouths, river bars with current, beach gutter systems, and tidal flats adjacent to deeper water channels.

Technique

Slow to medium retrieve with large soft plastics (4–6 inch). Paddletails and curl tails work well. Let the lure sink and bump bottom — threadfin often take on the drop.

Pro Tip

Threadfin salmon have a very soft mouth — use a light drag and don't horse them. Large specimens over 1m are possible in the NT during the run-off period (Feb–Apr).