Victoria and Roper Rivers Barramundi With Trent De With

Fishing for barramundi in the Victoria and Roper rivers is an experience every angler should aspire to. With unique challenges and rewarding catches, these rivers in the Northern Territory are prime spots for landing this iconic species. Katherine-based angler Trent De With shares his in-depth knowledge of these waters, offering essential tips for success.

Understanding the Victoria and Roper Rivers

The Victoria River, one of the widest rivers in the Northern Territory, begins near the Western Australian border and winds its way toward the Gulf of Carpentaria. Known for its rocky terrain and ever-changing landscape, the Victoria River is a dynamic environment for barramundi fishing. The river’s structure is reshaped annually by the wet season, creating new snags and structures that are prime spots for barramundi.

In contrast, the Roper River is a deeper, cleaner system that begins at Mataranka and flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The upper reaches are characterized by deep channels, timber, and clear, green water, offering ideal conditions for barramundi. As the river approaches the mouth, it becomes more tidal, with a mix of Pandanus, Paperbark, and mangroves, leading to sandy, shallow areas closer to the Gulf.

Seasonal Fishing Patterns

Trent highlights the importance of understanding the seasons when planning a barramundi fishing trip in these rivers:

• Wet Season (January to March): This is the preparation time. During these months, flooding is common, and fishing conditions can be challenging. Trent advises anglers to focus on maintaining gear and preparing for the upcoming fishing seasons.
• Run-Off (March to April): As the wet season ends and waters recede, the runoff period begins. This is the prime time to fish the Victoria River, though the window is short—usually about four weeks. Barramundi are concentrated around run-off points and snags during this period.
• Dry Season (May to August): Cooler temperatures and southeasterly winds slow down the fishing. However, it’s still possible to catch barramundi by trolling deep along rock walls and timber. This is a good time for a more relaxed fishing experience.
• Build-Up (September to December): The build-up period is Trent’s favorite time to fish. As water temperatures rise, barramundi become more aggressive, preparing to spawn. This is when larger fish can be targeted by trolling slowly through the timber and using deep-diving lures.

Recommended Gear for Barramundi Fishing

Trent emphasizes the importance of using the right gear for barramundi fishing in these rivers. He recommends:

• Rods: A 6-8 kg rated rod, about 6 to 6.5 feet in length, is ideal. Trent prefers the Jabber’s Snake Charmer for its fast action and ability to muscle fish out of timber quickly.
• Reels: A baitcaster reel in the 150-200 size range, such as the Daiwa Tatula 200 or Shimano Curado, is recommended. These reels offer a good balance between power and comfort, with a strong drag system to handle barramundi.
• Line and Leader: Trent advises using 30 lb braid, like Daiwa’s Expedition, paired with a 55-60 lb monofilament leader. In particularly harsh environments, such as the barnacle-encrusted timbers of the Victoria River, he recommends upsizing to 100 lb for added abrasion resistance.

Top Lures for the Victoria and Roper Rivers

When it comes to lures, Trent’s approach is simple but effective:

• Classic 10+ and 6+ Lures: These are Trent’s go-to lures for trolling the timber in the Victoria River. He specifically mentions custom colors like “Bleeding Banana” (a green lure with red dots) and “The Reaper” (a green lure with red lines). These lures are highly effective during the build-up season when barramundi are feeding aggressively. When trolling against the tide, Trent uses the 10+ to avoid burying the lure into snags. With the tide, he switches to the 6+ to maintain control and avoid snags.
• Vibes (95 mm Fish Traps): Trent is a big fan of using vibes to target barramundi holding on rock bars. He prefers the 95 mm size, as it allows for a longer drop time, which is crucial since most strikes occur on the drop. The key is to cast upstream of the structure and let the vibe sink to the bottom before retrieving it with a lift-and-drop motion.

Trolling Techniques and Tips

Trolling is a highly effective method for targeting barramundi in the Victoria River, especially during the build-up season. Trent advises using the following strategy:

• Against the Tide: When trolling against the tide, use a 10+ lure to stay just above the timber and avoid snagging. The slower speed allows the lure to float up and over any obstacles.
• With the Tide: When trolling with the tide, switch to a 6+ lure to prevent it from diving too deep and getting caught in the timber. The key is to maintain a consistent speed, adjusting with the electric motor to ensure the lure stays in the strike zone.

Fishing the Roper River

The Roper River offers a different set of challenges and opportunities compared to the Victoria River. The mouth of the Roper is more accessible for fishing, with cleaner, greener water that makes it easier to target barramundi. Trent suggests focusing on the mouth during the build-up season, where larger fish are often found feeding in preparation for spawning.