Lake Tinaroo Fishing & Recreation
Lake Tinaroo (Tinaroo Falls Dam) is a world-class freshwater fishing destination on the Atherton Tablelands, holding IGFA world records for both barramundi and sooty grunter. The 34 km long impoundment offers fishing, boating, camping, and water sports surrounded by tropical rainforest.
38.75 kg
World Record Barra
IGFA All-Tackle (1999)
5.45 kg
World Record Sooty
IGFA All-Tackle (2004)
34 km
Lake Length
220+ km of shoreline
10+
Species
Stocked & native fish
Fish Species Guide
Barramundi
Record: 38.75 kg (world record)
Lake Tinaroo holds the IGFA all-tackle world record for barramundi at 38.75kg, caught in 1999. Barramundi are stocked annually by the Tablelands Fish Stocking Group and grow rapidly in the warm, nutrient-rich water. Fish over 1 metre are regularly caught. Best fished with lures (hard-body and soft plastics) or live bait around structure, fallen timber, and rocky points.
Sooty Grunter
Record: 5.45 kg (world record)
Another world record holder from Tinaroo - the sooty grunter record of 5.45kg has stood since 2004. These hard-fighting natives are found throughout the lake, particularly around rocky shorelines and submerged timber. Bread, worms, and small lures all work. Sooty grunter are excellent eating with firm white flesh.
Mangrove Jack
Record: To 5 kg
Stocked mangrove jack are an increasingly popular target at Tinaroo. These aggressive predators hit lures hard and fight well above their weight. Fish around structure and timber edges with diving hard-body lures or soft plastics.
Saratoga
Record: To 5 kg
The ancient-looking saratoga is a prized sportfish that surface-feeds on insects, frogs, and small fish. Cast surface lures or poppers along weed edges and lily pads at dawn and dusk. Catch-and-release recommended to maintain populations.
Mouth Almighty
Record: To 0.5 kg
Abundant throughout Tinaroo, mouth almighty are great fun on ultra-light tackle. They respond well to small lures, flies, and bait. Good species for beginners and children.
Archer Fish
Record: To 0.5 kg
Named for their ability to spit jets of water to knock insects from overhanging branches. Catch them on tiny lures and flies near overhanging vegetation. An entertaining and unique species to target.
Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP)
A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required for anyone over 18 years of age fishing at Lake Tinaroo. The permit costs $10 per week, $35 per year, or $50 for a family annual permit. Revenue from SIP permits funds the fish stocking program that maintains Tinaroo's world-class fishery.
Permits can be purchased online at the Queensland Government's Business Queensland website, from local tackle shops in Mareeba and Atherton, or from the Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park. You must carry your permit while fishing and produce it on request to Queensland Fisheries officers.
Bag and Size Limits
- Barramundi: Minimum 58cm, maximum 120cm. Bag limit 5 per person.
- Sooty Grunter: Minimum 25cm. Bag limit 10 per person.
- Mangrove Jack: Minimum 35cm. Bag limit 5 per person.
- Saratoga: Catch-and-release recommended. Minimum 40cm, bag limit 2.
Boat Ramps & Access Points
Tinaroo Falls Dam Wall
Main boat ramp. Concrete ramp, car park, picnic facilities. Best access when water levels are normal to high.
Kairi Beach
Sealed ramp on the western shore. Good access, car/trailer parking. Popular for skiing and recreation.
Fong On Bay
Quieter ramp on the southern arm. Good fishing access to productive bays. Gravel ramp.
Yungaburra Side
Access from the eastern shore via Yungaburra. Pontoon and ramp. Close to holiday park and hire boats.
No boat? Hire boats and kayaks are available from the Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park at Yungaburra. Fishing charters also operate on the lake.
Annual Barra Bash Competition
The Lake Tinaroo Barra Bash is the premier fishing competition on the Tablelands, held annually in November when barramundi are most active. The catch-and-release event attracts hundreds of anglers competing for prizes in multiple categories including longest barra, most fish, and junior angler.
The Barra Bash weekend includes a welcome function, weigh-in festivities, and an awards night at the Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park. Entry fees support the Tablelands Fish Stocking Group's ongoing stocking program. The event sells out months in advance - register early through the Tablelands Fish Stocking Group website.
Camping at Lake Tinaroo
Several camping areas surround Lake Tinaroo, ranging from fully facilitated caravan parks to bush camping spots on the foreshore. Camping is popular with fishing families and groups who want to be on the water at first light.
Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park
Full facilities including powered sites, cabins, boat ramp, boat hire, kiosk, pool, and amenities. Book online.
Fong On Bay Camping
Council-managed bush camping with basic facilities. Unpowered sites, pit toilets. Boat ramp access. Small fee.
Tinaroo Falls Foreshore
Day use area with BBQs, picnic shelters, and swimming. No overnight camping at the dam wall site.
Danbulla National Park
Multiple camping areas along the western shore within the national park. Permits required via QLD Parks.