May Fishing Report 2026
It’s hard to believe we’re nearly halfway through 2026 already. The season has flown by and both guides and clients have been having an absolute ball on the water.
May is traditionally one of our most popular months and this year certainly lived up to expectations. Following a strong wet season, the fishery has come alive with exceptional variety on offer. From sight fishing quality threadfin salmon and barramundi deep in the rivers to stalking blue bastard and blackspot tuskfish across the flats, there has been no shortage of opportunities.
The flats have been as alive as we can remember. Clean water, blue skies and favourable conditions throughout much of the month allowed us to make the most of some incredible sight fishing. There have been plenty of blue bastards around and, importantly, plenty of willing fish. One standout day saw long time client Geoff Cole land four blue bastards and lose another at the boat. He fished exceptionally well and thoroughly deserved the result.
The river systems have also produced some outstanding fishing, particularly for one of our favourite species, the threadfin salmon. Sight fishing opportunities have been excellent and many clients achieved their first threadfin on fly. Barramundi, mangrove jacks, queenfish and smaller trevally species have all been present in good numbers, creating exciting sessions where multiple species can be encountered in a single day.
One of the standout days of the month saw us push deep into a remote river system, venturing right into the freshwater reaches in search of Saratoga. The day exceeded all expectations, with over 50 barramundi landed, two Saratoga brought to hand and another four hooked, along with multiple mangrove jacks and a host of other species. The sheer diversity of fishing on offer in Cape York never ceases to amaze us, and that session is one that will stay with me for a very long time.
Offshore, the fishing really switched on during May with quality queenfish, cobia and a variety of trevally species becoming far more consistent. Earlier in the season these areas had been relatively quiet, so it was great to see them fire. Watching big queenfish hunt down a popper remains one of the most exciting experiences on offer and is an addictive way to spend a few hours whenever the weather allows.
As we move into winter, we expect to see more baitball activity while the flats should continue producing consistently. Conditions are shaping up beautifully and we’re excited to see what June has in store.
Tight lines,
The Flux Fly Fishing Team