Cairns Great Barrier Reef fishing forecast
Cairns Great Barrier Reef is a saltwater fishing spot in North Queensland, Australia. Anglers here target Black Marlin, Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Wahoo. The most productive months are typically September, October, November, December, January.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 24.8 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 28 km/h from SE |
| Wave height | 0.8 m at 4 s |
| Current | 0.13 m/s toward NNW |
| Pressure | 1021 hPa |
| Cloud cover | 13% |
Last updated Jun 7, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Cairns Great Barrier Reef:
What you can catch
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Istiompax indica
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Istiophorus platypterus
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Caranx ignobilis
-
Acanthocybium solandri
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Marlin | 0/day | — | — |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Recreational saltwater fishing licence requirements vary by state. NSW: NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. VIC: Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL). QLD: no recreational licence for most species. SA, WA, TAS: state-specific. Check the relevant state authority., non-residents Same state-level rules apply to non-residents. Visiting anglers can usually buy a short-term licence online from the state authority before fishing.
- freshwater-recreational — residents Inland (lakes/rivers) usually requires a state-level recreational fishing licence (NSW, VIC) or angler permit (NT, parts of QLD)., non-residents Visiting anglers must hold the relevant state licence.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. Australian fishing rules vary by state and zone. Always verify with the relevant state authority (NSW DPI, VIC VFA, QLD DAF, WA DPIRD, SA PIRSA, TAS DPIPWE, NT Fisheries) before fishing.
Check Cairns Great Barrier Reef before you go
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Nearby spots
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GBR Cairns Edge
Lizard Island
Townsville Reef Access
Broken River Eungella QLD
Weipa Gulf of Carpentaria
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Cairns Great Barrier Reef?
Anglers at Cairns Great Barrier Reef target Black Marlin, Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Giant Trevally, and Wahoo.
When is the best time to fish Cairns Great Barrier Reef?
The most productive months at Cairns Great Barrier Reef are typically September, October, November, December, January.
What is the fishing forecast for Cairns Great Barrier Reef right now?
Cairns Great Barrier Reef currently scores 63 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Cairns Great Barrier Reef?
Fishing at Cairns Great Barrier Reef follows the local rules for North Queensland, Australia. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.