Townsville Reef Access fishing forecast
Townsville Reef Access is a saltwater fishing spot in North Queensland, Australia. Anglers here target Black Marlin, Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo. The most productive months are typically September, October, November, December, January.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 21.7 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 29 km/h from E |
| Wave height | 0.7 m at 5 s |
| Current | 0.11 m/s toward WNW |
| Pressure | 1018 hPa |
| Cloud cover | 6% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Townsville Reef Access
Townsville Reef Access currently scores 62 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 21.7 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Townsville Reef Access:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
What you can catch
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Istiompax indica
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Istiophorus platypterus
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Coryphaena hippurus
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Acanthocybium solandri
Best months by species at Townsville Reef Access
| Black MarlinIstiompax indica | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indo-Pacific SailfishIstiophorus platypterus | ||||||||||||
| Mahi-MahiCoryphaena hippurus | ||||||||||||
| WahooAcanthocybium solandri |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
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.
Some rules may have changed since our last verification — always confirm with the authority before you fish.
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 Townsville Reef Access before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 906 km of Townsville Reef Access.
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Broken River Eungella QLD
Cairns Great Barrier Reef
GBR Cairns Edge
Lizard Island
Weipa Gulf of Carpentaria
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Townsville Reef Access?
Anglers at Townsville Reef Access target Black Marlin, Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi and Wahoo.
When is the best time to fish Townsville Reef Access?
The most productive months at Townsville Reef Access are typically September, October, November, December, January.
What is the fishing forecast for Townsville Reef Access right now?
Townsville Reef Access currently scores 62 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Townsville Reef Access?
Fishing at Townsville Reef Access 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.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Mahi-Mahi / Dorado: Chasing the Electric-Green Ghosts of the BluewaterHow to Catch Wahoo: Chasing the Ocean's Fastest SprinterHow to Read Tides for Fishing
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.