The Wildlife Conservancy of Tropical Queensland in conjunction with Fishing Cairns is pleased to offer anglers an exclusive opportunity to experience the thrill of targeting these wonderful fish, in an environment second to none.

The Gulf Saratoga (Scleropages jardini) is an ancient fish, from the Osteoglossidae (Bony Tongue) family, one of oldest on the planet. Having been around since the dinosaurs ruled the earth; they have not survived this long without being a cunning, top line predator in their Australian tropical freshwater habitat. Just look at that upturned jaw, those deep set eyes at the top of their head and that huge, bony mouth - you have a surface feeding predator if there ever was one.

For eons they would have cruised tropical Australia’s billabongs and lagoons, lurking just below the surface, hiding amongst lily pads and water plants, just waiting for that unwary insect, frog or bird to come too close.

With an explosive push from their paddle-like tail their torpedo-shaped body is easily propelled forwards and upwards towards a crashing surface strike and those strong jaws would soon crush the life from the helpless prey – the perfect modern fly fishing target!

These much sought after species cannot resist a well presented surface fly or popper. Cast close to a sub surface structure and ‘blooped’ tantalizingly across the mirror surface, their crashing strike is a spectacular sight. Their golden bronze body flashes in the clear water and is just visible for that millisecond before it all erupts as the Saratoga’s jaws engulf the fly on the surface. You must have your wits about you though, as that tough bony mouth does not offer an easy hook up.

A quick strike from your free hand is required to set the hook and then the contest begins. Saratoga fight doggedly all the way to the angler, jumping and gyrating in their efforts to be free…possibly even more spectacular to that other prime northern target, the Barramundi. They are in esteemed company indeed.

A series of 12 interconnected lagoons, creeks and channels weave their way across the 5,000 acre Reserve, with lagoons ranging in size from several hundred acres to much smaller intimate habitats. We record the details of all the fish we catch, to assist in the conservation management of the Reserve.

Overnight packages include an overnight stay in the comfortable Jabiru Safari Camp, in the heart of the Reserve. The safari tents are spacious and light - each with a private timber verandah with comfortable chairs and a table, perfect for birdwatching, fly tying, reading or just enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun goes down over Clancy’s Lagoon.

Fishing Options

Overnight packages include a night or two in the comfortable Jabiru Safari Camp, in the heart of the Reserve. The safari tents are spacious and light - each with a private timber verandah with comfortable chairs and a table, perfect for birdwatching, fly tying, reading or just enjoying a glass of champagne as the sun goes down over Clancy’s Lagoon.

There are several options for fishing the pristine waters of the Mareeba Wetlands. Whatever suits your requirements and budget, you can be sure of a unique experience and a real adventure. A minimum #8 wt rod, floating line and large popper / surface flies are designated tackle. All fishing is only available to guests staying in Jabiru Camp, with the exception of a Private Charter, and is not available to day visitors to the Reserve. As you would expect in a nature conservation reserve, we insist on the highest standards of handling fish when out of the water (no gaffs or interference with gills), and all fishing is strictly catch and release.

• Option #1: Bring your own gear, and just walk out into the Reserve and fish the lagoons from the banks or timber landings – a real fisherman’s dream, just you against the fish, and a huge challenge! All we provide is the map.
• Option #2: Use one of our Wetlands guides or volunteers to take you to the best spots, our tinny boat with electric motor, basic fly fishing gear or, for the more experienced, bring your own – for those wanting to do it themselves, but preferring to do so from the water. A great way to learn about some of the other native wildlife in the Reserve as well, and a good option for the novice fly fisherman.
• Option #3: Use a professional fishing guide, with fully kitted out electrically operated fly fishing boat, professional equipment and a great opportunity to improve your fly fishing. We have an arrangement with several well known local fishing guides to fish the waters of the Mareeba Wetlands. For those wanting to add a day out fishing for the mighty Tinaroo barra, this can also be arranged.
• Option #4: Private Charter ex Cairns with Fishing Cairns - one and two day charters with everything included including transfers to and from the Reserve. For those short on time but big on catching fish on fly! Charters are tailored to give anglers the best possible chance to target these magnificent fish. Day charters will commence with an early morning transfer from your accommodation and travel up the Kuranda range to the Reserve. Early morning and late afternoon are prime feeding times for the Saratoga and your experienced guide will accommodate these peak times. A break for lunch at the Visitor Centre will give anglers a welcome stop in comfort as well as the opportunity of viewing the displays and other information readily available. Our two day, overnight charters, include accommodation at Jabiru Camp and offer clients the unique opportunity to take in the ambience of this special place... as well as more peak fishing time. A dawn campaign perhaps!

Fishing is conducted either from the banks, timber landings or from custom built silent electric powered fishing craft.

Rates

Option #1 - On Your Own	$100 per tent per day
Option #2 - Wetlands Guide	$200 for 1 person, $300 for 2 persons
Option #3 - Professional Fishing Guide	$450 for 1 person, $600 for 2 persons
Option #4 - 1 & 2 Day Private Charter	Contact Fishing Cairns

More on Saratoga

The Gulf Saratoga is solitary fish and is very territorial and aggressive to other members of their species. Captured specimens often exhibit the scars of past battles. A carnivorous fish, the Saratoga mainly takes food from the water surface. The bulk of their diet comprises terrestrial insects, although they will take small fish, frogs, shrimps and yabbies. A well regarded angling species, Saratoga are spectacular, jumping fighters and are the target icon species for freshwater fly fishers in Australia’s tropical north.

These prehistoric fish trace their ancestry back to Gondwanaland and have relatives across Africa, South America and South-ease Asia, including the Arapaima from the Amazon, the world’s largest freshwater fish. Australia has two species of Saratoga, one of which is confined to central and southern Queensland, while the other is found in the Top End, Kimberley and western flowing river systems of Cape York.

Saratoga are beautifully-coloured, high-jumping fish found in freshwater rivers, creeks and, more commonly, in billabongs and lagoons, where they tend to shelter under lilies and other water plants waiting for a passing meal. The Gulf Saratoga is a ferocious predator and will aggressively attack surface lures and flies. A brood of juvenile Saratoga will often retreat into their mother's mouth when startled.

Saratoga are basically surface feeders BUT these fish eat BIG tropical insects and frogs. Light rods will not cast big wind resistant flies, so you will need an eight weight floating line to comfortably throw flies any distance. They have exceptional eyesight; consequently you need to be able to throw big flies a good 60 to 80 feet.

Although usually considered poor table fare as they are bony, Saratoga are renowned for their willingness to take flies and their acrobatic fighting qualities are the stuff of legends.

Bookings And Enquiries

Please contact the Visitor Centre on (07) 4093 2514 or email us at info@mareebawetlands.com.