Shady Camp

Shady Camp is Synonymous for barra fishing in the Top End. Many anglers make the annual or bi-annual pilgrimage to Shady in the hope to get a metre + barra. The Shady Camp barrage is located at the boat ramp that gives anglers access to the salt side of the barrage. There is also a boat ramp that give access to the billabong. Reel Screamin Barra Fishing offers One Day and Extended Fishing Charters to Shady Camp throughout the year.

Based in the Mary River National Park along the Arnhem Highway it is part of the Mary River System. Downstream to Corroboree Billabong and Hardies Lagoon, it offers anglers a unique fishing experience to be able to fish both the freshwater billabong and/or the Salt water side of the barrage up to the river mouth. The river gives anglers access to Sampan, the river mouth, Tommy Cut, and the surrounding Creeks and Bays. Creeks include Love, Swim Marsh and Carmor Creeks.

Depending on the season and the tides will determine an anglers fishing style and location. During the Dry and Build up the billabong can produce barramundi and Saratoga by trolling or casting. Whilst in the Buildup and Wet on the neep tides where the water clears up is the best opportunity to chase a big barra on the salt side of Shady Camp. The Runoff is when the waters start to recede off the flood plains another opportunity to target big barra. Depending on the tides you will be either trolling the mouth on the neep tides or casting a coastal creek on a spring tide.

There is also a viewing platform for visitors to view across the billabong onto the vast plains beyond. The wildlife is spectacular as the billabong is a permanent water hole once the waters recede and dry up. Crocodiles and a collection of birds including Jabiru, Brolgas and Whistling Ducks are just to name a few. These are also able to be viewed whilst fishing the billabong to get a more up close and personal experience.