Staaten River Fishing and Wilderness Lodge

The Staaten River is a river in the Cape York Peninsula, Australia that rises more than 700 klm to the west of Cairns and empties into the Gulf of Carpentaria. Along the way its waters overflow into interwining lagoons that create an enormous wetland sanctuary for a vast array of unique wildlife and plants.
When the rains of the wet season cease, the Staaten River retreats from the floodplains and wetlands and becomes a little more than a thread trickling down wide sand banks and a string of important lagoon refuges.
The river was first named by Dutch sea explorer Jan Carstenz in 1623....imagine the Barra then!!!!

There is little development in the catchment area, with grazing being the most common activity with no major water storage facilities on the river. The river is navigable for 17 klm upstream until sand bars and rock bars are found. It is in this area where Dinah Island and the Lodge on this privately owned Cattle Station is located.

Only recently has the owner decided to re-open his Station for visiting Sportfishing people.
Limited numbers only(about 120 days for the year) will be allowed into this pristine area. Three boats only will operate at any one time with a maximum of 9 guests at a time. Five and seven days packages on certain times between April and November is all the time the Lodge will be open to the public. If there is a river in Australia that holds more METRE BARRA, please tell us about it!!!

The Fish
Barramundi is probably the most sought after sportfish in Australia. A metre Barra seems to be most fisho's holy grail!!! This location would have to be one of the best places in Australia to catch a metre Barra. Not just one, but plenty on our trips so far!!!!
We can only predict that this situation will be around for a long time. Being on private property will certainly only help sustain this great Barramundi fishery.
If you want more than Barra, out through the mouth of the river the pelagics are virtually untouched. While fishing for Barra a by catch of Black Jewfish, Threadfin Salmon and Blue Salmon are common. Casting snags for Mangrove Jacks, Fingermark Bream, Cod and Gunter will also give you some variety if required. Crab pots are on hand as are the "Mud Crabs".

The Lodge
A prettier setting I cannot imagine. Three very comfortable small homes 10 metres from a lagoon. A balcony attached with each home surrounded all year around by green lawns. Each home has a bathroom, kitchen/dinning which also includes two beds and separate bedroom. Plenty of room and privacy to protect the light sleepers from the "snorers". Sit on the balcony after a day on the water enjoying a beer listening to the Barra "Boof" and count the numerous Freshwater Crocs.
There is also a large complex building which contains a well equiped kitchen, games room/bar and extra large decking area to enjoy the breakfasts and evening meals amongst the environment.
Large trees and plants complete the surroundings of the Lodge. See if you can stay awake after 6am when the dawn chorus begins??

The Boats
Without mentioning the backup equipment, the main vessels the clients will be fishing out of consists of a 6.6 metre GS Marine fitted with a 250hp outboard. Boat two is a 6.6 metre Custom Craft with a 150hp outboard. For lagoon/billabong fishing a 4.7 metre boat is an idea platform for casting to the water lilies and snags.

The River and Lagoons
Most of the larger Barra locate themselves around the many rock bars situated in the River. Trolling is the best method to hook these monsters, but if casting is what you prefer, creek mouths and snags abound throughout the many arms of the river.
One metre plus Barra also exist in the Lagoons along with many other Barra and the ever popular Saratoga. Take your fly rod if this is a favourite form of fishing, you will have a ball in these inland waterways.
At the time of writing, only one of the four lagoons which are about within twenty minutes from the Lodge, have been fished for many years!

Costs

Inclusions

• return private air charter flights from Cairns
• all meals at Lodge
• services of professional guides and equipment
• 5 nights accommodation at Lodge
• tackle supplied on a replace if lost or damaged basis