The Mulgrave River starts its life in the Great Dividing Range just south of Cairns & works its way through the mountains, where it takes possession of the water from the Little Mulgrave River. The river continues its journey to the coast, travelling east until it meets the high coastal mountain range where it then tracks south to meet the Russell River at Mutcherto Inlet, or Russell Heads as it’s known to the locals.
From the mountain range stunning rainforest cascades all the way down the waters edge & it’s here that you can get amazing views of Australia’s second highest mountain, Bellenden Ker.
Mutchero Inlet is a great spot to target Mud Crabs, although the prime fish here are Queenfish & Trevally, especially during the winter months from about June to September when they make excellent light sport fishing. Snags & rock bars also hold Grunter & Fingermark & you’ll find some great Jewies in the deeper holes near the mouth.
During June to September there is some great fishing for Spanish & Spotted Mackeral just offshore from Russell Heads around Frankland Islands. Around the entrance you’ll also find Flathead, Bream & Whiting.
When it comes to fishing for Barramundi, the wet season on the Mulgrave offers Barra fishing that is second to none. The average rainfall in this area is close to the highest in Australia & these heavy rains push fresh water all the way down the river to the mouth. With it flows, an abundance of frogs, insects & small fish, which really get the Barra excited!
Further upstream freshwater species such as Sooty Grunter, Jungle Perch & Archer Fish become prevalent but you’ll need to be careful as the snags & sandbars in these upper reaches can be dangerous.