Helifishing is one of the most exciting ways to experience remote fishing in Australia. By flying into isolated waterways and creek systems, you gain access to fishing locations that cannot be reached by road or boat. For anglers of all experience levels, helifishing offers a combination of adventure, scenery and the chance to explore wild, untouched country.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, here is everything you need to know.
What Is Helifishing?
Helifishing uses a helicopter to transport anglers directly to remote fishing locations – as per the name! Instead of long travel times or difficult access, the aircraft lands you beside rivers, creeks and estuary systems that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Typical helifishing locations may include:
- Remote tidal creeks
- Bushland waterways
- Coastal inlets
- Seasonal floodplains
- Hidden estuary systems
Because these locations are so remote, the environment feels quiet and undisturbed (usually meaning lots of fish!).
Types of Helifishing Experiences
Across Australia, helifishing is usually offered in two ways.
1. Scheduled Helifishing Tours
A scheduled helifishing tour follows a fixed itinerary and is designed for guests who want a guided, all inclusive experience. These tours generally include:
- A set duration
- A professional fishing guide
- All rods, tackle and bait
- Exclusive fishing locations selected for the conditions
- Pick up and drop off
- A scenic helicopter flight
- Operation on neap tides only
- Catch and keep or catch and release options
Frontier Tours offers scheduled helifishing tours, departing from Broome, with an experienced local guide. These tours are well suited to beginners and travellers as everything is organised and provided for you.
2. Custom Helifishing Charters
Custom charters are private and flexible, allowing guests to tailor their day based on their interests. These options typically offer:
- Choice of destinations (subject to permissions and safe landing conditions)
- Shorter half day trips through to multi day itineraries
- The option to bring your own gear
- The option to add or remove a fishing guide
- Fishing, photography or exploration focused itineraries
- Broome only departures
Frontier Tours provides custom charters for guests who want a personalised helifishing experience or access to a wider range of locations.
Where Does Helifishing Operate?
Helifishing is available in several parts of northern Australia. In Western Australia, it is most commonly offered from Broome, where helicopter access to the Dampier Peninsula and surrounding creek systems makes it possible to reach areas far beyond the road network.
What Can You Catch?
Helifishing in the Kimberley targets a variety of northern Australian species, including:
- Barramundi
- Mangrove Jack
- Threadfin Salmon
- Cod
- Queenfish
- Trevally
This of course depends on time of year, tides and weather!
Seasonality and Tides
Seasonal considerations play an important role in helifishing.
Dry season (April to September)
- The most popular time
- Comfortable weather
- Reliable access to remote locations
Wet season
- Possible with some operators, including Frontier Tours
- Very hot and humid conditions
- Highly weather dependent
- Can offer excellent fishing after rainfall
Neap tides
Helifishing can only operate safely on neap tides due to calmer water and accessible landing areas. Neap tides are the gentler tides that happen twice a month when the difference between high and low tide is much smaller than usual. Because the water moves less, fish often feed in more predictable spots, which can make fishing easier and more rewarding. This is especially noticeable in places like the Kimberley, with some of the largest and most powerful tides in the world, so the calmer neap tides provide a welcome break from the big tidal surges.
What to Expect on a Helifishing Trip
Most helifishing days include:
- Scenic Flight – Guests enjoy impressive aerial views of the coastline, creek systems and rugged landscapes.
- Remote Landing – The helicopter lands in isolated areas where there are no crowds and no competing boats.
- Fishing Time – Depending on the type of tour, a guide may assist with baiting, casting and fish handling.
- Multiple Locations – There may be opportunities to fish at more than one site, depending on tides and time.
- Return Scenic Flight – The flight back to Broome offers another chance to enjoy the Kimberley from above.
What Should You Bring?
Most equipment is included, but it is useful to bring:
- Sun protection
- Lightweight long sleeve clothing
- Sturdy shoes
- Camera or phone
- Water bottle
- Any required personal items
Fishing gear is supplied on set tours and available on request for custom charters.
Is Helifishing Safe?
Helifishing operators follow strict aviation standards. Pilots assess landing zones carefully and monitor weather and tide conditions to ensure safe operations.
Safety considerations include:
- CASA certified helicopters and pilots
- Tide awareness
- Weather monitoring
- Safe landing procedures
Is Helifishing Worth It?
Helifishing is ideal for those wanting a memorable fishing experience with real access to remote locations. It provides:
- Access to isolated fishing areas
- No crowds
- Impressive scenery
- Strong potential for exciting catches
- A sense of adventure and exploration
Whether you choose a structured set tour or a custom charter depends on how guided or flexible you want your day to be.
Looking To Experience Helifishing in the Kimberley?
If you are planning to try helifishing during your visit to Broome, Frontier Tours is one of the local operators offering both guided set tours and flexible private charters. Their flights access remote locations across the Kimberley region, with options suitable for beginners through to experienced anglers. Exploring their tour options is a good place to start if you want to see what helifishing in the area can look like and if you are still mapping out the rest of your trip, our guide to the things to do in Broome is a useful place to start.