Oceania
Fishing in
Papua New Guinea 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Papua New Guinea-6.31°, 143.96°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Via fishing travel operators and lodges. Permits organized by local authorities.
- Cost
- Sport fishing permit: From 50-100 PGK (~15-30 USD). Included in lodge price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the stay
- Available online?
- No
Papua New Guinea is the last great adventure! Freshwater: Largemouth bass (introduced) and Papua Black Bass (endemic!). Saltwater: GT, tuna and pristine reefs. Everything through specialized lodges.
Book fishing tours in Papua New Guinea
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No formal closed seasons. Tribal territories may have their own rules.
- Catch limits
- No strict limits. Catch-and-release encouraged by lodges.
- Prohibited methods
- Dynamite prohibited. Respect local tribal rights.
- Catch & Release
- Standard for Papua Black Bass and GT. Strictly enforced by lodges.
Papua Black Bass (Lutjanus goldiei) is an endemic freshwater fish that ONLY occurs here! An absolute bucket-list experience.
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —New Britain – Baia (Papua Black Bass & Spottail Bass, legendär!)
- —Milne Bay / Trobriand-Islands (GT, Dogtooth Tuna, Wari Long Reef)
- —Kimbe Bay (GT, Dogtooth Tuna, Reef, Vulkaninseln)
- —Bougainville (unberührt, GT, Black Bass – Sicherheitslage prüfen!)
- —Sepik River (Barramandi, Jungle)
- —Misima Island / Long Reef (GT Popping, Dogtooth Jigging)
Target fish
Freshwater
Jungle rivers with Papua Black Bass and Barramundi. Completely pristine and adventurous!
Saltwater
Coral reefs, drop-offs and open Pacific. World-class GT and Dogtooth Tuna.
Starting from1,000 USD / day
Best season: Year-round! Black Bass: May-November optimal. GT: Year-round. Dry season: May-October.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Lodges provide everything. Own robust equipment recommended. NOTHING available on site!
- Fishing guides
- Black Bass Lodge: 500-1,000 USD/day (all-inclusive). Everything only bookable via lodge.
- Transport
- Flight to Port Moresby. Small aircraft to the lodges. Boat transfers. Hardly any roads!
- Safety
- Adventurous! Malaria everywhere. Minimal medical care. Travel insurance and evacuation plan.
- Customs & taking fish home
- Fishing equipment allowed. Visa on arrival for many nationalities.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
15-30 USD (included in lodge price)
Guide prices
Lodge all-inclusive: 500-1,000 USD/day. Only package tours make sense.
Daily budget
Only as a package tour: 500-1,200 USD/day (everything included).
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Papua New Guinea
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Papua New Guinea →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Papua New Guinea with Kiwi.com
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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