S - December 18, 2020

SARATOGA, SOUTHERN

Scientific Name:

Scleropages leichardti

Salt/Fresh:

Fresh

Also Known As:

Southern Saratoga; Saratoga; Dawson River Barramundi; Dawson River Salmon; SARATOGA, SOUTHERN

Rating:

Countries:

Australia

Description:

Saratoga are a ancient looking fish caught almost entirely for sport.

How To Identify:

It is very hard to mistake a Saratoga from any other Australian Freshwater fish. They are an ancient looking fish with an up looking forward large mouth and protruding lower jaw. They have large scales and small barbells or whiskers. The Southern and Northern fish easily distinguished by where it is found in the wild. Saratoga can grow to about 3.5 kgs.

How To Catch:

Saratoga are almost exclusively chased by sport fishing anglers with either flies or lures. I am sure however they would be easily to catch on bait such as frogs, small fish or large insects - however the ferocity of attach would mean they would most likely be hooked deep and successful release made difficult. They will take most hard bodied lures meant for Barramundi which in freshwater billabongs they are a regular by catch. However targeting Saratoga with surface lures (either poppers or soft plastics such as soft frogs) on light gear is great fun. Saratoga patrol the lilies and follage for frogs and small inserts and can actually often be sight cast to.

Where Found:

The Southern Saratoga is found in central Queensland freshwaters, particularly the Dawson River and its tributaries, also the Mary, Burnett and Burdekin Rivers. They have now also been introduced into many dams down as low as Brisbane.