I've been over to fish the run-off several times now and haven't missed yet. Ring around the guides and get a feel for how they run their show. Ring the tackle shops up there too mate - they no doubt have their favourites but also know who knows their shit.
The Daly River was awesome, but you need to run long distances in boats. Caught 70+ barra off one creek mouth (I think it was called No Fish creek from memory), but had to share it with four other boats. The river can run at 8-9 knots too, so if you take your 12ft tinny and 9hp motor, be very wary that the trip home will suck more fuel and take longer.
The other beauty was Shady Camp and the wetlands over that way. Awesome, but you share it with a LOT of other boats. Having come from Nth Qld where the etiquette is very different (ie. you are on a creek mouth - it is yours), I struggled at first with the NT sharing way of doing things.
If you want to fish Shady Camp, just stay in Darwin and do day trips. The guides pick you up early and drive you out each day. That leaves you with the Night Markets and other activities after a day out. I seem to recall Mud Wrestling was still a go at one of the back-packer joints if you are looking for a laugh.
Otherwise, save some coin - book a donga at the Daly for a week and spend your coin on rum and guides instead. The guides will make it worth while. Find a place with a pool and good BBQ area for when you get back each evening. F.ck the 5-star rubbish, you only sleep and fish! And in between you talk about fish or sleep.
I'm heading back that way next year for another dose! Yes, be wary of the late floods and high waters, but I wouldn't bother buggerising around with the dry season or having to work those billabongs.
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