Question 1

What do you actually catch in the Avon at Toodyay?

Accepted Answer

Redfin perch are the dominant catch and the practical target — they are an introduced naturalised species and dominate the pools. Freshwater cobbler hold in the deeper named pools, with Cobbler Pool 20km west of town named for the local population. European carp are a frequent introduced bycatch on bait. Silver perch and trout cod (Murray-Darling natives reportedly stocked into WA waters historically) are not reliable targets in this stretch.

Question 2

Do I need a freshwater licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a South-West Freshwater Angling licence from DPIRD is required to fish for redfin perch, freshwater cobbler or marron in inland south-west waters, including the Avon at Toodyay. It is separate from the marine recreational fishing licence. Read the current DPIRD freshwater guide for bag and size limits.

Question 3

Is the Avon connected to the Swan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Avon becomes the Swan River at the Wooroloo Brook confluence inside Walyunga National Park, and continues as the Swan through the metro to Fremantle. The upper Avon at Toodyay is freshwater to brackish and pool-based; the lower Swan is estuarine. They are the same system but fish very differently and require different licences for the species you target.

Question 4

Can I fish during the Avon Descent?

Accepted Answer

Not practically — the Avon Descent runs in early August each year and the Toodyay and Northam stretches carry hundreds of paddlers, kayakers, motorised support craft and spectators across that weekend. Check the official event dates and fish either side of it. The week after the event is usually a quiet, freshly-flushed window with the river settling back.