Bite Compass

Redfin Perch

Freshwater
Perca fluviatilis

Introduced freshwater pest, declared in WA — must not be returned alive to water. Established in the south-west's dams and rivers including Wellington Dam, Waroona Dam and the Avon River, where it preys on native galaxiids, juvenile marron and trout fry. Despite the pest status, eats well and pulls hard for its size on light gear.

Overview

Redfin perch are a European freshwater predator first introduced to WA in 1903 and now widespread through the south-west's dams, weirs and slow river reaches. They're a declared pest under WA biosecurity rules — voracious on small native fish, marron and stocked trout fingerlings, and not to be returned alive to the water under any circumstances. Wellington Dam, Waroona Dam, Drakesbrook Weir and the Avon River are the productive waters, and a South-West Freshwater Angling Licence is required to fish for them. Anglers fish redfin both as a pest-control exercise and for the table; the flesh is among the best of any introduced freshwater fish in Australia.

How to Catch
Best baits

Worms, scrubworms, small yabbies, prawn, fresh mullet strip

Lures

Small soft plastics (2–3" curl-tail or paddle-tail) on 1/8–1/4oz jigheads, small spinners (Celta, Mepps), small hardbody minnows, soft vibes

Rigs

Light spin gear — 6–10lb braid or 4–6lb mono, 8–12lb fluorocarbon leader. Running sinker rig with a size 1–2 hook for bait, or a single jighead for plastics. Redfin school heavily, so when you find one there are usually more in the same spot.

Technique

Cast small plastics or spinners along weed edges, drowned timber and submerged points, and work them slowly with a lift-and-drop retrieve. Trolling small hardbodies behind a kayak across dam edges produces well in summer. From the bank, fish baits on the bottom near structure on light gear. When you hook one, work the area thoroughly — they hold in tight schools.

Best time

Active year-round in WA's south-west, with autumn and spring producing the best of it as water temperatures sit in the 14–20°C range. Mid-summer fish hold deeper. First and last light are most productive on the dams, but daytime fishing is fine in cooler weather.

Size

Up to 3kg, commonly 250–500g

Peak season

Year-round (cooler-month peak)

Eating quality

Among the better freshwater fish on the table — firm white fillets, mild flavour, no muddy taint when caught from clean dam water. Skin-on pan-fried or crumbed and shallow-fried both work well. Iced down on capture, they keep their quality for several days.

Regulations (WA)

Declared pest — must not be returned alive to the water under any circumstances. No bag limit, no minimum size. South-West Freshwater Angling Licence required. Dead fish should be disposed of in a bin, not left on the bank. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.

Perth Tips

Wellington Dam is the WA standout for both numbers and size, with the cliffs and the deeper basin holding good schools. Waroona Dam and the Avon River around Northam produce more accessible bank fishing. Bring a cooler with ice — you cannot release them, so plan to keep what you catch.

Where to Catch Redfin Perch
Avon River (Toodyay) Pemberton / Donnelly River Waroona Dam / Drakesbrook Weir Wellington Dam (Collie)
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