  AKA: yellowbelly, callop, Murray perch, white perch, Murray bream, freshwater bream, tarki.
MINIMUM LEGAL SIZE: 30cm.
BAG/POSSESSION LIMIT: 5 in all rivers and streams. 10 in all lakes and impoundments. Landed whole or as a carcass.
Note: a total bag/possession limit of 40 fish applies to all scale fish species.
Along with the Murray cod, golden perch is one of Australia’s most
important native fish. Magnificent to look at with a strong, deep and
muscular body, golden perch occur naturally throughout the
Murray-Darling system. Today it is considered rare in much of its
original territory although it can still be found in large numbers in
some locations.
Golden perch inhabit a variety of environments but
can mostly be found in warm, slow-moving inland waters and associated
backwaters and lagoons. It is widely bred commercially for stocking
many Australian dams and in alpine and coastal drainage impoundments.
SIZE: Usually less than 5kg but can grow to 75cm and 23kg.
WHERE: Entire Murray-Darling basin except in the headwaters. Often found on the edge of weed beds or near submerged structures.
TACKLE:
Medium weight river gear with bait or a variety of spinners, wobblers,
plugs, spoons and divers. Large trout flies have also been successful.
Deep-diving lures are effective although bait is best in muddy waters.
BAIT:
Crayfish, shrimp, yabbies and scrubworms. Not usually caught on bardi
grubs. A live yabby with a ball sinker running right to the hook under
the tail can bring success bobbed near prominent snags.
BITE: Golden perch can hit hard and put up a determined fight. Has been known to bend hooks. Can initially be very touchy biters.
EATING: 1-2kg specimens can be excellent eating. Larger fish carry alot of fat.
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