Golden Perch Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) is a medium to large freshwater fish native to the Murray-Darling river system. They typically have a deep, elongated body with a golden-bronze color, hence their common name. These fish can grow up to 76 cm in length and weigh up to 23 kg, though catches of this size are rare.

Golden perch prefer slow-moving or still waters and are often found around structures like fallen trees, rocky outcrops, and deep holes. They are adaptable and can be found in both rivers and lakes throughout Victoria. These fish are known for their fighting spirit when hooked, making them a favorite among recreational anglers.

In terms of diet, Golden perch are opportunistic feeders. They primarily eat smaller fish, yabbies, and aquatic insects. This varied diet makes them susceptible to a wide range of baits and lures, which adds to their appeal for fishing enthusiasts.

Fishing for Golden perch can be productive year-round, but they are particularly active during the warmer months. Anglers often have success fishing for them during dawn and dusk when these fish are most active. Various techniques can be effective, including bait fishing, lure casting, and trolling.

What restrictions are in place for Golden Perch fishing in Melbourne?

When fishing for Golden perch in Victoria, anglers must adhere to specific regulations. The minimum legal size for Golden perch is 30 cm, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. There is a bag limit of 5 fish per person per day. It’s important to note that these fish cannot be filleted in or on Victorian waters. They must be kept whole or in carcass form until away from the water. However, it is permissible to fillet your catch on the cleaning tables provided at boat ramps.

How to catch Golden Perch

To catch Golden perch in Victoria, anglers can employ various techniques. Bait fishing is effective, using worms, yabbies, or small fish on a standard hook and sinker rig. Lure fishing is also popular, with soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and hard-bodied lures all proven effective. When fishing in rivers, target areas around snags, deep holes, and undercut banks. In lakes, focus on drop-offs, weed beds, and submerged timber. Trolling can be productive in both environments. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times to fish for Golden perch.

What should you fish with for Golden Perch?

When it comes to fishing for Golden Perch, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for Golden Perch, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Live Worms as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 6 Baits to Use for Golden Perch

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 6 options that have consistently produced results for Golden Perch:

• Live Worms
• Scrubworms
• Yabbies
• Shrimp
• Minnows
• Small Fish

The Top 6 Lures to Use for Golden Perch

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 6 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Golden Perch:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Spinnerbaits
• Vibes
• Diving Crankbaits
• Lipless Crankbaits

Where to catch Golden Perch in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Golden Perch. We've compiled a diverse list of locations across Melbourne and Victoria where anglers have reported success in catching Golden Perch. From popular fishing spots to lesser-known gems, there's a variety of options to explore.

Below, we've highlighted some of the best places to cast your line for Golden Perch. Each location offers its own unique features and challenges, so be sure to research the specific conditions and best practices for each spot before your visit.

More Great Locations

Because there are so many great places to catch Golden Perch in Victoria, it is hard to give them all the attention they deserve. Here are some more locations where Golden Perch is a primary target species:

• Buckland Junction Bridge
• Buffalo Lake
• Cairn Curran Reservoir
• Cullulleraine Lake
• Doakes Reserve
• Elmore Weir
• Entrance Lindsay Island
• Germans Road Access Point
• Goulburn Park Guild St
• Goulburn River (downstream of Shepparton)
• Goulburn Weir
• Green Lake
• Gunbower boat ramp
• Gunbower Creek
• James Bridge
• Junction of Goulburn and Murray rivers
• Kerang Weir
• Kialla Lakes
• Laanecoorie Reservoir
• Lake Boga
• Lake Buffalo
• Lake Eildon
• Lake Eppalock
• Lake Hume
• Lake Mulwala
• Lake Nillahcootie
• Lindsay River
• Loddon River at Bridgewater Weir
• Loddon River
• Mallee Caravans Campground
• Mullaroo Mouth
• Murchison East
• Oxley King River Access
• Parolas Bend
• Pigs Point
• Rice's Bridge Barmah
• Tchum Lake
• Wallpolla Creek
• Wimmera River downstream of Horsham

Other places to catch Golden Perch

While Golden Perch are not the main target at these locations, they can still be caught here. If you're looking for more of a challenge or want to try your luck in different settings, these spots might be worth exploring. Keep in mind that fishing for Golden Perch in these areas may require different techniques or patience, as they're not as abundant as in the primary locations. However, this can add an exciting element of surprise to your fishing experience.

Additional Secondary Locations

For the sake of brevity, we can't provide detailed descriptions for every location where Golden Perch might be found. However, to give you a comprehensive overview, here's a list of additional spots where anglers have reported catching Golden Perch, even though they may not be the primary target species in these areas:

• Gentle Annie River Bend
• Gowar East Bridge
• Lake Charlegrark
• Lake Charm
• Lower Kiewa River
• Natte Yallock
• Old St Arnaud Swimming Pool
• Ovens River

FAQs about Golden Perch fishing in Melbourne