European Perch
Redfin perch were introduced to Tasmania and Victoria in the 1860s and have since spread through most southern-state waterways.
They're a staple target for freshwater anglers across southern Australia — easy to find, willing to bite on a range of gear, and genuinely good eating.
Their spread has come at real cost to native fish, so keeping your catch is both legal and encouraged in most jurisdictions.
Scientific Name: Perca fluviatilis
Also known as Redfin, English perch, Euro perch, reddies
- Deep-bodied fish with five or more thick, dark vertical bars on an olive-green to grey body — the bars are the quickest field ID marker.
- Named for the vivid reddish-orange pelvic and anal fins; the first dorsal fin has a distinctive black blotch at its rear edge.
- Two separate dorsal fins and a large mouth that extends back to below the eye — useful for distinguishing them from native perch-like species.
- Most fish caught run 20–35 cm and 0.3–1 kg; fish over 2 kg exist but are uncommon. Southwest WA waters can produce fish to 40 cm.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Introduced — not native to Australia. First released in Tasmania (1858–1862) and Victoria (1861), now established across most southern states from the MacIntyre River drainage in NSW west to the Avon River drainage in WA.
- Prefer still or slow-moving water: farm dams, reservoirs, billabongs, lakes, and the quieter reaches of rivers and streams. Avoid fast-flowing or high-altitude water.
- Thrive in water with abundant cover — submerged timber, rocks, and weed beds. Dams with healthy crayfish populations are particularly productive.
- Declared a noxious species in NSW; in WA they must not be returned to the water if caught.
Key Locations
- Lake Eildon and the Upper Murray system, Victoria — large impoundments with well-established redfin populations and good access.
- Farm dams across Victoria and SA — some of the most consistent redfin fishing in the country, particularly in the Western Districts and Adelaide Hills.
- Onkaparinga River and Adelaide Hills reservoirs, SA — accessible urban-fringe fishery with solid fish to 35 cm.
- Southwest WA rivers and dams including the Harvey and Collie systems — redfin have been established here since the 1890s and grow well in the cooler southwest climate.
- Macquarie and Lachlan river systems, NSW — redfin are present through much of the inland slope and tablelands country.
Specific Spots
- Submerged timber and fallen trees are the most reliable holding structure — redfin sit tight to the wood, especially in deeper sections of dams and lakes.
- Weed edges and drop-offs concentrate baitfish and freshwater crayfish, which draws redfin in to feed along the transition zones.
- Bridge pylons, rock walls, and jetty legs create current breaks and shade in rivers and reservoirs — worth working thoroughly at different depths.
- In farm dams, the deeper end near the dam wall often holds the biggest fish, particularly in warmer months when they seek cooler water.
European Perch FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for European Perch?
Small bladed spinners (sizes 1–3) are a go-to search lure, the flash and vibration draws redfin from a distance and works well when fish are active. Slow the retrieve near structure. Soft plastic paddle-tails and curl-tail grubs (2–3 inch) on a 1/8–1/4 oz jig head cover both active and finicky fish.
What flies work for European Perch?
Woolly Buggers (which imitate small fish, yabbies, or large invertebrates) in olive, black, or brown are the most versatile redfin fly, strip them slowly along weed edges or let them sink near timber before retrieving.
When is the best time to fish for European Perch?
Autumn (March–May), cooling water triggers feeding as fish build condition before winter; one of the most consistent periods of the year. Winter (June–August), fish are active but slower; deeper water and slower presentations produce better results. Dams fish well on warmer winter afternoons.
How do you catch European Perch?
Most anglers target redfin from the bank or a small boat, working soft plastics or spinners around visible structure, timber, weed edges, and drop-offs. Staying mobile and covering water until an active school is located is more productive than sitting in one spot.
What do European Perch eat?
Small fish, freshwater crayfish (yabbies and marron), shrimp, and aquatic invertebrates make up the bulk of the diet, soft plastics shaped like small fish or yabbies cover most situations. Paddle-tail and curl-tail grubs in the 2–4 inch range are a reliable starting point.
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