Golden Perch
Callop, Yellowbelly
Macquaria ambigua
Overview
Golden Perch (Callop) are the most popular native target in the River Murray, caught around snags, deep holes and channel edges on bait, lures and vibes. They are hard-fighting, good eating and accessible from river banks and small boats throughout the Riverland and Murraylands.
Quick Info
Identification
Olive-gold to bronze body with a deeply notched second dorsal fin and strong fin spines; often shows mottled barring on the flanks.
Golden-olive colour, protruding lower jaw and notched dorsal fin, without the cod markings of a Murray cod.
Murray cod (creamy mottled markings, straighter dorsal fin) and silver perch (silver-grey and smaller).
Where to Find Them
Typical depth: 1-8 m
Fishing environments: Freshwater
When to Fish
How to Catch Them
Cast baits or lures tight to snags and deep holes; work lures slowly along the channel edge. River banks, boat ramps and deep holes off caravan parks are productive.
Shrimp, yabbies and small lures presented close to structure.
A slow roll of small hardbodies and spinnerbaits past snags with long pauses; shrimp and yabby baits drifted into structure.
A firm thump followed by a solid, dogged fight.
Start with shrimp or prawn under a small sinker near a snag in the early morning or evening.
Fishing cold winter water too fast; golden perch bite best in warm water around structure.
Best Baits
Rigs & Gear
A jighead with a soft plastic threaded on — the most versatile lure setup in fishing, worked slowly along the bottom for bream, flathead and snapper with a natural, bait-like action.
The simplest and most natural presentation rig in fishing — a sinker that slides freely on the line so a fish can pick up the bait without feeling any weight. Perfect for finicky biters like whiting, bream and mullet.
Current SA Fishing Rules
CURRENT SA FISHING RULES
Method: Total length - tip of snout to tip of tail
Always check current regulations before fishing. Fishing rules and closures can change.
Keeping Your Catch
Support the fish horizontally; release undersized fish quickly.
Cooking
Firm white flesh; best cooked fresh. Check current size and bag limits before keeping.
Where to Catch Them in SA
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