Fishing in the Swan Canning Riverpark can yield some great catches. Throw in a line and you can be rewarded with a tasty black bream, herring, skippy, flathead or mulloway.

 

Important reminder: The Department of Health advises the public not to eat wild shellfish from the Swan and Canning rivers.

 

 

Visit the Department of Fisheries website at www.fish.wa.gov.au/sec/rec/west/index.php?0102  for information on:

Fishing reports including an article on fishing in the Swan and Canning rivers are available on the Perthnow website www.news.com.au/perthnow/lifestyle/fishing/

Recfishwest has information on fishing and clinics at www.recfishwest.org.au/

The Australian Anglers Association Club sometimes holds club angling events in the Swan River. Visit www.aaawa.iinet.net.au/

The Swan River Trust also publishes fishing guides in several languages which can be downloaded from the right-hand side of this page.

Fishing for a healthy river
 
We can all do our part. Worsening oxygen conditions, algal blooms and fish kills demonstrate the Swan and Canning rivers are showing the same signs of stress as other waterways around the world.

 

Reducing high levels of nutrients from fertilisers and other sources is a priority to keep our rivers healthy.  Other environmental problems include erosion, sedimentation, decreased river flows and loss of foreshore vegetation.
 
Less rainfall and a growing population increases pressure on the rivers and foreshores, and the risk of algal blooms.
 
Top tips for fishing to keep our rivers healthy
 
1. Fish need healthy foreshore vegetation to breed. Find a spot where you don’t have to trample vegetation to get there, or fish from jetties or platforms.
 
2. Take your rubbish home with you. Fish responsibly - dolphins, particularly calves, can get tangled in fishing line. Make sure you dispose of unwanted monofilament line carefully and consider the use of biodegradable fishing line. 
 
3. Launch boats, tenders or dinghies from designated sites and keep your speed down. Boatwash can damage and erode the shoreline.
 
4. Report activities which may be harmful to the rivers and foreshores by calling the Swan River Trust on (08) 9278 0900 or after hours 0419 192 845. Report illegal fishing activities to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.
 
5. When fishing from the foreshore, make sure you are on public land. There are harsh penalties for trespassing which are not worth any type or size of fish.
 
6. Check where you can and can’t dig for bait worms. You can receive an on-the-spot fine if you are in a protected area. Never remove reeds or riverbank material.
 
7. Fish for the future by knowing the fishing regulations, including bag and size limits.
 
8. Remember to throw any unwanted or undersized fish back in the water. Even blowfish are part of the river ecosystem. They can poison dogs if eaten.
 
9. Four-wheel drives can chew up foreshore vegetation. Leave your vehicle on the road and protect habitat for fish and other wildlife.
 
10. Download the Swan Canning Riverpark Boating Guide. It includes maps of the Swan and Canning rivers, boat launching sites and other useful information.