Native Fish Report Card review of 2018-2024 findings

• Native Fish Report Card Wimmera River 2024 – PDF 8.0MB DOCX 8.0MB
• Native Fish Report Card Wimmera River 2023 – PDF 7.0MB DOCX 7.0MB
• Native Fish Report Card Wimmera River 2022 – PDF 4.9MB DOCX 983KB

Overview

The eighth round of fish surveys for an angler report card were undertaken in January 2024.

Austral Research and Consulting at eight sites along the Wimmera River, from upstream of Horsham (Longerenong) to Jeparit, used electrofishing to record catches. While the focus was on angling species of interest (Golden Perch and Freshwater Catfish), there were observations of Murray Cod, Silver Perch, Flathead Gudgeon, Common Galaxias and Australian Smelt, as well as exotic Carp, Goldfish and Redfin.

Overall, 636 species of fish were caught and are summarised in Table 4. It shows water quality and flows have maintained fish numbers since 2023. Seven Freshwater Catfish were caught in four different locations. The previous year only one was caught at Dimboola. Due to their physiological characteristics, they have never appeared in large numbers in fish surveys in the Wimmera River. Their numbers have been consistently low, with six caught in 2021, four in 2019 and two in 2017 and 2018.

Ninety-nine Golden Perch were caught which was a large increase compared with 50 in 2023 and other past years results. There was a notable reduction of Redfin caught in these surveys; however carp numbers had increased, indicating the river remained highly productive for this species – which would be impacting on numbers of small-bodied native fish.

Specific Wimmera River Fish Diversity number results over the years

Fish	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Australian Smelt						40	2
Golden Perch	41	38	21	35	39	50	99
Freshwater Catfish	2	4		6	1	4	7
Flathead Gudgeon						29	1
Goldfish						49	28
Redfin			46	62		66	48
Silver Perch	2	10	0	3	3	34	19
European Carp						389	429
Eastern Gambusia						42

Conclusion

The Native Fish Report Cards over the past 7 years for the Wimmera River highlights the significant progress made in managing and rehabilitating the river’s fish populations. The survey recorded a diverse range of species, including key angling targets like Golden Perch and Freshwater Catfish, as well as other native and exotic species. Despite challenges such as low flow conditions, the efforts in habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and fish stocking have shown positive results.

We will continue our strategic management and partner collaborations to achieve our vision of a thriving and diverse fish community in the Wimmera River.