Fishing The Swan River Perth Wa For Bream
Fishing for bream in Perth’s Swan River with lures offers an exciting and challenging experience that tests both skill and patience. The Swan River, or Derbal Yerrigan, flows approximately 72 kilometers from Walyunga National Park to Fremantle, covering a catchment area of around 2,090 square kilometers. This river runs through the heart of Perth, a bustling city with over 2.1 million residents, making it an accessible fishing location for both locals and visitors.
Targeting bream with lures in the Swan River requires specific techniques, lure selection, and knowledge of the best spots along the river. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get the most out of lure fishing for bream in this iconic waterway.
Locations Along the Swan River
The Swan River provides a variety of habitats where bream thrive, including urban and natural areas. Here are some of the top spots for lure fishing:
East Perth and Claisebrook Cove: This stretch of the river offers a mix of structures like jetties, bridges, and docks that attract bream. Small hard-body lures, soft plastics, and vibe lures work well here, especially when cast close to these structures.
Maylands and Ascot Waters: The sheltered waters here contain man-made pontoons, rocky outcrops, and natural structure. The areas are popular for kayak anglers who can reach further into the waterways and target bream holding tight to structure. Soft plastics and small vibes tend to perform well.
Point Walter: Located in Bicton, Point Walter is known for its sandbars, drop-offs, and accessible jetty. When fishing with lures here, target the drop-offs with small vibes or paddle-tail soft plastics to entice bream that are patrolling the edges.
Canning Bridge: The structure around Canning Bridge provides plenty of cover for bream, especially in warmer months when they seek shaded areas. Casting hard-body lures or lightly weighted soft plastics around the pylons can yield good results, as bream often sit close to the structure waiting for food.
Guildford and Bassendean: Upstream areas like Guildford and Bassendean offer less boat traffic and more peaceful environments. These sections are great for targeting bream with natural-looking soft plastics and small hard-body lures, especially around snags and overhanging vegetation.
Best Lures for Bream in the Swan River
Selecting the right lures for bream in the Swan River can make a big difference. Here are some of the best lure types for targeting bream:
Soft Plastics: Small soft plastics, especially those in prawn, worm, or baitfish profiles, are extremely effective for bream. Look for 2-3 inch sizes in natural colors like brown, green, or silver. Rig them on light jigheads (1/20 to 1/16 oz) for a slow sink rate that allows you to target bream at various depths.
Vibe Lures: Small vibe lures, typically 35-45mm, are ideal for covering deeper sections of the river and drop-offs. Their strong vibration mimics distressed baitfish, drawing bream in from a distance. Lift-and-drop or slow-rolling techniques work well with vibes, as bream often strike during the pause.
Hard-Body Crankbaits: Shallow-diving crankbaits in the 30-50mm range are excellent for fishing flats, shallow structures, and rocky edges. Go for natural colors in clear water, but opt for brighter colors in murky conditions. A slow and steady retrieve works well with crankbaits, mimicking a small fish swimming near the surface.
Paddle-Tail Soft Plastics: Paddle-tails provide a steady thumping action, making them an excellent choice in murkier water where vibrations can help attract bream. Fish them around drop-offs or along the edges of sandbars where bream are likely to be holding.
Lure fishing for bream in the Swan River combines the thrill of the chase with the skill of fine-tuning techniques to match conditions. The river’s many prime fishing spots offer both variety and accessibility, making it an ideal location for targeting bream. By selecting the right lures, using effective techniques, and paying attention to conditions like tide and water clarity, you can enhance your chances of a successful catch. Enjoy the experience of fishing for bream in this beautiful river, and remember to fish responsibly to preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations.
