Golden perch (

Context Intermittent rivers make up more than 50% of the world’s rivers. Refuge waterholes in these systems are critical for survival fish populations. Aim This study investigated effect that angling pressure imparts on native within refuge waterholes. Methods Golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) size structure was analysed eight across three catchments northern Murray–Darling Basin. Waterhole characteristics were recorded, with town proximity or remoteness being adopted as a surrogate variable pressure. Key results Remoteness found to be significantly correlated median length, biomass, and proportion legal-sized fish, but not density. Sampling occurred after widespread connective flows, strength predictor length suggests redistribution golden flows minimal. Legal-sized poorly represented length–frequency distributions near-town waterholes, smaller classes well most Conclusion populations near towns face significant pressure, impacts at local level. Implications These findings may have wider implications long-term resilience species.