Freshwater fishing in Western Australia

Fishing for radiant rainbow trout, beautiful browns and ravenous redfin in some of the picturesque settings of WA’s South-West can be a truly magical experience.

It offers something for everyone, from beginners casting for redfin in a dam to experienced fly-fishers presenting a dry fly to a rising brown trout beneath an overhanging branch.Whatever your experience level, it is a wonderful way to explore the South-West’s magnificent forests, rivers and inland waterways.

While redfin are prized for their striking appearance and excellent eating qualities, trout remain the stars of the show. Both rainbow and brown trout are beautiful, hard-fighting fish capable of testing the skills of any angler.

Western Australia’s trout fishery is supported by DPIRD’s comprehensive stocking program, run through its Pemberton hatchery. Recfishwest’s Freshwater Reference Group helps guide the program by recommending where trout should be released each year to provide the best possible fishing experiences.

The passion surrounding the fishery is reflected in organisations including the WA Trout and Freshwater Angling Association, the Australian Trout Foundation’s WA branch and the Southern Forests Freshwater Angling Club.

These groups play an important role in supporting the freshwater fishing community and helping introduce new generations to the experience. They always welcome new members, but if you just want to give it a go first you don’t need much gear to get started and here’s some great articles and information to help you sample this rewarding branch of WA fishing.

WA freshwater fishing resources and links 

Check out some great general freshwater fishing tips here from Recfishwest freshwater fishing expert Sam Russell.

Click here to see this year’s trout stocking numbers and locations   

Iconic freshwater species include redfin perch, brown and rainbow trout

Read “Scott’s Species” articles by Western Angler Editor Scott Coghlan exclusively written for Recfishwest on: 

Check out this excellent South-West trout fishing guide series complied by the Australian Trout Foundation for some great local fishing tips:

Fancy a crack at “black crabs” – the iconic marron?  Check out this marron tips article here 

Click here to buy a South-West freshwater fishing licence and or marron licence from DPIRD.