There are 66,500 reasons to be excited for the future of freshwater fishing in WA’s beautiful South-West following the release of this year’s trout stocking numbers and locations!
Based on the recommendations of Recfishwest’s Freshwater Fisheries Reference Group, this year’s rainbow and brown trout stocking ahead of the freshwater fishing season in Spring will see around 44,500 smaller trout fry, 19,900 mid-sized yearlings and 2,100 larger ex-broodstock released in South-West waters for the future benefit of West Aussie fishers.
These hatchery-reared trout are released and fished for by nearly 10,000 Western Australian freshwater anglers in our dams, rivers and streams with picturesque postcard backdrops.
Over the past few years, Recfishwest’s Freshwater Fisheries Reference Groups has advocated for the release of more larger size yearlings and ex-broodstocks and less small fry.
This is to give the fish more resilience to environmental conditions and predation, while giving them a better chance of putting a bend in your rod!
CICK HERE FOR SOME GREAT FRESHWATER FISHING TIPS FROM RECFISHWEST’S SAM RUSSELL
CLICK HERE FOR A SCOTT’S SPECIES FEATURE ON TROUT
Check out the table below for planned trout stocking locations and numbers for 2024! Note: these locations and numbers may be subject to change.
RAINBOW AND BROWN TROUT YEARLINGS (20-30CM) – 2024 STOCKING LOCATIONS AND NUMBERS
RAINBOW AND BROWN TROUT EX-BROODSTOCK (>30CM) – 2024 STOCKING LOCATIONS AND NUMBERS
RAINBOW TROUT FRY (5CM) – 2024 STOCKING LOCATIONS AND NUMBERS
Help hundreds of trout dive and thrive at our upcoming Troutfest events!
Don’t forget – There are two great community trout stocking events coming up that allow families to hand-release beautiful rainbow and brown trout!
Once again, Recfishwest is proud to partner with the Shire of Waroona and DPIRD’s Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre to host the eighth annual Troutfest community fish stocking event to celebrate all things trout and freshwater fishing!
Troutfest 2024 Details:
When? Saturday, 7 September, 9am – 1pm
Where? Drakesbrook Weir, Weir Road, Waroona
What to bring? Suncreen, a hat, water – fishing gear if you want – although Recfishwest will loan out gear on the day!
More info? Visit the Shire of Waroona website or contact the shire on 9733 7800. Check out the highlights from Troutfest 2023 in the video below!
Recfishwest will also be making a return to Big Brook Dam foreshore and picnic area on Sunday, 13 October for our third annual Pemberton Trout Festival, where families can help us release hundreds more trout with the unique backdrop of giant Karri trees!
