Another 100,000 barramundi stocked in lovely Lake Kununurra

A trailblazing Lake Kununurra fish stocking program is getting tantalizingly close to the one million fish stocked mark, after another 100,000 barra were released in the fishing gem in the Kimberley yesterday evening.

From small things, mighty things grow and with the holy grail of 1m-long barra regularly being caught and 120cm fish — like the stonker caught by Curt McCarathy, pictured — not a rarity, Lake Kununurra is rapidly establishing itself as world-class impoundment fishery and a ‘must-go-to’ on recfishers’ hit-lists.

Curt McCartney with a mighty Lake Kununurra barra!

A world-class fishery supported by world-class science, the stocking program simply could not be possible without the work of North Regional TAFE’s Broome Aquaculture Centre, who hatch, rear and transport the fish for stocking.

The Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group also play a major role, throwing their enthusiasm and time into making the project a huge success.

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said Kununurra was cementing itself as a must-visit fishing location, with many fishers wanting to chase barra at Lake Kununurra.

“In the past eight years, more than 850,000 barramundi fingerlings have been stocked into Lake Kununurra to help boost its barramundi population,” he said.

“Adding another 100,000 barramundi into what is already a world-class barra would further solidify Kununurra as a must-visit fishing location.

“This project has highlighted how true fish abundance not only promotes great fishing experiences, but also benefits regional communities.

“With 1m-plus barra already regular catches within Lake Kununurra, we can’t wait to see more big trophy fish caught within the freshwater system in the years to come.”

A total 950,000 barra have been stocked into Lake Kununurra through the project since 2013. Picture: Benjamin Broadwith

With the State Government backing funding for stocking of the lake with barra for the next three years as part of its COVID recfishing recovery package, the fishery looks set to go from strength-to-strength.

It’s another example of how well managed fish stocking programs can create true fish abundance that not only promotes great fishing experiences, but also benefits regional communities.

Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group’s Matt Cox said it was terrific to have almost one million barra stocked into the popular waterway.

“The program has been a success to-date, with the town starting to see regular interest from fishers travelling far-and-wide to come and try their luck with the released barramundi of Lake Kununurra,” he said.

“The lake is also seeing an increase in local recreational fishers trying their luck to land a genuine monster.

“The vision of the Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group is to create a world-class sustainable fishery on the doorstep of Kununurra for locals and visitors to the region to experience. Given the recent commitment by the State Government, the group feels this goal is nearly within grasp.”

Fish stocking has established Lake Kununurra as a must-visit fishing location! Picture: Benjamin Broadwith

Continue Reading

May 30, 2023

Spotting sharks on your sounder to help reduce bite-offs

“The taxman”, “the men in grey suits” or just plain old “bloody sharks.” Whatever you call them, sharks biting off your prized catch as you bring it into the boat can be the bane of many fishers’ fishing trips…

Read More

May 05, 2023

West coast demersal $10m support package – a golden opportunity to support better decisions that cannot be missed

As the dust settles on the new fishing rules for west coast demersals, Recfishwest says the Government has got to get right the way $10 million of public money is spent on supporting the fishery. The Government…

Read More

May 05, 2023

Scott’s south coast gems

The south coast is a delightful part of the world, especially at this time of year. Autumn truly is the time to enjoy everything it has to offer, with the best weather of the year featuring still, warm day days and…

Read More

May 05, 2023

Jurien Bay FADs fire up, bringing great new fishing options to the Mid-West

The sportfishing action in Jurien Bay has cranked up since the deployment of four FADs off the coastline!  It is great to see fishers reap the benefits of catches from FADs across WA, with Recfishwest and local…

Read More

May 04, 2023

A tale of two jetties

All too often, we see prized fishing jetties desperately needing TLC and restoration abandoned, left to rot or demolished as the red tape around who is responsible in managing and maintaining them puts them in the…

Read More

May 04, 2023

Partners playing a huge role in helping us make fishing better in WA

Outside of our core funding contribution from recreational fishing licence fees via DPIRD, a growing range of valued partners are helping us do more for West Aussie fishers in 2023. Without additional support for…

Read More