Great trout and redfin fishing in Western Australia’s scenic South-West is now more accessible to freshwater anglers, thanks to the opening of the Pemberton Trout Trail.
This much-anticipated project was officially launched at the recent Southern Forests Trout Festival, marking a significant step forward for fishing enthusiasts and the local economy.
At the event the Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis officially unveiled the new angling attraction – an Australian Trout Foundation (WA) initiative supported by Government – which has seen a stretch of 1.6km of the Lefroy River cleared of brambles and thick vegetation to allow access to fishers and bush walkers alike.
The trail aims to enhance accessibility for anglers of all skill levels and ages, encouraging both locals and tourists to engage in fishing and outdoor activities.
Vice President of the WA branch of the Australian Trout Federation, Terry Goodlich, said this is a game-changer for freshwater fishers in the area.
“Thick blackberry bushes and dense shrubbery had long hindered access to this beautiful waterway and it was inaccessible to even the most determined anglers. Now you can easily wet a line and sight cast for trout in crystal clear water,” said Terry.
See Terry providing more info while walking this new trail in the video below!
To further heighten the excitement for fishers here, the Lefroy system flows from Big Brook Dam, which saw around 300 radiant rainbow and brown trout stocked on Sunday.
This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between Freshwater Anglers WA and the Southern Forests Freshwater Angling Club, with $57,000 in funding from the Government through the Native Forest Transition: Community Small Grants Fund.
Click here to read our article recap on the 2025 Southern Forests Trout festival!
Freshwater fishing has always been more than just a leisure activity in Western Australia, it’s a vital part of the regional economy, contributing more than $34 million annually.
With approximately 10,000 licensed freshwater fishers in WA, initiatives like the Pemberton Trout Trail play a critical role in attracting more participants, making freshwater fishing easier and, by extension, further boosting local economies.
Recfishwest CEO DR Andrew Rowland, “Congratulations to ATF (WA) on delivering a fantastic project that will boost freshwater fishing opportunities around Pemberton.
“It’s great to see the Government backing initiatives like this that make fishing more accessible for everyone – mums, dads and kids alike. Projects like this help enhance local community natural assets, create new fishing tourism opportunities, and help showcase how WA’s unique freshwater fishery is.”
Check out the new Trout Trail map below and happy fishing!
