An innovative idea for a new fishing platform at Pemberton’s Big Brook Dam is being floated by Recfishwest and the local fishing community – quite literally!
The iconic dam provides year-round trout fishing with a backdrop of the scenic southern Karri forest and is considered one of the premier dams for freshwater fishing in WA.
The ongoing stocking of trophy-sized trout ensures that the fishing quality remains high here, however access to the water is limited due to steep banks and shoreline vegetation.
Imagine then, standing on a custom-built floating fishing jetty some way from shore that provides access to deep water for fishers of all abilities. This is Recfishwest’s vision for Big Brook Dam.
As part of Recfishwest’s election manifesto presented to all political parties contesting this March’s State Election – we want to improve fishing infrastructure and accessibility everywhere – including our picture postcard freshwater ways.
A floating jetty is a much less costly alternative to a concrete or wooden jetty that requires the sinking of solid foundations.
Another plus is this type of structure is easily removable for repairs if required, but a real bonus is it would also be accessible to fishers in wheelchairs, who currently have no access to fish for trout in the dam.
Recfishwest operations Lead Matt Gillett said local freshwater fishing clubs and community members love the idea of the floating jetty opening up more accessible fishing in a location with current limited shore-based water access.
“It’s really important we make the most out of fisheries like this one by exploring innovative ways to increase fishing access to them,” said Matt.
“Jetties like this one we are proposing represent a great investment given the amount of social, wellbeing and tourism benefits they provide. That’s why we’re asking all political parties ahead of the State election to commit to building a new jetty every year across the State if elected.”
Local South-West freshwater angler Simon Holland from the Southern Forests Freshwater Angling Club (SFFAC) said freshwater fishers of all abilities would greatly benefit from the proposed jetty.
“We and the local community are all thrilled with this idea – a floating jetty would provide high quality and easy access for anglers of all skill levels hoping to catch trophy trout from Big Brook,” said Simon.
“Accessibility is key and this plan ticks all the boxes with a future venue for Fishability created, while promoting our fantastic Southern Forests fishery and increasing freshwater angling participation.”
More than $20 million is injected into regional economies every year from fishers chasing freshwater species in our South-West and cheaper infrastructure initiatives like this would no doubt see that investment eventually regained into our communities through tourism and localised expenditure.
It would also support the State Government’s historical and ongoing popular trout stocking investment located at Pemberton – the spiritual home of trout stocking in Western Australia for more than 50 years.
Recfishwest is currently seeking state Government support for this initiative.
Does this idea float your boat? Help support this plan and join the Cast of Thousands by becoming a Recfishwest member here.
