Fishing tuition, releasing fish and all things freshwater fishing!

As we move into spring, Recfishwest is celebrating all things freshwater fishing with the launch of the annual Troutfest event kicking off at 10am on September 1, just in time for Fathers’ Day!

The licence free weekend announced by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) presents the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together by helping DPIRD and Recfishwest release thousands of fish into Drakesbrook Weir as part of an annual community stocking event.

As well as the fish release, Troutfest also includes freshwater fishing tuition for all ages, an education display by DPIRD, fly casting, freshwater tackle & rigging information and demonstrations and general fishing time for everyone to have a go at freshwater fishing for FREE.

Getaway Outdoors will also be taking part in the event offering free Hobie kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard demonstrations.

This year’s Troutfest is the second freshwater community stocking event, and due to its raging success from last year, this event plans to be bigger and better with something for everyone.

The location is suitable for people of all ages, abilities and knowledge so if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at freshwater fishing, fly casting or simply wanted to see a Rainbow or Brown Trout in the flesh, then now is your opportunity!

For many, this fishery was clouded in mystery, but after last year’s event Troutfest participants realised it is about getting into the bush, having a cast and enjoying some of the best parts of WA.

Each year, thousands of trout are released by DPIRD into many dams and rivers throughout WA’s South West. The trout are all bred in captivity at DPIRD’s Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre and either released as fry, yearlings or ex brood stock (bigger fish that have finished being used for breeding), and range from a couple of centimetres in size to a kilo plus sized fish. View trout stocking numbers for 2018 here.

The development of this fishery and community stocking event has all been made possible with support from the Recfishwest Freshwater Fisheries Reference Group, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, The Western Australian Trout and Freshwater Angling Association (WATFAA) and the Pemberton Hatchery.

It’s just one of many Recfishwest lead initiatives working towards improving habitat and fish stocks which build better environments that contribute to making fishing better in WA.

Registration is FREE but essential. Register here.

View the activities map here.

Watch last year’s video here.

 

Fish for free on Fathers’ Day weekend!

Freshwater fishing provides a unique opportunity to get outdoors, take in the serenity, calmness and beautiful landscape of WA’s South West streams, rivers and dams and provides great fun and accessible locations for families to experience the joy of freshwater fishing.

This year, with the help of Recfishwest and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) fishers have the opportunity to get out and about and try your hand at freshwater fishing without the need for a licence.

So if you’re stuck for ideas on what to get dad for Father’s Day, now may be the chance to buy him some freshwater fishing gear and give him the chance to take a break from the hussle and bussle of every day life while catching a prized fish!

Save the dates – 1 September and 2 September.

Rainbow trout and brown trout, are all highly sought after freshwater species and can be found in our South West rivers, dams and lakes which are all stocked ready for you to try your luck over the licence free weekend! Redfin perch are also readily available in most South West waterways.

Our fantastic ‘How to catch’ article has all you need to know about catching Trout including details on locations, rules and regulations, catch care and cooking information.

As a starting point Harvey Dam, Waroona Dam, Logue Brook Dam, Big Brook Dam, Warren River and Donnelly River are all excellent places for freshwater fishing.

If you love it as much as we think you will and want to fish outside of the licence free weekend, a freshwater licence is available from the Department of Fisheries. The fishing season is open all year round.

Download the Recfishwest app to find out more about rainbow trout, brown trout and redfin perch.

Find a stocked river, dam and/or stream near you by clicking here.

Click here to see our Troutfest event at Draksbrook Weir on September 1 as part of the licence free weekend.