South West fishers and families are being asked to roll up their sleeves and help release thousands of rainbow and brown trout into Drakesbrook Weir. Continue reading “Help release thousands of trout into Drakesbrook Weir at 2021 Troutfest”
Tag: waroona
Troutfest a tremendous success celebrating WA’s freshwater fishing
More than 1000 safely released rainbow and brown trout, 300 smiling faces and one freshwater reservoir full to the brim with fish — safe to say Recfishwest’s booked-out Troutfest was a roaring success.
Continue reading “Troutfest a tremendous success celebrating WA’s freshwater fishing”
Scott’s Spots – Waroona and Harvey, two tranquil settings
As we approach the start of spring, Western Angler editor Scott Coghlan explores some of the Peel and South West regions’ quality freshwater fishing locations in this week’s edition of Scott’s Spots. From Waroona to Harvey, there are many terrific spots to catch trout just off the South Western Highway. Continue reading “Scott’s Spots – Waroona and Harvey, two tranquil settings”
Trout stocking to help fishers reel in freshwater fishing fun at Drakesbrook
UPDATE: Troutfest is fully booked.
Come get your feet wet and hands dirty to help release thousands of rainbow trout into Drakesbrook Weir, near Waroona! Continue reading “Trout stocking to help fishers reel in freshwater fishing fun at Drakesbrook”
TroutFest Sheds New Light on Freshwater Fishing
After the success of last years event, Recfishwest would like to invite you once again to be part of something special and help us release trout by hand and celebrate all things freshwater fishing.
Event details: Saturday 1st September 2018
Starts at 10am to 1:30pm
Drakesbrook Weir, Weir Rd Waroona 6215
What to bring: the whole family with an appetite for fun! You’re welcome to also bring your own rods, lures, sunscreen, hats, weather proof clothing and picnic sets.
The day will include:
- Trout Stocking – help us release over 2000 trout into the dam by hand
- Freshwater Fishing Tuition for all ages (30 rods provided) – Members of the Western Australian Trout and Freshwater Fishing Association will be on hand to teach you all about fishing in freshwater, along with our Recfishwest Fishing Clinic Instructors and NextWave Future Leaders Team Members
- Fly Fishing Casting Demos – ever wanted to try your hand at fly casting? What better way to learn than from some of the WA’s top fly casters!
- Freshwater Tackle and Rigging Information and Demonstrations – Learn all you need to know about tackle and rigging for freshwater fishing
- Sausage sizzle and soft drinks hosted by the Waroona Lions Club
LICENCE FREE DAY Registrations FREE but essential.
TroutFest 2017
Recfishwest’s first ever TroutFest was held on September 2, 2017. The event was a raging success, with thousands of Rainbow Trout being released into Drakesbrook Weir. The community came out in force as an estimated 500 people, comprising of mums, dads, kids, grandparents and fishing lovers, turned up to celebrate freshwater fishing. During the event there was a release of thousands of fingerlings, 400 yearlings and 70 ex-broodstock, these fish were a portion of the 600,000 fish that have been released this year by the Department of Primary Industries Regional Development, Fisheries Division.
TroutFest was a celebration of freshwater fishing and encouraged families and friends to head to a regularly stocked waterway and experience what freshwater fishing is all about. For many, this fishery was clouded in mystery, but after TroutFest participants realised it is about getting into the bush, having a cast and enjoying some of the best parts of WA.
As well as the fish release, the event also included Freshwater Fishing Tuition for all ages, an education display by Fisheries, Fly Casting, Freshwater Tackle & Rigging Information and Demonstrations and general fishing time for everyone to have a go at freshwater fishing, and for most, it was the very first time.
Recfishwest would like to thank the members of WATFAA for sharing their passion of fly fishing with people on the day as well all of the other volunteers that attended and made TroutFest a memorable experience for all those involved.
TroutFest promotes sustainable, accessible, enjoyable and safe fishing for the benefit of the community and will help encourage freshwater fishing in the South West.
TroutFest is just one of many Recfishwest lead initiatives working towards improving habitat and fish stocks which build better environments that support your fishing.
Freshwater licence-free weekend and Recfishwest’s Troutfest
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly today announced Western Australians can go freshwater fishing in the State’s South West licence-free next weekend (September 2-3, 2017).
“The special weekend will celebrate the opening of the freshwater fishing season on September 1 and give people the chance to try their hand at freshwater angling for free,” Minister Kelly said.
“The State Government is committed to supporting the recreational fishing industry which is an important economic driver for WA.
“That is why the State Government is giving Western Australians the chance to go fishing in the South-West on September 2 and 3 without the need for a freshwater fishing licence.”
To celebrate the Minister’s announcement, Recfishwest is running Troutfest – a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together outdoors and have a go at freshwater fishing, just in time for Fathers’ Day!
Recfishwest is teaming up with the Western Australian Trout and Freshwater Angling Association (WATFAA) to run Perth’s biggest family freshwater event, Troutfest.
This event is set to highlight the fantastic fishing available at Drakesbrook Weir, where participants will have the opportunity to release trout grown at the hatchery in Pemberton.
Trout are stocked every year by the fisheries division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and this year the public get to participate directly in improving freshwater fishing experiences.

Event details:
• Saturday 2 September, 2017.
• Starts at 10.00am to 1.30pm.
• Drakesbrook Weir, Waroona.
The day will include:
• Trout stocking.
• Freshwater fishing tuition for all ages.
• Fly casting.
• Freshwater tackle and rigging information and demonstrations.
Troutfest will be a great occasion for families and friends to get along to a regularly stocked waterway to experience what freshwater fishing is all about.
Participants will also have access to WATFAA members who will provide expert advice and tutelage during their fly and lure casting lessons and tackle and rigging demonstrations.
For many, this fishery is clouded in mystery, where in reality it is all about getting into the bush, having a cast and enjoying some of the best parts of WA. So why not bring the family along and be a part of something special?
Troutfest promotes sustainable, accessible, enjoyable and safe fishing for the benefit of the community and will help encourage freshwater fishing in the South West.
Due to the popularity of this event, registrations are essential so Recfishwest can provide the best possible experience for you and your family. So please register here.
Click here to view the flyer for this year’s anticipated Troutfest!
For more information about fishing for freshwater trout, visit I Love Fishing here.
To view the Minister’s media statement, click here.
