- RecfishWest’s Troutfest celebration to thrill families at Drakesbrook Weir on Saturday
- Annual trout stocking program and upgrades at Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre benefit freshwater fish stocks
- Program and upgrades supported by the Cook Government
Fisheries Minister Don Punch is encouraging families to head to the South West this weekend, to enjoy Western Australia’s signature spring freshwater fishing event.
Supported by the Shire of Waroona and Recfishwest, Troutfest is an annual celebration of freshwater fishing at Drakesbrook Weir, which brings families up close and personal with the trout to help release the popular fish and enjoy the day’s family friendly activities.
The annual stocking trout program is funded by the Cook Government and delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). It aims to enhance fishing experiences for freshwater anglers as the warmer months of spring and summer arrive.
More than 9,700 licensed anglers enjoy freshwater fishing at designated dams and rivers across WA’s southern regions every year.
Each year the Freshwater Fisheries Reference Group (FFRG) work with DPIRD to identify the most suitable stocking locations plus the size, age, and how many fish are released.
The Cook Government also continues to invest in upgrades to the Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre infrastructure and equipment, and trout stocking programs that are delivering some great family fishing opportunities.
A $300,000 investment in live fish transport infrastructure, with a new tanker truck and trailer, is also improving the annual Troutfest stocking. It’s been delivering the fish in excellent condition through close monitoring of the onboard life support and oxygen dosing systems.
Since 1999, the Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre has raised and released around 13 million rainbow and brown trout. To increase survivability of the released fish, there’s been a move towards stocking larger yearlings instead of smaller fry as part of the strategy of stocking the right fish, in the right place, at the right time.
Bigger fish have a better chance of growing to a catchable size so anglers can land them when fishing in the Peel region, the South West, and Great Southern waters.
A current South West freshwater angling licence is required to fish for freshwater fish south of Greenough. However, this weekend of Troutfest will provide a “licence free” opportunity for all, allowing the community to get involved in the stocking action.
You can find out more at the DPIRD education stand this Saturday, including fish stocking locations for this year and outcomes from the recent Freshwater Angling Survey, plus information on ‘hooking up to the rules’ and catch care.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
“WA’s trout stocking supports a put and take fishery that helps generate an estimated $37 million annually to our state’s economy, with fishers visiting the regions to fish, enjoy southern hospitality and support local businesses.
“I’m pleased to see refurbishment is well underway at the Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre, where a number of the ponds are currently being resurfaced and re-coated to deliver many more years of stocking operations.
“Improved cooling systems, incubation room and a broodstock Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) are also being installed to protect spawning stock and there are plans for a RAS nursery to protect next year’s yearlings and future broodstock.
“All of these changes will make freshwater fishing even better as we look to continue to enhance the fishing experience and ensure both the hatchery and the fishery can meet the challenges of climate change.
“Congratulations to the Shire of Waroona and Recfishwest’s support for the seventh annual Troutfest – it’s such a great day out for lovers of freshwater fishing.”
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
“Troutfest has rolled around for another year as Western Australia’s signature freshwater fishing event of spring,so be sure to head to Drakesbrook Weir this Saturday to enjoy the family fun.
“I look forward to seeing everyone there, and I’m excited to restock the weir with trout for another year.
“WA has some fantastic freshwater fishing spots – it’s a great activity the whole family can enjoy across the Peel region, South West or the Great Southern.”
