The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s 2025 stocking program through the Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre is enhancing WA’s popular freshwater fishery.
About 9750 licenced anglers are set to benefit from the release this year of 2,400 of the larger ex-breeder fish averaging over one kilogram as well as the ongoing release of yearlings.
Led by Aquaculture Facilities Coordinator Chris Church, DPIRD’s Pemberton hatchery team is delivering a stocking plan that ensures the right fish reach the right locations at the right time.
Recfishwest and freshwater fishers also have input to determine the optimal stocking strategy and agree on the numbers and species of trout to be released across selected sites.
DPIRD Senior Research Scientist Andrew Beer said the program aimed to provide high quality experiences for fishers, staggering trout releases over the autumn, winter, and spring to extend fishing opportunities.
“Spreading out the rainbow and brown trout releases over the year ensures fish are available throughout the season and that improves anglers’ access and supports local businesses,’ Mr Beer added.
“When our streams are flowing, it’s the right time for selected South West rivers including the Warren, Donnelly, Blackwood, and Murray to be stocked with trout.
“This year our ex-breeders are a little larger than previous years, averaging over 1kg, which should test the skills and tackle of our freshwater anglers. Trout fishing in WA caters to all types of anglers, from the kayak fisher on a stocked dam, to flyfishing specialists who like to wade through forest streams.”
Stocking locations include popular dams in the South West including Harvey Dam and Drakesbrook Weir – the home of TroutFest in Waroona on 4 October. Big Brook Dam will follow with its annual Pemberton Trout Festival on 12 October with hundreds of visitors expected to help release brown and rainbow trout into the scenic lake.
Mr Beer said over the past two years, DPIRD’s stocking work had been enhanced with a custom-built truck and trailer to deliver the fish to the chosen release locations.
“The fit-for-purpose transporter has life support and oxygen-dosing systems, to ensure the trout arrive in excellent condition,” he said.
“With the tankers increased carrying capacity we have effectively halved the number of trips needed while still delivering these amazing trout for a top fishing experience,” Mr Beer said.
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