Freshwater

Time to explore Pemberton

FRESHWATER Peter Fragomeni

Heading into October is arguably one of the best times to explore our rivers and streams around the Pemberton region. The heavy flows from our very wet winter should have subsided to an extent that all the likely areas will become more accessible, and trout don’t have as much water to hide in.

With the good rains we experienced throughout winter it has resulted in our dams being also higher than normal, with newly flooded areas providing plenty of food for foraging trout.

Most of our trout stocking by Fisheries WA should have been completed by mid month so expect some good fishing in our northern dams until mid to late November when elevated water temperatures

Flyfishing the dams in the dark can be very rewarding. Most lose their timing and get into tangles, however those that master the technique will experience an exciting form of fishing.

The lone result of a three-day session at Logue Brook Dam from the boat. Better success came from flyfishing the shoreline, which goes to show that using a boat is not always the better option.

normally results in trout retreating to deeper water, and in most cases reluctant to feed. Redfin fishing normally picks up through our state in October, with all techniques working better in the warming water, particularly in the latter part of the month.

AUSSIE NATIVES

A recent raid on a wellknown aquarium retailer by the Bio Security section of Fisheries WA has the owners and the general public somewhat shocked and disappointed. The retailer was one of only a few that sold Australian bass and Murray cod here in this state.

On a phone conversation with the manager of the company he stated that Fisheries turned up unannounced and confiscated a large number of his stock. He went on to say that they had in fact purchased all the stock from reputable companies on the East Coast, and in fact had passed quarantine at the airport previously.

The manager also stated that Fisheries had visited his establishment over a

year ago and had sighted the cod and bass and didn’t seem concerned, so why the sudden change is baffling. They (Fisheries) even confiscated a pet sleepy cod and a saratoga that the manager had at the premises for display purposes only. It’s believed that Fisheries are concerned with these species getting into our waterways and establishing self-sustaining populations threatening our native species.

I find this strange

because unlike some states the aquarium industry is free to sell goldfish, carp and ornamental freshwater species like pearl cichlids that have had a far greater impact on our waterways over the previous years. Also, the fact that redfin perch inhabit most of our southern freshwater and are actually expanding at an alarming rate with little pro-active action by authorities to control them, is beyond comprehension. It’s a great pity that the Aquaponics industry and the thousands of backyard hobby growers must suffer now because species like bass and cod offered a great food option to wild stocks from our oceans. It seems we must contend with marginal species like trout and barramundi for our ponds and of course silver perch that have shown slow growth rates in the winter months. DAMS Waroona Dam

The fishing has been slow through winter, but

things picked up throughout spring with mainly x brood rainbows and very small yearlings making up most of the catch. Redfin have slowed down with most reports indicating they are off the bite.

The ski boat activity picks up through the warmer months making this water very tricky to troll from a boat unless you keep to the back sections of the dam. The rise in popularity of jet skis is a concern and it can be very dangerous fishing when they are active, as unlike the ski boats they can turn and change direction very fast. Department of Transport is stepping up patrols as one in every three infringements are handed out to those vessels even though they only represent less than 8% of the watercraft on the water in WA.

Drakesbrook Weir

Again, this water will be the venue for the annual Troutfest, which is now held on the first Saturday of October. Lots of families gather to see the display of everything freshwater but, unlike other states, it’s only limited to trout as the name implies.

Fly fishing lessons along with the release of trout varying in size by the public from Fisheries WA Hatchery in Pemberton are some of the activities on the day. The fishing has been reasonable for both trout and redfin, but things should improve after the Troutfest stocking.

Logue Brook Dam

With rising water levels, it has been hard work trying to locate fish of late, with possibly the low numbers of sizable trout hiding up in the

drowned bushes. This water has a limited number of trout so it’s best to practice catch and release to conserve the stock. I fished there recently for a few days and only landed one rainbow despite trolling and casting lures off the boat for three days. I had better success fly fishing the shoreline at night using larger flies like Woolly Buggers and Craig’s Nighttimes. Harvey Dam

The sudden rise in water levels from all the recent rain have many freshwater anglers excited, however, considering only around

A collection of the author’s favourite fly patterns for spring fishing the dams and streams. Flies like Woolly Buggers, Craig Nighttimes, Killer patterns like Hamils, Mrs Simpson and various nymphs, including those weighted all work well. Add some small wet flies and a few dry flies and you will fool any trout in this state.

Trolling using an electric motor like this Minn Kota Ulterra is handy in dams like Harvey that prohibit the use of petrol motors. This lucky lady displays a rainbow she caught at the Harvey Bash last year. Harvey Water is the major sponsor for the event in October this year.

WA has some nice rivers in the south of the state, however dry summers can play havoc on the trout stocks.

PREDICTED DAM LEVELS

Overall storage in the dams that allow public access and recreational activities are currently 72.5% as at the end of August 2021, compared to 42.8% same time last year. The greatest change has come to those dams that were well down by the end of summer, like Harvey Dam rose from just 22% in autumn to around 72% at the end of August, Wellington Dam went from around 32% to 85% at the end of August. All the others are at a reasonable level compared to other years, which is great news for both fishers and irrigators alike.

WAROONA DAM 74% DRAKESBROOK WEIR 100% LOGUE BROOK DAM 77% HARVEY DAM 78% WELLINGTON DAM 89% GLEN MERVYN DAM 100% BIG BROOK DAM 100%

1,000 brood trout are being stocked, and this dam is over 500 hectares (when full) it results in a lot of water between fish. There will be around 6,000 rainbow yearlings stocked as well, however, they won’t be of a catchable size until late November when warming water normally put them of the bite.

The annual Harvey Bash will be on again this year in the second weekend of October and unlike the Troutfest this is a two-day event with big prizes available to all those that entered by the closing date of July. It’s hoped the fishing will be better this year and all the signs suggest that may be the case. All the likely areas should fire with the high-water levels and some of my favourites are Quarry Bay, Wokalup Bay, Nicholson Point, Summer Brook Bay, Chester’s Point,

Cattleyards Flats, and the back end where Falls Brook comes in, to name a few.

If you are planning on fishing the area near the brook, you will find that it is fenced off because the farmer has leased the land up to the water. Speaking with Russell from the WA branch of Australian Trout Foundation he advised me that access is allowed by foot only, he also is hoping to install a couple of styles on the fence to allow easier access.

Redfin are still being caught in limited numbers, but size is on the small side with a few larger ones in the mix.

Wellington Dam

As I reported in earlier editions the decision to stock 10,000 rainbow yearlings has coincided with a rapid water level rise in this dam from the above average winter rains. This will provide a large amount of food for these fish so hopefully it will fire next season. A few

redfin are still being caught but not in great numbers.

Glen Mervyn Dam

This little water went from very low in autumn to now being full. Big redfin were caught early season but things have slowed recently. Bigbrook Dam

Good numbers of trout have been stocked this year, which has resulted in constant catches by those spinning from the shore and flyfishing the back area.

RIVERS Murray River

A couple of reports have indicated that redfin activity has increased in the larger pools now that the water has resided. Trout should be taking up station in the fast runs but don’t expect large numbers of quality fish, as they are mostly newly stocked yearlings. Northern Jarrah Streams

A few nice trout are still being caught by intrepid anglers prepared to put the legwork in and explore the overgrown small streams in the area. The low-lying sections needs landowners’ permission to access but can fish well in spring.

Collie River Below

Wellington Dam

Can fish well later this month, however, it’s normally slow in this transition period before water flow increases for irrigation. Both rainbow and brown trout get caught in varying sizes and numbers.

Collie River Above

Wellington Dam

Some nice size redfin are becoming more frequently caught up around the town by those using lures and soft plastics.

Blackwood River

No reports have come through, however later this month is the time to explore this river. Best section is normally downstream of Bridgetown all the way to Nannup. Warren River

Lots of reports coming in from anglers fishing the Pemberton region of late. October would be one of the best months to explore our rivers and for WA standards they don’t come much better than the Warren. From long still pools that

are mainly home to some impressive redfin perch to the fast runs that rainbow, and brown trout prefer, you can spend days exploring the upper reaches from Rooney’s Bridge all the way down to the sea. The fishing can be tough with the day ending in cuts and bruises but just one beautifully marked brown makes it all worth it. Long gone are the days of my youth when we would see large trophy size browns appear behind your lure or fly in the dark tea-stained water.

There are still nice size specimens showing up each year. Big flies and larger lures that attract big fish are the norm down there, so be well equipped because this water will eat your tackle quickly. Try to practice catch and release because the huge pressure this region is experiencing through Covid travel restrictions is placing

more stress on the trout stocked recently. Of course, redfin offer superb eating if you want a feed and seem to do well with the increase fishing pressure in all waters. Lefroy Brook above town

Once a scenic drive the Rainbow Trail is only accessible by foot above the town weir. This section has dozens off delightful little runs that still hold both rainbow and brown trout.

Unlike the Warren, small flies and lures are the go here. This month is the time to fish a dry if you are a flyfisher and the latest trend is to incorporate a small nymph on a dropper to double your chances. I like a Humpy as it’s very buoyant but other similar flies work as well.

For the lure fishers, a Celta style spinner is a good choice but some prefer hardbodies as well, soft plastics are very popular

and easy on the hip pocket. Further upstream on the road to the dam is another section but it can be tough going. Lefroy Brook below town

There are a number of spots all the way from Thompson’s Flat to the Warren mouth like Cascades, Glauders Bridge and the mouth itself that hold both rainbow and brown trout. Donnelly River

A great time to explore this river with reports indicating some nice trout of both species are being caught right through the system. A good map of the area is a bonus as it can be tricky to get to the better spots away from the popular runs. Some nice browns are turning up so this is pleasing considering the decision by the FFRG to stock this species was only made a few year ago.

The South West region offers some interesting opportunities to fish for trout but unfortunately, it can be tough going compared to other states that offer easier stream fishing that lack the thick forest we have here. Be careful of snakes as they become very active, especially around water. Try to practice catch and release of all browns because they are harder to produce in this state and seem to compete better in our northern redfin dams. You also need a freshwater license to fish for trout and redfin in WA if you are over the age of 16 years.

Stay safe until next time.

October is a great time to explore our rivers and streams around the Pemberton region. Although not big, this rainbow put up a great fight in the fast water and fell to a Celta in green and gold.

Hatchery manager Terry Cabassi sorting out fingerings for stocking that should commence this month. The cylinder is used to estimate quantity to

save time. Photo courtesy Pemberton Trout Hatchery. Hatchery stocked fish offer reasonable spring fishing for Perth based anglers. Local Waroona angler Jonah Chiera scored this one on a Nories Wasaby Spoon cast well out from shore.

The scenic Karri country around Pemberton adds to the attraction of freshwater fishing in our state.