WA
Now is an exciting time to be on the water everyone wanted to avoid the situation like a mouse avoids a cattery. This is extremely sad because these species would add much needed growth and funds to our towns
FRESHWATER
Peter Fragomeni
With the longer days and the cooler nights that normally occur this time of the year, early autumn can be one of the most exciting times to be on the water searching for trout, redfin or any other freshwater species in WA. Cold misty mornings can result in trout moving into quite shallow water close to the bank. If early rains occur, then our rivers and streams can also turn on some reasonable fishing as well. Judging by the reports coming through it seems a few of these species are being caught recently, although due to personal reasons I haven’t been able to get on the water to confirm these reports, so I’m relying on word of mouth. As reported earlier the Recfishwest FFRG met recently to discuss stocking strategies. I wasn’t able
A few silver perch and the odd Murray cod have been caught by those lucky enough to have access to the waters where these species are. There are a few locations that are available
Hamish King holding an impressive redfin he trolled up using a diving lure. Our dams can turn on some good size redfin on occasions. are chilled throughout the summer months to lessen heat mortality that we so often suffer from here in the West. Unfortunately, due to pond upgrades currently underway, this has resulted in the lack of ability to hold the normal brood stock and has also resulted in a large drop of yearlings being held this year. Things we be back on track next year with big expectations on the cards for trout fishers in this state. AUSSIE NATIVES The same enthusiasm shared by our authorities regarding trout stocking can’t be said for East Coast native freshwater species in this state. The subject was only raised once at the meeting and it’s like
Fisheries WA released a number of tagged marron into Harvey Dam. This one was caught by Kurt Blanskby over the recent season.
style plastics in the 3” size seem to be working well. Trolling in the shallower back area have turned up some nice size fish up to 40cm on hardbodied lures that don’t run deep. Things should improve with trout stocking due to commence shortly. Drakesbrook Weir Regular local angler Jonah Chiera is a master on this little water and reports that water levels have been ideal recently. Trout activity has increased of an evening however, tempting them to strike has been challenging. Hopefully, with the earlier FFRG meeting this year it will result in translocation approval being granted earlier this year by Fisheries WA Translocation Officer. It astounds me that permission to stock waters that have received the same species for many decades still have to be granted by the same department that has carried out the same stocking every year. I can understand when a new water comes up, as was the case for Wellington Dam and Preston River but, most of our dams and the stocking lists have not changed since they were constructed and stocking commenced half a
throughout the summer months when trout lay dormant due to heat stress, and redfin do not offer much sport as they are mainly caught in sub 30cm ranges. I am often told that if there were species other than trout and small redfin in our waters then people would be more inclined to purchase a freshwater licence, especially now with the current situation regarding the demersal ban prohibiting saltwater fishing for half of the year.
A nice little brown from a tight section of the Lefroy Brook. Will future dams being built in the headwaters jeopardise this little water? to attend in person but I did attend via video link. The meeting did run longer than normal due to an exceptional presentation delivered by Andrew Beer who is the Senior Research Scientist from Fisheries WA who is in charge of the Pemberton Hatchery in the South West of our state. There was mixed news on hand as he disclosed a massive upgrade to both the Hatchery itself and fish transportation in the way of a purpose-built truck and trailer that will bring stocking of trout in line with other Fisheries over on the East Coast. I must say the thought and dedication placed on 108 APRIL 2023
our trout fishery has not been seen in the last 45 years that I’ve been involved in the sport in WA. New grading facilities that can electronically sort fish into specific sizes will save so much time and allow better continuity of trout to be stocked at specific times. This will allow a minimum size to be stocked into redfin waters to reduce the number of trout falling victim to these veracious species, it will also lessen the likelihood of them falling victim to our little pied cormorants that are so active on our waterways. Other upgrades are in the way of inside water recirculating tanks that
A nice little brown trout that was caught by a fellow angler fishing the Warren River recently.
A stealthy approach is required in autumn when water levels are low. Photo courtesy John Vickery
to the public, so if you are keen to find out where they are located just PM me and I will be happy to assist. DAMS Waroona Dam Trout have been harder to locate than the redfin recently, although a few trout have been spotted close to the bank. Some nice redfin are being caught in the deeper sections on jigheads cast well out and allowing enough time to sink to the bottom before slowly rolling then back to your feet. Berkley Grubs in black or any of the minnow
century ago. Logue Brook Dam The huge amount of ski boats and jet-skis on the water have deterred most of the serious freshwater anglers from fishing this water. It can be frustrating to fish even without the boats being active as long hours can be had with zero results. Cool cloudy days will see activity once again return to this sky blue water. No redfin are present so if the trout aren’t playing the game then things can get boring.
