The waters nearest Perth that are regularly stocked with trout and fish well are Waroona and Drakesbrook Dams.
Brown and rainbow trout are caught in these dams.
Further south the Collie and Brunswick Rivers and Wellington and Glen Mervyn Dams are stocked.
The best WA trout fishing is arguably in the Pemberton region, where the state hatchery is located.
If you have limited time and want to try fly fishing then the Pemberton region is the place to start, with Lefroy Brook, the Warren River and Donnelly River all worth a try.
Big Brook Dam and Beedelup Lake are also near Pemberton.
Much like South Australia’s trout fishery, stream fishing in WA’s south-west is often done in tight country, and conditions are highly variable.
Here is a more detailed overview of WA trout fishing.
Marron (freshwater crayfish) can also be caught in many WA trout waters during the short annual open season, usually in January.
Note that people aged 16 and over need a WA freshwater angling licence to fish for freshwater finfish in all inland waters south of Greenough, including above the tidal influence, including all lakes, dams, rivers and tributaries.
WA’s Shannon River is closed to all fishing.
Western Australian trout stocking plan for 2022
Trout stocking numbers are released annually.
Use the stocking data to decide where to fish, but also consider local rainfall, water levels and the prevailing temperature.
Flies and small spinners and soft plastics work well on WA trout in clear water.
When the water is discoloured bait such as worms or shrimp work well.
Commercial trout bait products such as this also catch fish.
Here is a list of recommended tackle for freshwater fishing, including within stocked dams.
WA stocked trout waters
South-west WA river conditions
Perth dam levels
WA Govt freshwater angling guide
WA fishing regulations
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