Celebrating freshwater fishing for Troutfest 2024 this Saturday

• Fishing fun for families at Drakesbrook Weir this weekend
• After a wet July and August, water levels in WA's south are ideal for trout fishing
• Troutfest program and upgrades to Drakesbrook Weir supported by the Cook Government

Fisheries Minister Don Punch is encouraging families to head to the South West this weekend for 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 together to help release the popular fish and enjoy the day's activities.

The hatchery-reared trout are grown at Department of Primary Industries and Regional Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre and are released annually to boost this event and stock many other popular fishing locations around the South West, Peel, and Great Southern regions.

The annual stocking trout program is funded by the Cook Government, with trout stocking efforts well under way across the South West and ideal water levels providing good fishing opportunities for recreational fishers this spring.

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.

Troutfest is on Saturday, 7 September from 9am to 1pm.

You can find out more at the DPIRD education stand this Saturday, including fish stocking locations for this year, plus information on 'hooking up to the rules' and catch care.

Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:

"Congratulations to the Shire of Waroona, Recfishwest, and Alcoa for their strong support of Troutfest as a great annual family fishing event.

"I'm pleased upgrades to Drakesbrook Weir have been completed in time for this year's Troutfest, supported by the Cook Government.

"Trout stocking by DPIRD across the South West helps generate an estimated $37.8 million annually to our State's economy, with fishers visiting the regions to fish, enjoy southern hospitality, and support local businesses.

"WA's freshwater fishery creates flow-on benefits to regional tourism and to family-friendly fishing opportunities in regional areas."

Comments attributed to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:

"Troutfest has rolled around for another year as WA's signature freshwater fishing event of spring.

"To see what all the excitement is about, head to Troutfest at Drakesbrook Weir this Saturday for a great day of family fun.

"I look forward to seeing everyone there and I'm excited to restock the weir with trout for another year."

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