Families, avid freshwater anglers and those who simply want to give freshwater fishing a try, can fish for free next weekend with Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly declaring a licence-free period from August 31 to September 1, the same weekend as TroutFest.
On Saturday August 31 between 10am and 1.30pm, Troutfest will provide the community the opportunity to hand-release a few thousand trout into the waterway. The day will include the release of both rainbow and brown trout in sizes from fry (5cm fish) right up to ex-brood stock fish (up to 40cm fish).
Recfishwest will also be offering up freshwater tackle and rigging information, casting demonstrations, as well as fly casting lessons and demonstrations, a kids fishing clinic and casting challenge at the event.
The McGowan Government is also providing the opportunity for people to freshwater fish for free next weekend (August 31 to September 1), which coincides with Father's Day.
Even though it's a licence-free weekend for freshwater angling, recfishers are still required to adhere to the bag limit of four and the minimum size limit of 300mm for rainbow and brown trout. For more details on South-west freshwater angling, go to http://www.fish.wa.gov.au to see the current guide.
Except for the licence-free freshwater weekend on August 31 and September 1, a current licence is required for freshwater fishing in all areas south of Greenough. The licence cost $50 for 12 months' access to the fishery. In 2017 the McGowan Government made changes to the fishery to allow freshwater anglers to enjoy their sport year round.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:
"As spring arrives, more and more Western Australians will want to catch the sun and wet a line to grab their bag limit of trout.
"Next weekend will be there perfect time to do just that, as we're giving people the opportunity to freshwater fish for free and Troutfest is back for another year.
"There will be plenty of opportunity to hook a great fish, with the Government and Recfishwest stocking around 700,000 rainbow and brown trout into popular freshwater angling dams and waterways this year.
"The McGowan Government continues to work with Recfishwest to restock popular freshwater fishing spots, promote freshwater angling and expand tourism opportunities through fishing experiences in our beautiful South-West."
