Drakesbrook Weir gets very fishy as hundreds of brown and rainbow trout released as part of 2022 Troutfest

There will be more chances for a bite at one South West dam after it was restocked with thousands of scaly inhabitants.

It was a very fishy day at Waroona’s Drakesbrook Weir on Saturday as the Troutfest returned for a sixth time.

More than 800 brown and rainbow trout were released into the popular freshwater fishing spot by community members as part of this year’s event.

There were several activities on offer for attendees, including a fishing clinic, fly-casting tuition and fly-tying demonstrations.

A casting competition was also held for some of the younger attendees.

Recfishwest chief executive Andrew Rowland, Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley and Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke all took part in the this year’s trout release.

Mr Rowland said the event was a great celebration of the fishery.

“It showcases the value that fish stocking plays in helping future proof our fisheries and creating fish abundance for great fishing,” he said.

“The fishing is always better when the fish are biting.”

This year saw the releasing of more larger fish and former broodstock, raising hopes the higher survival rates in the released fish will increase the ability of anglers to have a hooked line at the weir.

The fish released into the Waroona lake were grown at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Pemberton trout hatchery.