Waroona residents and visitors head to Drakesbrook Weir for 2023 Troutfest

There was some fishy action at a popular Waroona recreation spot on Saturday as a community event returned for its seventh year.

Residents and visitors headed down to Drakesbrook Weir to help release 300 trout sourced from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Pemberton hatchery.

There were plenty of attendees, with crowds estimated to be significantly bigger than last year’s event.

Waroona Shire president Mike Walmsley, Recfishwest chief executive Andrew Rowland and Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke were among those who took a slight dip into the water to restock the dam’s population of the popular fish species.

Mr Rowland said the event had become a welcome fixture on the State’s fishing calendar since it commenced in 2017.

“It showcases how fun and popular freshwater fishing is and how WA’s freshwater stocking program underpins this highly valued fishery,” he said.

A freshwater angling licence-free weekend was held in conjunction with this year’s event, allowing all those in attendance to try casting a line.

The fish release is part of the department’s annual trout stocking program, which sees the prized catch released in a number of waterways across the South West region.

Fisheries Minister Don Punch said the program helped support the State’s estimated $37 million recreational fishing sector.

“Congratulations to the Shire of Waroona and Recfishwest’s support for the seventh annual Troutfest — it’s such a great day out for lovers of freshwater fishing,” he said.