Fishing Harvey Dam
Anglers targeting freshwater species in Harvey Dam must hold a valid DPIRD South-West Freshwater Angling Licence. Redfin Perch are a declared noxious pest in WA and must be humanely euthanized when caught rather than returned alive to the water. Harvey Dam is legally designated as a SNARE-ONLY water for marron; harvesting marron is permitted strictly using legal marron pole snares during the open season, and possessing drop nets within 50 metres of the shoreline is strictly prohibited. To protect drinking water quality, **petrol outboard powerboats are strictly PROHIBITED** on Lake Harvey—only non-motorized craft (canoes, kayaks, SUPs) and electric trolling motors are permitted.
Land-based anglers enjoy world-class infrastructure along the Harvey Dam amphitheatre foreshore, boardwalk piers, and forest trail access points. Casting small 5g metal spinners, soft plastic minnows, or flies into deep water drop-offs produces fast action on heavy Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Shaded timber bays near the wall yield abundant Redfin Perch on live earthworms and micro-jigs.
Boating fishers launching paddlecraft or electric tinnies from the dedicated non-motorized launch ramp off Murray Road cover tranquil water without powerboat disturbance. Trolling small hardbody lures or drifting live yabbies through flooded tree lines yields trophy Brown Trout exceeding 3 kilograms. Harvey Dam is also a premier destination for the annual summer marroning season, attracting licensed fishers using legal pole snares.
Landbased
- HARVEY DAM AMPHITHEATRE FORESHORE: Paved parkland foreshore area offering comfortable land-based casting into deep water. Cast 5g silver or gold metal spinners into deep water drop-offs during early morning hours. Retrieve lures with a steady wobbling action just above the thermocline.
- BOARDWALK FISHING PIER: Public timber fishing platform extending over deep water, ideal for family anglers targeting Redfin and Trout. Float-fish live garden worms 1 metre below a float near pylon bases. Early morning calm periods offer optimal water clarity before afternoon breezes set in.
- HARVEY RIVER INFLOW CREEK: Shaded stream inlet entering the upper dam, providing pristine trout habitat during spring runoff. Work small floating hardbody minnows or soft plastic grubs through moving water pockets. Stealthy presentations are required to avoid spooking wary trout in shallow creek mouths.
- SOUTHERN TIMBERED BAYS: Quiet forest coves littered with submerged tree stumps, holding dense schools of Redfin. Pitch small 2-inch soft plastic grubs or live worms on a running sinker rig directly into timber snags. Keep extra terminal tackle handy as drowned branches cause frequent snags.
- NORTHERN WALL TAILRACE: Deep water area adjacent to the spillway structure, providing excellent casting for large Brown Trout at dusk. Cast long monofilament rigs baited with scrubworms into deep water clearings. Late afternoon periods produce active trout rises during insect hatches.
Offshore
- LAKE HARVEY CENTRAL BASIN: Open water basin averaging 12 to 28 metres depth, ideal for electric trolling for trophy Brown and Rainbow Trout. Slow-troll small 5cm minnow lures or pink winged spinners 30 metres behind kayaks at 2 knots. Use electric trolling motors to maintain silent approaches across calm bays.
- UPPER TIMBERED ARM: Drowned forest cove holding high numbers of Redfin Perch and Marron. Drift slowly in canoes or kayaks along submerged tree lines while vertically jigging small 5g metal blades or soft plastics near pylon roots. Electric power ensures peaceful navigation without disturbing water.
- HARVEY RIVER SUBMERGED CHANNEL: Deep river bed running through the center of the impoundment, holding large trout during winter and spring. Trolling micro-crankbaits along channel drop-offs produces consistent quality strikes. Polarized sunglasses help locate underwater timber hazards.
- NON-MOTORIZED PADDLE ZONE: Peaceful impoundment water where petrol outboards are prohibited, allowing undisturbed kayak trolling. Run shallow-running minnows along weed lines on a light morning breeze. Maintain safe distances from shoreline casters and swim zones.
- SOUTHERN MARRON SNARING BAYS: Sheltered shallow coves with sandy mud floors, ideal for night marron snaring using legal pole snares during open season. Drift slowly in canoes using underwater spotlights to locate marron along shallow banks. Drop nets are strictly prohibited in Harvey Dam.
Hot Spots
- HARVEY DAM AMPHITHEATRE: Premier paved foreshore platform delivering trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout.
- BOARDWALK PIER: Public timber platform providing comfortable light-tackle family fishing for Redfin.
- HARVEY RIVER INFLOW: Scenic river stream offering top-tier spring trout casting on lures and flies.
- UPPER TIMBERED ARM: Drowned forest cove holding dense schools of Redfin Perch and Marron.
- CENTRAL DEEP BASIN: Tranquil non-motorized electric trolling zone producing large Brown Trout.
Local Bait Tips
- GARDEN EARTHWORMS: Dug from damp compost soil and garden loam in local Harvey properties. Store live in a ventilated container filled with moist peat moss and shredded newspaper. Threaded onto a size 4 fine-wire hook, garden worms are unbeatable for Redfin Perch and Rainbow Trout.
- SCRUBWORMS: Collected by hand from damp riverbank mud and leaf litter under jarrah trees after rain. Keep cool in a damp cloth bag filled with moist moss. Whole scrubworms rigged under a float or on a light running sinker represent lethal natural bait for large Brown Trout.
- LIVE CRICKETS & GRASSHOPPERS: Gathered by hand from grassy paddocks and riverbank pastures during warm summer afternoons. Store in a breathable wire mesh bait cage kept in the shade. Hooked lightly through the thorax and drifted on the water surface, they trigger explosive topwater trout strikes.
- FRESHWATER YABBIES: Caught in opera-house traps or scoop nets baited with meat frames in farm dams. Store live in aerated damp buckets. Small live yabbies hooked through the tail represent prime bait for big Brown Trout and Redfin around submerged timber.
Boat Ramps
- Harvey Dam Non-Motorized Launch Ramp:
Located off Murray Road on the eastern shore of Lake Harvey, Harvey WA 6220. Managed by the Shire of Harvey and Water Corporation WA. Features a concrete boat launching ramp designed specifically for canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and electric-powered tinnies. CRITICAL REGULATORY NOTICE: Petrol outboard powerboats are strictly PROHIBITED on Lake Harvey to protect public drinking water quality; only non-motorized craft and electric trolling motors are permitted. Facilities feature a large bitumen carpark, modern public restrooms, shaded amphiteatre parkland, walking trails, and playground. Free public access.
Bait and Tackle
- Harvey Tackle & Outdoor: 88 Uduc Rd, Harvey WA 6220 - Ph: (08) 9729 1001
- Harvey Hardware & Marine: 45 Uduc Rd, Harvey WA 6220 - Ph: (08) 9729 1104
- BP Harvey (24-Hour Bait & Ice): 120 South Western Hwy, Harvey WA 6220 - Ph: (08) 9729 1122
Basecamp & Accom
- Harvey Hotel Motel: 12 Uduc Rd, Harvey WA 6220 - Ph: (08) 9729 1009
- BIG4 Waterfall Cottages Harvey: 1 Waterfall Rd, Harvey WA 6220 - Ph: (08) 9729 1134
- Harvey Homestead Chalets: 50 Weir Rd, Harvey WA 6220 - Ph: (08) 9729 2200
Emergency & Safety
- State Emergency Service Harvey (SES): Hayward St, Harvey WA 6220 - Ph: 132 500 / Emergency 000 - UHF Ch 40 / Local SES 132 500
