Fishing Pemberton
Anglers targeting freshwater species in Pemberton’s rivers and streams 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. Annual trout stocking from the Pemberton Hatchery replenishes local waterways, while licensed fishers target marron during the summer season.
Land-based anglers enjoy world-class access along the Warren River banks, Lefroy Brook, Big Brook Dam boardwalk, and Cascades waterfalls. Casting small 3g to 5g metal spinners, soft plastic minnows, or wet flies into clear forest pools yields fast action on hard-fighting Rainbow Trout. Shaded paperbark runs along Lefroy Brook offer technical dry-fly casting for rising trout during spring insect hatches.
Boating fishers launching canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards on Big Brook Dam cover tranquil non-motorized waters surrounded by karri trees. Trolling micro-crankbaits or drifting live crickets through flooded tree margins accounts for trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout exceeding 2.5 kilograms. Motorized powerboats are prohibited on Big Brook Dam, preserving a peaceful wilderness fishing atmosphere.
Landbased
- BIG BROOK DAM BOARDWALK & WALL: Paved foreshore and wooden boardwalk area near Pemberton townsite, offering comfortable land-based casting into deep water. Cast 5g gold or silver metal spinners into deep water drop-offs during early morning hours. Retrieve lures with a steady wobbling action just above submerged rock ledges.
- LEFROY BROOK (CASCADES): Picturesque forest stream cascading over granite boulders in Warren National Park, providing world-class fly and lure casting. Work small floating hardbody minnows or wet flies (Woolly Buggers) through moving water pools below waterfalls. Stealthy presentations are mandatory in crystal-clear water.
- WARREN RIVER (HEARTLEA CROSSING): Deep forest river reach surrounded by giant karri trees, offering prime shore casting and marron snaring access. Cast 5g metal blades or soft plastic grubs into deep shaded river bends on a rising water flow. Bring extra terminal tackle as submerged logs cause frequent snags.
- LAKE ANVENT (PEMBERTON HATCHERY PARK): Peaceful forest pond near the trout hatchery, providing comfortable light-tackle casting for stocked Rainbow Trout. Float-fish powerbait nuggets or live worms 1 metre below a float near lily pad edges. Ideal location for beginner anglers and families.
- EAST BROOK FORESHORE: Small clear stream tributary flowing through karri forest, popular for spring fly fishing. Drift unweighted nymphs or dry flies through shallow riffles and shade pockets under overhanging ferns. Early morning hours offer quietest water conditions.
Offshore
- BIG BROOK DAM NON-MOTORIZED BASIN: Tranquil 14-hectare impoundment averaging 5 to 12 metres depth, ideal for kayak trolling for trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout. Slow-troll small 4cm minnow lures or pink winged spinners 25 metres behind kayaks at 2 knots. Motorized powerboats are prohibited, preserving peaceful water.
- WARREN RIVER NAVIGABLE POOLS: Deep river channels in Warren National Park accessible via canoe or tinnie, holding large Brown Trout and Marron. Drift slowly along submerged paperbark lines while vertically jigging small 5g metal blades or soft plastics near pylon roots. Paddle power ensures quiet approaches.
- LEFROY BROOK LOWER REACHES: Navigable stream pools winding through coastal forest, holding wild Rainbow Trout and Redfin. Slow-roll small soft plastic minnows around submerged rock bars and timber snags. Polarized sunglasses help locate underwater snags.
- DONNELLY RIVER LOWER ESTUARY: Navigable river system 30 minutes west of Pemberton where motorized tinnies are permitted, offering exceptional fishing for Black Bream and Redfin. Trolling small deep-diving hardbody lures along steep paperbark drop-offs produces consistent quality catches.
- WARREN RIVER MARRON POOLS: Deep shaded river pools with muddy gravel bottoms, ideal for night marron snaring during the open season. Drift slowly in canoes using underwater spotlights to locate marron along shallow mud banks. Strict bag and size limits apply to all harvested marron.
Hot Spots
- BIG BROOK DAM: WA's premier non-motorized trout impoundment delivering trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout.
- LEFROY BROOK (CASCADES): World-famous forest stream offering bucket-list fly and lure casting for wild Rainbow Trout.
- WARREN RIVER: Scenic karri forest river renowned for trophy Brown Trout, Redfin, and Marroning.
- DONNELLY RIVER: Navigable river system west of Pemberton offering top-tier motorized tinnie access for Black Bream.
- BIG BROOK TIMBERED BAY: Drowned forest cove delivering top-tier spring trout hatches on dry flies.
Local Bait Tips
- GARDEN EARTHWORMS: Dug from damp compost soil and garden loam in local Pemberton 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 karri 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
- Big Brook Dam Kayak Launch (Pemberton):
Located at Big Brook Dam foreshore off Big Brook Road, Pemberton WA 6260. Managed by the Shire of Manjimup and DBCA. Features a paved launch ramp designed exclusively for canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and non-motorized craft. REGULATORY NOTICE: Motorized powerboats (petrol and electric) are strictly PROHIBITED on Big Brook Dam to preserve the peaceful forest ecosystem. Facilities include a bitumen carpark, public restrooms, paved walking circuit, swim beach, and shaded picnic shelters. Free public access.
- Warren River Camping Launch (Pemberton):
Located at Heartlea Crossing inside Warren National Park off Heartbreak Trail (accessed via Old Vasse Road), Pemberton WA 6260. Managed by DBCA. Features an unsealed, natural riverbank launch area allowing canoes, kayaks, and light tinnies to launch into deep Warren River pools. High 4WD vehicle clearance is recommended on unsealed national park tracks. Amenities include basic DBCA bush camping sites, pit toilets, and shaded karri forest picnic benches. Free public access.
- Donnelly River Boat Ramp (Pemberton Region):
Located off Boat Landing Road on the lower Donnelly River foreshore near Yeagerup, Pemberton WA 6260. Managed by DBCA and Shire of Manjimup. Features a formal concrete boat launch ramp providing direct river access for motorized tinnies, powerboats, and kayaks exploring the lower Donnelly River down to the ocean mouth. Facilities include sealed car-trailer parking, public restrooms, fish cleaning bench, and picnic shelters. Free public access.
- Moons Crossing Launch (Warren River):
Located off Moons Crossing Road (via Spring Gully Road), Pemberton WA 6260. Managed by DBCA and Shire of Manjimup. Features a natural unsealed riverbank clearing providing quick kayak and canoe launching into a series of massive, deep Warren River pools holding excellent populations of Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Redfin. High-clearance 4WD vehicle access recommended. Amenities include unsealed forest parking and bush camping clearings. Free public access.
- Lake Beedelup Canoe Launch (Karri Valley):
Located on the northern shore of Lake Beedelup off Vasse Highway near Karri Valley Resort, Pemberton WA 6260. Managed by DBCA and RAC Karri Valley Resort. Features a gently sloping, unsealed natural clay bank launch designed exclusively for canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and rowboats. REGULATORY NOTICE: Motorized vessels (petrol and electric) are strictly PROHIBITED to preserve the peaceful resort forest ecosystem. Facilities include bitumen parking, public restrooms, Karri Valley Resort amenities, and walking trails. Free public access.
Bait and Tackle
- Pemberton General Store & Tackle: 52 Brockman St, Pemberton WA 6260 - Ph: (08) 9776 1000
- Pemberton Hardware & Building: 12 Brockman St, Pemberton WA 6260 - Ph: (08) 9776 1104
- BP Pemberton (24-Hour Bait & Ice): 1 Brockman St, Pemberton WA 6260 - Ph: (08) 9776 1122
Basecamp & Accom
- RAC Karri Valley Resort: 1159 Vasse Hwy, Pemberton WA 6260 - Ph: (08) 9776 2020
- Pemberton Caravan Park: 1 Pump Hill Rd, Pemberton WA 6260 - Ph: (08) 9776 1800
- Big Brook Cottages: 83 Big Brook Rd, Pemberton WA 6260 - Ph: (08) 9776 1123
Emergency & Safety
- State Emergency Service Pemberton (SES): Jamieson St, Pemberton WA 6260 - Ph: 132 500 / Emergency 000 - UHF Ch 40 / Local SES 132 500
