Fishing Waroona Dam
Anglers targeting freshwater species in Waroona Dam must hold a valid DPIRD South-West Freshwater Angling Licence. Redfin Perch are a declared noxious pest in WA, meaning caught redfin must never be returned alive to the dam and must be humanely euthanized. Waroona 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.
Land-based anglers discover productive casting spots along the earthen dam wall, shaded forest bays, and the Lake Navarino foreshore. Casting small 5g to 10g metal spinners, soft plastic grubs, or flies into deep timber pockets produces fast action on Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Shaded clay banks near fallen trees yield bucketfuls of Redfin Perch for shore casters using garden worms or micro-jigs.
Boating fishers launching from bank access areas cover wide stretches of open water for trolling and casting. Trolling small deep-diving hardbody lures or winged spinners behind kayaks or ski boats accounts for trophy Brown Trout exceeding 2 kilograms. Powerboats and jet skis are permitted on Lake Navarino, requiring ski craft to maintain safe distances from shoreline casters.
Landbased
- LAKE NAVARINO DAM WALL: Elevated earthen structure offering deep-water casting for Rainbow Trout and Redfin. Cast 7g 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.
- NAVARINO HOLIDAY PARK FORESHORE: Shaded clay bank area providing comfortable shore access for family anglers targeting Redfin and Trout. Float-fish live garden worms 1 metre below a foam float near submerged timber. Early morning calm periods offer optimal water clarity.
- DRAKES BROOK INFLOW CREEK: Shaded river inlet entering the eastern arm of the dam, providing pristine trout habitat during spring runoff. Work small floating hardbody minnows or soft plastic grubs through moving water pockets. Stealthy approaches are necessary to avoid spooking wary trout in shallow creek mouths.
- SOUTHERN TIMBERED COVES: Secluded forest bays littered with drowned jarrah 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. Bring plenty of spare hooks as submerged branches can snag bottom rigs.
- NORTHERN SKI BEACH SHORELINE: Open clay bank area popular for evening casting after powerboat activity dies down at sunset. Cast long monofilament rigs baited with scrubworms into deep water clearings for large Brown Trout. Late afternoon periods yield active trout rises during insect hatches.
Offshore
- LAKE NAVARINO CENTRAL DEEP BASIN: Open water basin averaging 12 to 25 metres depth, ideal for trolling for trophy Brown and Rainbow Trout. Slow-troll small 5cm minnow lures or pink winged spinners 30 metres behind the boat at 2 to 3 knots. Use downriggers or leadcore line during warm summer months to reach cooler deep water.
- EASTERN TIMBERED ARM: Drowned forest channel holding high numbers of Redfin Perch and Marron. Drift slowly along submerged tree lines while vertically jigging small 5g metal blades or soft plastics near pylon roots. Electric trolling motors allow precise boat control around timber hazards.
- DRAKESBROOK SUBMERGED CHANNEL: Deep creek 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 snags.
- WESTERN SKI ZONE DEEP WATER: Wide deep water section designated for powerboats, offering excellent trolling windows at dawn before ski traffic begins. Run shallow-running minnows along weed lines on a light morning breeze. Keep a sharp lookout for floating timber logs.
- 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 kayaks or light tinnies using underwater spotlights to locate marron along shallow banks. Drop nets are strictly prohibited in Waroona Dam.
Hot Spots
- LAKE NAVARINO DAM WALL: Deep-water land-based platform delivering trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout.
- EASTERN TIMBERED ARM: Drowned forest cove holding dense schools of Redfin Perch and Marron.
- DRAKES BROOK INLET: Scenic river inflow offering top-tier spring trout casting on lures and flies.
- NAVARINO FORESHORE: Shaded bank area providing comfortable light-tackle family fishing for Redfin.
- CENTRAL DEEP BASIN: Open water trolling zone producing large Brown Trout on deep-running lures.
Local Bait Tips
- GARDEN EARTHWORMS: Dug from damp compost soil and rich garden loam in local Waroona 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 private 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
- Lake Navarino Bank Launch (Waroona Dam):
Located on the foreshore of Lake Navarino (Waroona Dam) off Navarino Drive, Waroona WA 6215. Managed by the Shire of Waroona and Water Corporation WA. Features an unsealed dirt and clay bank launching area allowing 4WD vehicles and trailers to launch powerboats, ski boats, and kayaks directly into the impoundment. Note: There is no formal concrete boat ramp; boaters launch directly off flatter shoreline clay banks. Powerboats, jet skis, and water skiing are permitted in designated zones. Facilities include unsealed parking, nearby Lake Navarino Holiday Park, public restrooms, and picnic areas. Free public access.
- Drakesbrook Weir Canoe Launch (Waroona):
Located off Weir Road at Drakesbrook Weir, Waroona WA 6215. Managed by the Shire of Waroona. Features a gently sloping turf and sand foreshore launch area designed specifically for launching canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. REGULATORY NOTICE: Motorized powerboats (petrol) are strictly PROHIBITED on Drakesbrook Weir; only non-motorized paddlecraft and electric trolling motors are permitted. Facilities include sealed vehicle parking, public restrooms, swimming pontoon, shaded picnic tables, and barbecue amenities. Free public access.
Bait and Tackle
- Waroona Newsagency & Tackle: 61 South Western Hwy, Waroona WA 6215 - Ph: (08) 9733 1204
- Lake Navarino General Store & Tackle: 147 Navarino Dr, Waroona WA 6215 - Ph: (08) 9733 3000
- BP Waroona (24-Hour Bait & Ice): 120 South Western Hwy, Waroona WA 6215 - Ph: (08) 9733 1122
Basecamp & Accom
- Lake Navarino Holiday Park: 147 Navarino Dr, Waroona WA 6215 - Ph: (08) 9733 3000
- Spurwing Country Park: 221 Spurwing Rd, Waroona WA 6215 - Ph: (08) 9733 1154
- Waroona Caravan Park: 1 Rest St, Waroona WA 6215 - Ph: (08) 9733 1128
Emergency & Safety
- State Emergency Service Waroona (SES): Millar St, Waroona WA 6215 - Ph: 132 500 / Emergency 000 - UHF Ch 40 / Local SES 132 500
