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What a thrill it is to be the first to leave your footprints across the paddocks on the way to the river to catch that first wild trout of the morning.
Donnelly Lakes is one of the few places in WA where you can actually fish for trout stocked in a private lake as well as wild trout in the Donnelly River. Fishing in the Donnelly River is allowed all year round with a fishing licence.
Fishing in the lake
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 The two-hectare main lake is regularly stocked with plate-sized trout for guests to fish. We have loads of happy fisher folk!
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It seems to us that the trout like a varied diet with bacon rind being the latest find that is proving a successful bait . Otherwise you could try semi-mature cheese, bread or corn.
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The main lake is ideal for fly-fishing with four jetties and an embankment to fish from. Catch and release is encouraged, however you may keep your trout for a cost of $6 each. The fishing is exclusive to house guests.
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When handling a trout you wish to release, please ensure that your hands are wet or you will damage their skin.
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Spin or fly fishing gear may be hired for $10 including tackle box and bait (can of corn) for the length of your stay.
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There is easy access to the other lakes and river where guests can fish for no charge.
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We regularly stock our lake with pan-sized Rainbow Trout.
Fishing in the Donnelly River
A trout caught recently in the Barlee Brook.
- The main lake interconnects with three other lakes on the property for seven months of the year forming a spectacular waterway. This flows into the Donnelly River, which runs for a kilometre along the border of the property.
Fishing on the floodplains in early September |
The pool where the Barlee Brook runs into the Donnelly River is midway along the border of the property and is renowned as one of the best waterholes in the south west for trout fishing.
This is the pool where a previous state record rainbow trout was caught. A fishing licence is required for the river.
Tips on catching a Donnelly Lakes Trout
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The best time to catch trout is between 7am and 9am in the cooler months. In summer a much earlier start is recommended. Of course there are evening rises, but trout are cold-water fish and feed better out of the bright sun (a cloudy day, for example, will fish better than a bright day.)
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Lures are effective because they stir up the trout's hunting instinct, the darker lures will catch trout any time if the day. Wet flies work too.
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The best bait is bread which may be squeezed onto the hook (about the size of a pea), canned sweet-corn kernels singly on the hook or semi mature cheese is also known to work.
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Most trout are caught from our jetties both by lure and bait.
The bigger fish or even a wild Brown Trout may be caught with lures or a fly from the canoe in the narrow part of the lake and cast towards the banks under the snags.
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In all types of trout fishing, GO QUIETLY, wear dark clothing and don't move too suddenly, or the trout will see you first and disappear!!!
Fishing in the Area
Donnelly Lakes is a great place to base yourself fishing-wise, as the Warren River and Lefroy Brook in Pemberton is only thirty minutes' drive away. Half an hour the other way is the Blackwood River in Nannup, as well as other nearby fishing spots like St Johns Brook, the Barlee Brook and Carlotta Brook.
Exploring the pristine Donnelly River
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 A great fun activity when next you stay with us , if you have access to a power boat, is to go from the boat ramp at the Landing, some 16km south of here to the mouth of the Donnelly River.
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Here you will experience the beautiful beaches of the Southern Ocean and see the squatters shacks in the inlet. As this area is only accessible by boat all the material for these'shacks' has been carted here by boat. The Donnelly River is one of the most pristine rivers in Western Australia as it runs though very few farmlands. The river isn’t tidal for most of the year, as the sand bar is closed until the fresh water from upstream opens it up.
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Donnelly River Cruises leaves daily at 9 a.m. from the Landing which is 10km south of Donnelly Lakes, offering a sensational trip. You may fish for tailor and salmon on the beach at the river mouth. This is not a safe swimming beach because of the rips. This pristine beach is only accessible by boat and is fabulous for a picnic. The river holds a variety of fish including brown trout, cobbler, yellow eye pitch and bream. There is room for water skiing in the estuary.
- A fresh water fishing license is required to fish the river. These may be obtained from your local post office for $15 a year.
- Marroning is available in the Donnelly River in season but we ask guests not to marron from our lakes.
Local Guides
2 trout
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped spring onions
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
2 tablespoons lemon juice and grated rind from 1 lemon
2 tablespoons honey
Melt half butter and fry fish until cooked on moderate heat - preferably in Teflon frypan.
Remove from pan and keep warm.
Melt remainder of butter in pan and sauté spring onions.
Add almonds and lightly brown.
Add lemon, rind and honey. Stir until it thickens.
Pour over cooked trout.
Enjoy with glass of Donnelly River Sauvignon Blanc.
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