Tucked away under the karri trees just outside town, the Pemberton Trout Hatchery has been part of our community’s story for nearly 100 years. If you’ve ever cast a line into Big Brook Dam, Lake Navarino (Waroona) or the Warren River, chances are the fish came from right here.

A Bit of Local History

A Century of Freshwater Heritage

The hatchery’s origins date back to 1927 when trout were introduced to Western Australia’s cooler inland waters for sport fishing and the first trout ponds were constructed just upstream from the Pemberton Pool. These original ponds were gravity-fed and cleverly designed to flow directly into the pool — meaning swimmers and fish once shared the same water source!

Some of these early ponds are still visible today and are now part of an interpretive trail that helps tell the story of trout production in WA. This was uncovered by members of the Southern Forests Freshwater Angling Club in 2023 with new signage directing walkers from the Pemberton Swimming Pool.

The hatchery, now located opposite the Pemberton Caravan Park is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

Each year, the hatchery produces tens of thousands of rainbow and brown trout, which are stocked across the South-West’s dams, rivers, and streams — including at popular fishing locations like Big Brook Dam, Waroona, and the Donnelly River. These stockings are part of a carefully managed program supported by Recfishwest and funded through freshwater fishing licence fees.

If you’ve got time, the full history is well worth a read. There’s a link to the book below.

📘 Read the hatchery history (PDF)

The Visitor Centre Connection

For years, the Pemberton Visitor Centre ran tours through the hatchery — and it was always a hit, especially with school groups and fishing fans. People loved seeing the trout up close, learning about the fish ‘tickler’ breeding process, and hearing stories from the team who care for the fish.

While public access to the hatchery is now limited, the Visitor Centre continues to play a key role in interpreting the hatchery’s legacy through signage and brochures, keeping the story alive for new generations of visitors.

More Than Just Fishing

The Pemberton Trout Hatchery is about more than just angling. It’s about connection — to nature, to tradition, and to the communities that have grown around these waterways. The trout raised here provide not only exciting fishing opportunities but also fuel regional tourism, local businesses, and the wellbeing of families who enjoy time spent outdoors.