Fishing in Wellington National Park

Wellington National Park sits in the jarrah forest country of Western Australia's south west, about two and a half hours from Perth.

The park covers roughly 17,000 hectares of ancient jarrah, marri and blackbutt forest, and its fishing centres almost entirely on moving freshwater — the Collie River and the impoundment that backs up behind Wellington Dam.

The Collie River is the park's spine. It cuts through the Collie River Valley, carving gorges and pools that draw anglers as well as swimmers and paddlers.

The river is accessible from the campgrounds: Honeymoon Pool sits right on the bank, and Potters Gorge gives access to the gorge country upstream.

Wellington Dam itself creates one of the larger bodies of freshwater in Western Australia, and the impoundment is suited to fishing from a kayak or small boat. Redfin perch are prolific in the dam, and trout are also present.

One seasonal rule applies across most of the park's waters: line fishing for redfin perch, trout and cobbler is closed from 1 July through 31 August. Some exceptions apply, so check current conditions with the park before you plan a winter trip.

Western Australia's standard state fishing licence requirements apply; there is no separate park fishing permit on top of that.

The park is not a destination you visit for solitude from other anglers — the campgrounds are popular and the dam draws visitors year-round. Spring brings higher flows in the river and is worth timing if you want the Collie running well.

The fishing here is woven into a broader experience of the valley: you are as likely to be sharing a pool with swimmers as you are to have it to yourself. Come with that in mind, and the place rewards you honestly.