This limited season is an important management measure to ensure this highly valued fishery remains sustainable, so it’s important to watch the clock and only start fishing for marron from midday next Monday, follow the rules and have the correct fishing gear.
To fish for this freshwater favourite, which is a species unique to Western Australia, a recreational marron licence is required. More than 16,400 fishers took out the $50 licence last year, which is available online on the Department of Transport’s DotDirect website.
Marron can be found in accessible and astoundingly beautiful locations in the South-West. Many recreational fishers make marron season an annual getaway to their favourite spot, often sticking with a method of catching these tasty crustaceans that suits them, using drop nets, a scoop, or a snare. Given there are some snare-only waters, it’s handy to have a copy of the latest 2024 Marron Recreational fishing guide while fishing. It covers what fishers need to know and its available online at rec licence_marron.pdf (fish.wa.gov.au).
Before heading out to fish for marron, be sure you know which waters are open and closed to fishing, check your gear is compliant and be aware of bag, size, and possession limits.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Community Education Officers will be at key locations to help “marroners” enjoy their fishing experience. Marron season is also closely watched by our Fisheries and Marine Officers, looking out for anyone who isn’t following the rules.
Should fishers come across someone who’s not doing the right thing and using illegal traps we urge them not to confront them, but take note of what they’ve seen and call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or report it via the online form on Crimestoppers.
Fishers who catch any tagged marron are asked to contribute to DPIRD’s ongoing research by providing us some details. Legal-sized tagged marron can be kept, but please let researchers know where the tagged marron was caught, the date, tag number and, if possible, take a photo, then send it and the details to marcus.newman@dpird.wa.gov.au.
DPIRD Fisheries Management Officer Aaron Moses said the short season and rules to maintain the fishery were vital to ensuring a unique marron experience every year.
“It’s one of the most tightly managed recreational fisheries in the world, not only to manage the fishing pressure but also to account for the changes in the environment over time and the reduced rainfall and run-off into rivers and dams in WA’s South,” Mr Moses said.
“Even though it’s a limited season, recreational fishers are lucky to have the opportunity to catch marron in the wild, along tree-lined rivers, or from popular irrigation dams and enjoy the unique experience this sustainably managed fishery offers.”
