Thousands expected to fish for WA marron

Western Australia's month-long marron season will begin this week with 14,000 recreational fishers expected to descend on dams and rivers for the small, freshwater crayfish.

Fisheries Minister Ken Baston says officers would be patrolling throughout the season, beginning on Friday, to ensure people are using the correct fishing gear and no traps.

The daily bag limit for open water is eight marron over the size of 80mm, while specific restrictions apply to several dams and rivers in the state.

Fines of up to $5000 apply for first offences, with illegal fishing gear carrying a $400 penalty.