Devon is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts, with its rich variety of lakes and rivers offering some of the best angling experiences in the UK. From the wild and wonderful Fernworthy Lake to the tranquil Kennick Lake, there is something for every fly fisher in Devon.
One of the most popular spots for fly fishing in Devon is the Dartmoor National Park, which boasts a range of rivers and lakes that are home to a variety of fish species. The River Dart, for example, is a favourite among anglers for its abundant brown trout, while Burrator Reservoir is known for its large population of rainbow trout. With so many options to choose from, it’s no wonder that Devon is considered one of the top destinations for fly fishing in the UK.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to try your hand at fly fishing, Devon’s lakes and rivers offer a wealth of opportunities for a memorable fishing trip. So pack your gear and head to Devon for a chance to catch some of the finest fish in the UK.
Fly Fishing in Devon
Devon is a fantastic location for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its picturesque surroundings, Devon is home to some of the best fly fishing lakes and rivers in the UK. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, there are plenty of options available for you to explore.
Lakes
Devon has a range of lakes that offer excellent fly fishing opportunities. Here are some of the most popular ones:
| Lake | Location | Fish Species |
|---|---|---|
| Burrator | Dartmoor | Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout |
| Siblyback | Cornwall | Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout |
| Fernworthy | Chagford | Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout |
| Kennick | Chagford | Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout |
Rivers
Devon is also home to some of the best fly fishing rivers in the UK. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- River Teign
- River Dart
- River Taw
- River Exe
These rivers offer excellent fly fishing opportunities for brown trout, sea trout, and salmon.
Guided Tours
If you are new to fly fishing or want to explore the best spots in Devon, there are plenty of guided tours available. These tours are led by experienced guides who know the best spots and techniques to catch fish. Some of the most popular guided tours in Devon include:
- Fly Fishing Devon
- Devon School of Fly Fishing
- Dartmoor Fly Fishing
Regulations
It is important to note that there are regulations in place for fly fishing in Devon. These regulations vary depending on the location and the species of fish you are targeting. Make sure to check the regulations before you start fishing to avoid any fines or penalties.
In conclusion, Devon is a fantastic location for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its range of lakes and rivers and guided tours available, there are plenty of options for both beginners and experienced anglers. Just make sure to check the regulations before you start fishing to avoid any issues.
Top Lakes for Fly Fishing in Devon
When it comes to fly fishing, Devon is a dream destination for anglers. With its picturesque lakes and rivers, it’s no wonder why Devon is a top spot for fly fishing enthusiasts. In this section, we will highlight some of the top lakes for fly fishing in Devon.
Roadford Lake
Roadford Lake is a 730-acre lake located on the edge of Dartmoor. This lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and salmon. It’s a great location for both novice and experienced anglers.
The lake is stocked regularly, and fishing is allowed from boats or the shore. The lake also has several fishing platforms that are accessible to disabled anglers. Fishing permits are available on-site, and there are also fishing guides available for hire.
The lake has a caravan park on the banks in one location so you can take a holiday and fish!
Kennick Lake – Excellent for trout fishing
Kennick Lake is a 50-acre lake located in the Teign Valley. This lake is stocked with brown and rainbow trout and offers excellent fly fishing opportunities. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery and is a great location for a day out with family or friends.
Fishing is allowed from the shore or from boats, and there are several fishing platforms available for disabled anglers. Fishing permits are available on-site, and there are also fishing guides available for hire.
Burrator Reservoir
Burrator Reservoir is a 150-acre lake located on the edge of Dartmoor. This lake is stocked with brown trout and is known for its challenging fishing conditions. It’s a great location for experienced anglers who are looking for a challenge.
Fishing is allowed from the shore or from boats, and there are several fishing platforms available for disabled anglers. Fishing permits are available on-site, and there are also fishing guides available for hire.
Access points
Top Rivers for Fly Fishing in Devon
Devon is known for its diverse fishing opportunities, including fly fishing on its many rivers. Here are some of the top rivers for fly fishing in Devon.
River Exe
The River Exe is a popular spot for fly fishing, with its clear waters and abundance of trout. It flows through the heart of Devon, offering excellent fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The river is home to brown trout, sea trout, and salmon, making it a great location for fly fishing enthusiasts.
Access points to fish the Exe
- Exmoor: The River Exe originates on Exmoor National Park, and the upper reaches of the river in this area are known for salmon and trout fishing. Popular fishing locations include Simonsbath and the Barle River, which is one of the Exe’s tributaries.
- Dulverton: The town of Dulverton is a popular starting point for anglers looking to fish the Exe. It’s an excellent base for exploring the river and offers opportunities for salmon and trout fishing.
- Tiverton: Tiverton is a market town through which the River Exe flows. Anglers can find various fishing spots in and around Tiverton, with opportunities for coarse fishing and trout fishing.
- Exeter: As the River Exe flows through the city of Exeter, you can find fishing opportunities within the city limits. Coarse fishing is common in this area, and there are often fishing clubs and associations that manage sections of the river.
- Exmouth: The River Exe eventually reaches the sea at Exmouth. Here, anglers can enjoy sea fishing and may catch species such as bass and mullet.
River Dart
The River Dart is a beautiful and challenging river, with its fast-flowing waters and rocky terrain. It is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, sea trout, and salmon. Fly fishing on the River Dart is a popular activity, with many anglers taking advantage of its stunning scenery and excellent fishing opportunities.
Access points
- Dartmoor National Park: The upper reaches of the River Dart flow through Dartmoor National Park. This area provides excellent opportunities for trout and salmon fishing. Look for access points and fishing beats within the park, and consider contacting local fishing clubs for permits and information.
- Ashburton: The town of Ashburton is located along the River Dart, and you can find fishing opportunities in this area. The river here provides a mix of trout and coarse fishing.
- Totnes: As the River Dart flows through Totnes, there may be fishing opportunities in and around the town. It’s advisable to check local fishing regulations and access points.
- Buckfastleigh: This town is another location where you can explore fishing on the River Dart. Be sure to inquire about permits and access areas.
- Tuckenhay: The lower reaches of the River Dart near Tuckenhay provide opportunities for sea trout and salmon fishing, particularly closer to the estuary.
- Dartmouth: The River Dart eventually reaches the sea at Dartmouth. Anglers can enjoy sea fishing here and may catch species like bass and mullet.
River Tamar
The River Tamar is a great location for fly fishing, with its clear waters and abundance of fish. It is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, sea trout, and salmon. The river is also known for its stunning scenery, with many anglers enjoying the beautiful views as they fish.
When fly fishing on any of these rivers, it’s important to have the right gear and equipment. This includes a good quality fly rod, reel, and line, as well as a selection of flies and other accessories. It’s also important to have the appropriate fishing licence, which can be obtained from the Environment Agency.
Overall, fly fishing on the rivers of Devon is a popular and rewarding activity, offering anglers the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and catch a variety of fish species.
Access points to fish the Tamar
- Tavistock: The town of Tavistock is situated along the River Tamar, and there are fishing opportunities in this area. Tavistock is known for its salmon and sea trout fishing.
- Gunnislake: Gunnislake is another town located along the River Tamar in Devon. It provides access to the river for anglers interested in fishing for salmon and sea trout.
- Horrabridge: Horrabridge is located slightly downstream from Tavistock and offers fishing access to the River Tamar. Anglers can explore this section of the river for various fish species.
- Bere Alston: The village of Bere Alston is situated near the confluence of the River Tamar and the River Tavy. Fishing opportunities for salmon, sea trout, and brown trout can be found in this area.
- Tamerton Foliot: Tamerton Foliot is located closer to Plymouth and provides access to the lower reaches of the River Tamar. Sea fishing opportunities are more common in this part of the river, particularly as it nears the estuary.
- Plymouth: The River Tamar eventually flows into Plymouth Sound, where sea fishing is popular. Anglers can target various sea species in this area.
Learning and Improving Fly Fishing Skills in Devon
Here in Devon, we have some of the best rivers and lakes for fly fishing in the UK. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and improve your skills.
Fly Fishing Tuition and Guiding
If you’re new to fly fishing, or you want to improve your technique, there are several fly fishing tuition and guiding services available in Devon. These services offer one-to-one or group lessons, covering everything from the basics of casting to advanced techniques for catching different types of fish.
Devon Fly Fisher (source) is another great option for fly fishing tuition and guiding. They offer lessons covering the basics of safety, rod action, reels, lines, leaders, knots, fly selection, and watercraft. Once you’re confident in your casting, they can take you to the rivers for the next stage of your development.
Fly Fishing Courses
If you’re looking for a more structured approach to learning fly fishing, there are several courses available in Devon. These courses cover everything from the basics of fly fishing to advanced techniques for catching different types of fish.
Devon County Fly Fishing (source) offers a range of courses tailored to your specific requirements. They cover everything from half-day courses for beginners to full-day courses for experienced anglers.
Fly Fishing Clubs
Joining a fly fishing club is a great way to meet other anglers, learn new techniques, and improve your skills. There are several fly fishing clubs in Devon, catering to anglers of all levels.
The South West Lakes Trust (source) manages several lakes in Devon and Cornwall and has several fly fishing clubs affiliated with them. These clubs offer a range of benefits, including discounted fishing permits, access to club competitions, and social events.
In summary, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and improve your fly fishing skills in Devon. From tuition and guiding services to courses and clubs, there’s something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fly fishing lakes in Devon?
Devon is home to many great fly fishing lakes, but some of the best ones include Roadford Lake, Kennick Reservoir, and Burrator Reservoir. These lakes offer a variety of fish species to catch, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and even pike.
Where can I find trout fishing spots in Devon and Cornwall?
Devon and Cornwall have many great trout fishing spots, including the River Taw, the River Torridge, and the River Camel. These rivers are known for their brown trout and sea trout populations, and offer a great fly fishing experience.
What are some recommended fly fishing spots in North Devon?
North Devon is home to many great fly fishing spots, including the River Lyn, the River Mole, and the River Taw. These rivers offer a variety of fish species to catch, including brown trout, sea trout, and salmon.
Are there any good fly fishing hotels in Devon?
Yes, there are many great fly fishing hotels in Devon. Some of the best ones include the Arundell Arms Hotel, the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel, and the Two Bridges Hotel. These hotels offer great accommodations and easy access to some of the best fly fishing spots in the area.
Can you fish for trout in Dartmoor rivers?
Yes, you can fish for trout in Dartmoor rivers. Some of the best rivers for trout fishing in Dartmoor include the River Teign, the River Dart, and the River Tavy. These rivers offer a great fly fishing experience and are known for their brown trout populations.
What are some rivers in the UK that have good trout fishing opportunities?
The UK is home to many great trout fishing rivers, including the River Test, the River Itchen, and the River Wye. These rivers offer a variety of fish species to catch, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling.