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Home » UK Fly Fishing Lakes & Rivers: The Best Spots for Anglers » Fly Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Isle of Wight: A Comprehensive Guide

Fly Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Isle of Wight: A Comprehensive Guide

Fly fishing in the Isle of Wight is a popular activity for both locals and tourists alike. With its scenic lakes and rivers, the Isle of Wight offers a unique experience for fly fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Isle of Wight has something to offer everyone.

One of the most popular destinations for fly fishing in the Isle of Wight is Marvel Fisheries. Nestled in the Medina Valley south of Newport, this fishery boasts some of the biggest and best stillwater fly fishing lakes on the island. Visitors have rated the self-catering accommodation at Marvel Fisheries with five stars, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing fishing getaway.

Another popular fly fishing destination in the Isle of Wight is Island Fish Farm. Situated one mile off the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight between the villages of Shorwell and Brighstone, Island Fish Farm is an angling complex and trout farm that also offers bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation. With four separate waters available for fishing, including a dedicated fly fishing lake for rainbow trout, Island Fish Farm is a great choice for those looking for a variety of fishing experiences.

Fly Fishing Lakes On The Isle of Wight

When it comes to fly fishing in Isle of Wight, there are numerous lakes to choose from. Here are some of the top fly fishing lakes in the area:

Lake Name Location Fish Species
Marvel Fisheries Medina Valley, South of Newport Carp, Coarse Fish
Island Fish Farm Shorwell and Brightstone Trout, Carp
Meadow Lakes Brighstone Rainbow Trout, Carp

Marvel Fisheries is the largest and most popular stillwater fly fishing lake in Isle of Wight. The lake is brimming with carp and other coarse fish, making it an excellent spot for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish. The lake is nestled in the beautiful scenery of the Medina Valley, providing a serene and relaxing environment for fishing.

Island Fish Farm is another popular fly fishing lake in the area. The lake is situated between the villages of Shorwell and Brightstone and comprises four separate waters. The lake is not only a great spot for fly fishing, but it also offers bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation for visitors.

Meadow Lakes is a smaller lake located in Brighstone. The lake is dedicated to fly fishing for rainbow trout, and it also offers excellent carp fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch and release, but the lake encourages visitors to take their catch by offering a reduced ticket price with the fish charged for by their weight.

Overall, fly fishing in Isle of Wight’s lakes is an excellent way to spend a day in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, there’s a lake in Isle of Wight that’s perfect for you.

Fly Fishing in Rivers

When it comes to fly fishing in Isle of Wight, rivers offer a unique and exciting experience. There are several rivers in Isle of Wight where you can enjoy fly fishing, such as the Eastern Yar, Newtown Creek, and Lukely Brook.

The Eastern Yar is a popular river for fly fishing, offering a wide variety of species including roach, dace, bream, chub, tench, carp, perch, and eels. This small river may surprise you with its large specimens, such as bream over 6lb, tench over 4lb, and double-figure carp. The IWFAA controls three stretches of the Eastern Yar, and permits are required to fish here.

Newtown Creek is another popular river for fly fishing, located on the northwest coast of the Isle of Wight. This tidal estuary is home to a variety of fish species, including mullet, bass, flounder, and sea trout. Fly fishing for sea trout in Newtown Creek can be particularly exciting, especially during the summer months.

Lukely Brook is a small stream that flows into the River Medina, offering a peaceful and secluded fly fishing experience. This stream is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, sea trout, and salmon. Fly fishing for brown trout in Lukely Brook can be particularly rewarding, especially during the early morning or late evening.

When fly fishing in rivers, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and to follow the rules and regulations set by local authorities. Always obtain the necessary permits and permissions before fishing, and be sure to release any fish that you do not intend to keep. With a little patience and skill, fly fishing in Isle of Wight rivers can be a truly rewarding experience.

Exploring Isle of Wight

When it comes to fly fishing, Isle of Wight has plenty to offer. With its stunning scenery and diverse waterways, it’s no wonder that anglers from all over the world come to fish here. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best places to fly fish in Isle of Wight.

Stillwater Fly Fishing Lakes

Isle of Wight has several stillwater fly fishing lakes that offer a great fishing experience. Marvel Fisheries is one of the biggest and best stillwater fly fishing lakes on the island. Here, you can fish for trout, carp, and other species. Blackwater Lake, one of the Marvel Fisheries’ lakes, is now operated as a mixed fishery, so you can use both fly fishing and coarse fishing techniques.

Rivers

Isle of Wight has several rivers that are home to a variety of fish species. The Eastern Yar is one of the most popular rivers for fly fishing. It’s controlled by the IWFAA and contains roach, dace, bream, chub, tench, carp, perch, and eels. The river is relatively small, but you can still catch some surprisingly large specimens, such as bream of over 6lb, tench of over 4lb, and double-figure carp.

Coastal Fishing

Isle of Wight’s 64 miles of coastline provides some of the best fishing in the country. You can catch almost all the sea and freshwater fish that can be found in UK waters. The Island’s record lists include a wide variety of species, including bass, mullet, mackerel, and more. When it comes to coastal fishing, you can fish from the shore or a boat.

Trout Farms

Isle of Wight has several trout farms that offer a unique fishing experience. Island Fish Farm is an angling complex and trout farm that also offers bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation. This fishery comprises four separate waters, and you can fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, and blue trout.

Overall, Isle of Wight has plenty of options for fly fishing enthusiasts. Whether you prefer stillwater or rivers, coastal or trout farms, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your fishing gear and come explore the beautiful waterways of Isle of Wight.

Lakes in Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight is a great destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. There are several amazing lakes across the island that offer great fishing experiences. In this section, we will discuss some of the most popular lakes in Isle of Wight.

St. Catherine’s Oratory

St. Catherine’s Oratory is a beautiful lake located on the southern coast of the island. This lake is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers a great fishing experience. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish including carp, bream, roach, and tench. The lake is also home to some large pike, which can make for an exciting catch.

Bembridge Windmill

Bembridge Windmill is another great lake for fly fishing in Isle of Wight. This lake is located on the eastern side of the island and is known for its clear water and abundance of fish. The lake is stocked with carp, roach, bream, and tench, making it a great spot for anglers of all levels. The lake is also home to some large pike, which can provide a thrilling catch.

Yarmouth Castle

Yarmouth Castle is a historic castle located on the western side of the island. The castle is surrounded by a moat, which is home to some great fishing opportunities. The moat is stocked with carp, bream, roach, and tench, making it a great spot for anglers of all levels. The castle itself is also a great attraction for visitors, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich history.

Overall, Isle of Wight is a great destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of lakes, the island offers a great fishing experience for anglers of all levels.

Rivers in Isle of Wight

When it comes to fly fishing, Isle of Wight has some of the most beautiful rivers that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Here are some of the most popular rivers in Isle of Wight for fly fishing:

River Yar

The River Yar is a beautiful chalk stream that flows through the western part of the Isle of Wight. It offers excellent fly fishing opportunities for brown trout and grayling. The river is well-known for its crystal clear waters and the abundance of aquatic insects, which makes it an ideal spot for dry fly fishing. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including water voles, otters, and kingfishers.

River Medina

The River Medina is the largest river on the Isle of Wight and is a popular spot for fly fishing. It flows through the heart of the island and offers excellent fishing opportunities for sea trout, brown trout, and grayling. The river has a mix of fast and slow-moving water, which makes it an ideal spot for both nymph and dry fly fishing. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including herons, egrets, and swans.

Eastern Yar

The Eastern Yar is a small river that flows through the eastern part of the Isle of Wight. It offers excellent fly fishing opportunities for brown trout, grayling, and sea trout. The river is well-known for its clear waters and the abundance of aquatic insects, which makes it an ideal spot for dry fly fishing. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including water voles, otters, and kingfishers.

Overall, Isle of Wight has some of the best rivers for fly fishing in the UK. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, these rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities and are well worth a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fly fishing spots in Isle of Wight for trout?

Isle of Wight has several fly fishing spots that are ideal for trout. Some of the best spots include Blackwater Lake, Island Fish Farm, and Whiteoak Fishing. These locations offer excellent opportunities for fly fishing enthusiasts to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and other species.

What are the most common fish species found in the rivers and lakes of Isle of Wight?

The rivers and lakes of Isle of Wight are home to a variety of fish species, including trout, carp, roach, dace, bream, chub, tench, perch, and eels. The size and weight of these fish vary depending on the location and season.

Are there any guided fly fishing tours available in Isle of Wight?

Yes, there are guided fly fishing tours available in Isle of Wight. These tours are offered by experienced guides who know the best spots for fly fishing and can provide valuable tips and advice. Some of the popular guided tours include Blackwater Trout Fishery and Island Fish Farm.

What are the regulations for fly fishing in Isle of Wight’s lakes and rivers?

Fly fishing in Isle of Wight’s lakes and rivers is subject to certain regulations. Anglers are required to have a valid fishing license, which can be obtained from the Environment Agency. Additionally, there are rules regarding the size and number of fish that can be caught, as well as the use of certain types of bait and equipment. It is important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before embarking on a fly fishing trip.

What is the best time of year for fly fishing in Isle of Wight?

The best time of year for fly fishing in Isle of Wight depends on the species of fish you are targeting. Generally, the spring and summer months are ideal for trout fishing, while autumn and winter are better for coarse fishing. It is also important to consider the weather conditions and water temperature when planning a fly fishing trip.

Can you recommend any fly fishing equipment shops in Isle of Wight?

Isle of Wight has several fly fishing equipment shops that offer a wide range of gear and equipment for anglers. Some of the popular shops include Wight Fishing, Island Angler, and The Anglers Den. These shops offer everything from fly rods and reels to waders and flies, and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful in helping you choose the right equipment for your needs.