14 Nov 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report   November 2025

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South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report

November 2025

The Trust’s Brown Trout fisheries have now closed for the 2025 season, while the Rainbow waters will stay open until the end of the year – check the South West Lakes Trust website for current ticket price offers. The drop in temperatures and the recent winds and rains have meant that water temperatures continue to fall, while levels continue to rise, except for at Kennick, where South West Water has lowered the levels for operational reasons.

Fishing:

Kennick – The level here is now down to 15% capacity, which means that there are a lot of newly exposed muddy banks – anglers should check for the latest information regarding boat availability and any bank closures (due to soft mud). The East Bank, The Lawns, Kennick Bay and Boat Bay have continued to produce some good sport, with either floating, sink-tip lines and long leaders, or intermediate lines with a slow retrieve producing the best results. Anglers were averaging 1.6 fish per visit. Small Black Buzzers, Coch-y-bondhus, Damsels and Diawl Bachs have all caught well, as have Silver Butchers, Whiskey Flies, Cats Whiskers, Vivas, Yellow Blobs and Fry Imitations.

Siblyback – The sport really picked up this month at Siblyback, with anglers reporting catch averages of 3.4 fish per visit. The favoured tactic was a floating line fished with a medium or slow retrieve. Rainbows rose to Foam Daddies and Hopper patterns, with sub-surface feeders taking Black Buzzers, sunk Daddies, Orange Fritz Blobs, Kennick Killers and Black and Red Cormorants. The best locations included West Bank, Stocky Bay, Crylla, The Meadows and The Stones. Water levels remained at around 38% capacity throughout the month.

Burrator – The excellent fishing at Burrator continued throughout the month, with anglers averaging 2.7 fish per visit. Productive locations included Discovery Bay, Longstone, Pig Trough, Back Bay and Narrator; fishing a sub-surface pattern with a slow retrieve on a floating, sink-tip, or intermediate line proved to be the most successful tactic. A selection of nymph patterns (Damsels, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs and Montanas) as well as lures (Viva, Orange Streamer, Baby Doll, Yellow Blob, Cats Whisker and Tadpole) all caught fish. The level is at 53% capacity at the time of writing.

Stithians – Anglers averaged 1.9 fish per visit over the month, with the best of the fishing to be found at Yellowort, Pub Bay, Mossops, Golden Lion Point and Sailing Club Banks. Floating line tactics proved to be the most productive, with most fish feeding within a foot of the surface. Popular patterns included dry Foam Daddies, Deer Hair Sedge patterns and Dry Grizzle Mink, or sub-surface Hares Ears, Black Spiders, Whiskey Flies, Orange Muglers and Orange Nomads. The water level remained at around 46% throughout the month.

 

 

 

14 Nov 2025

Weekly ANGLING REPORT – November 13th 2025

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Devon’s Largest Carp

Clint Miller has caught what is believed to be Devon’s largest carp from Angler’s Paradise’s Nirvana Syndicate. The carp known as Silverback weighed an impressive 59lb 2oz and is Clint’s second carp of over 50lb from the lake. A fishery source says, “As a fishery, we are very proud of what we are achieving across the whole site. The project will always be ongoing, but we will continue to strive to be one of the best fisheries in the country.

2026 will be another big year for Anglers Paradise, with plans to develop more lakes to offer outstanding fishing for all. The Nirvana Syndicate is a small piece of a big puzzle, it is meeting all expectations. We expect two 60s by the end of next year. It really is the lake of dreams!
Anglers Paradise
            The exceptionally mild weather so far this Autumn has resulted in ideal conditions for carp anglers across the region with good fish banked from many venues. At this time of year carp are often at their peak weight as they feed hard prior to the onset of colder weather. In the past fifty years the waters containing carp over thirty pounds have expanded with anglers expectations ever higher. The higher weights of carp is probably a result of a combination of a warmer climate, anglers quality baits and selective breeding. It will be fascinating to follow the growth rate of carp across the decades to see if this trend continues.

 

As we move closer to Christmas the angling competition fixture list starts to get congested as clubs and organisations hold their annual festive events. In the coming weeks Flounder anglers will be vying for success in the Taw and Torridge Estuaries. On November 30th The BBT Dan Mile Redmore Memorial Competition offers a wide selection of prizes with proceeds from the competition going to Children’s Hospice South West. Entry forms are available at Barnstaple Bait and Tackle.

Bideford Angling Club hold their popular Christmas Flounder Competition on December 14th.

Martin Turner won Bideford Angling Clubs Monthly Coarse Match at their home venue Tarka Swims with 29lb 12oz. Antony Bentley was runner up with 29lb 8oz and Nathan Underwood third with 25lb.

Bulldog Fishery host their latest popular Trout Fishing Competition on November 30th  and event that will undoubtedly see good numbers of large trout caught by competitors.

Barnstaple and District Angling Club hold their AGM at the Ebberly Arms on Tuesday, November 18th. The Westcountry Rivers Trust are giving a presentation to members. The club has seen a significant upturn in recent seasons with a real focus on the value of their waters both game and coarse along with the natural world that thrives within.

 

9 Nov 2025

DEVONS BIGGEST CARP CAUGHT AT RECORD WEIGHT

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Clint Miller said he couldn’t believe his luck after landing The Silverback at a whopping 59lb 2oz! His second 50 from The Nirvana Syndicate in a month!

Syndicate members reeled in and gathered round to witness the immense, record breaking fish as the realisation set in for Clint that he had just caught Devon’s biggest ever Carp!
As a fishery, we are very proud of what we are achieving across the whole site. The project will always be ongoing, but we will continue to strive to be one of the best fisheries in the country.
2026 will be another big year for Anglers Paradise, with plans to develop more lakes to offer outstanding fishing for all.
The Nirvana Syndicate is a small piece of a big puzzle, it is meeting all expectations. We expect two 60s by the end of next year. It really is the lake of dreams!

Huge congratulations to Clint for his new PB and record breaking fish. What an achievement!

Anglers Paradise
6 Nov 2025

Fly Fishing Competition – Sunday 30th November

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🎣 Fly Fishing Competition – Sunday 30th November 🎣

Join us for a great day on the water, friendly competition, and a chance to hook into some of our specimen fish specially stocked for the occasion!
Entry includes:
🥓 Breakfast: Bacon roll & coffee on arrival
🎣 6 Fish Limit – test your skills and land your best catch
🍔 Lunch: Burger & chips
🥤 Refreshments available throughout the day
🏆 Prizes:
1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes to be won. Ranging from the worth of £25 – £100!

Message us direct for further details.  [email protected]

TEL- 07709 235792

🎣

6 Nov 2025

ANGLING REPORT – November 6th, 2025

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ANGLING REPORT

Flounder Season in full swing

The flounder season is in full swing with regular competitions being held in the estuary. Triple Hook Clubs South West Water Open was won by Robbie Hancock with a flounder of 1lb 71/2oz. Runner up was Steve Baker with a flounder of 1lb 67/8oz and Garry Vaughan third with a flounder of 1lb 61/4oz. Triple Hook Clubs Open last Sunday was won by Paul Ackland with a fine flounder of 1lb 111/4oz. Runner up was Mario Manley with a flounder of 1lb 63/8oz, third Mark Hancock was third with a flounder of 1lb 51/2oz and Kevin Hancock forth with a flounder of 1lb 41/2oz.

( Above) Paul Ackland won Bideford Angling Clubs monthly sea rover with a flounder scaling 1lb 121/2oz.

The estuary is also producing good numbers of bass with many being tempted with baits intended for flounder. Increased rainfall and colder weather is perhaps needed to result in increased catches of the humble flounder that provide easy fishing close to the town. One of the beauties of flounder fishing is that it can be enjoyed by anglers of all ages and abilities.

BASS FISHING

            Jamie Steward has secured victory in Combe Martin SAC’s Lure Fishing League sponsored by High Street Tackle. The event ran from April 1st until October 31st with club members registering their top five lure caught bass. Jamie registered five bass for 354cm with Mark Drewer runner up with five bass for 351cm. The longest bass of 77cm was caught by Mark Drewer.

MATCH FISHING

Gary McClair won this year’s Stafford Moor November Silvers Festival with 31lb from Woodpecker Lake.

Bideford and District Angling Clubs team of fifteen travelled to Bude Canal for the second leg of their interclub match with Bude Angling Club. The match was a close run affair with Bude winning with 234 points to Bideford’s 230 points. Bideford secured overall victory carrying a thirty point advantage from the first heat held on their home water.

North Devon Match Group fished their latest Match at Oaktree Fishery where Paul Morris took top spot on the bottom lake with 62lb 10oz. Andy Preston was runner up with 38lb 2oz. On the top lake Nathan Underwood took top spot with 110lb 10oz. Daniel Underwood was runner up with 74lb 2oz.

Big trout continue to provide sport at Bulldog Trout Fishery with brown trout close to double figures featuring in recent catches. Mike Latham won the fisheries latest competition with six trout for 26lb 13oz. Nick Tamlin was runner up with six trout for 21lb 11oz and Ian Connabeer third with six trout for 13lb 10oz. Biggest fish of the day was a 9lb 10oz brown trout caught by Mike Latham.

2 Nov 2025

A Danglers Diary – October – 2025

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October has to be one of my favourite months to be at the waters edge.

Roadford Lake – Brown Trout Masters 2025

Pleased with runner up for 2025

Grey Mullet in local harbours –

An early start Looe Chasing giants
Bruce takes an early strike

Its very much a team effort
The classic tuna pose
James takes strain and pain

Tuna two estimated at 300lb

The days takes it toll

Team tuna.

Chasing memories these giant fish are perhaps the ultimate in British waters very much a team day out with mates with all credit to the skipper Dan Margetts and John McMaster. The day was like a sea safari with dolphins, sea birds diving into bait balls and of coarse huge fish to test tackle and stamina.

A few hours spent casting for Autumn salmon with my good friend Jeff in deepest Cornwall before heading home.
Back to normal with a plague of North Devon dogfish

Better fish are there if you can get through the dogfish
Kevin with one of three small eyed he landed. Good to catch up with a fishing buddy of close to fifty years.
Proud to have an article in the last edition of Fly Culture Magazine
Something to read on those cold Winter nights. https://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2025/10/28/35531/

 

 

 

(Above) Grandad takes new generation to the waters edge.

Tides out at Wimbleball!

I end the months chasing hard fighting rainbow trout at Wimbeball and enjoy success with a pristine fish of close to 5lb.

2 Nov 2025

Weekly Angling Report, October 30th, 2025

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BIG WEIGHTS AT STAFFORD MOOR

North Devon Match Groups latest Match at Stafford Moor was won by Nathan Underwood with 132lb 8oz. Tom Downing was runner up with 123lb 4oz.
The latest Open Match at the Moor was won by Mark Wyne with 108lb10oz.
The October Fisho 2025 Final was fished at Stafford Moor’s Woodpecker lake last Sunday. The winner of section one was Mark Layzell with 157lb 1oz and the winner of section 2 Martin Preston with 139lb8oz.

BIDEFORD & DISTRICT ANGLING CLUB
Bideford Angling Clubs Rod N Reel Match on their home water was won by Richard Jefferies with 31lb 1oz. Runner up was Reg Sutton with 29lb 1oz and third Keith Copland with 23lb 14oz.

LURE FISHING SUCCESS

Lure anglers have been enjoying some late season bass sport with several fine specimens taken from estuary marks. Jason Hayes and his friend banked a fine brace of bass each measuring 72cm.

SEA ANGLING

Bideford Angling Clubs forty eight hour sea rover was won by Paul Ackland with a dogfish scaling 2lb 2oz.

Kevin Legge took first and second place in Combe Martin SAC’s October Rover with small eyed ray weighing 8lb 12oz and 6lb 13oz. Third place was taken by Nick Phillips with a bull huss of 6lb 4oz.

Strong North West winds have curtailed the end of season boat fishing season out of Ilfracombe with many trips cancelled throughout October. This late Autumn period is historically a time of plenty for shore angling enthusiasts with a vast range of species worth targeting. If species fishing is your thing then Ilfracombe Pier and many local beaches can provide red mullet and perhaps sole. Big bass, ray, smoothound and even tope can be tempted from the surf beaches if conditions permit. Grey mullet sport is at its peak in harbours with five pound plus fish a real possibility. The flounder season is also in full swing with these obliging flatfish a popular target in both the Taw and Torridge estuaries.

TROUT FISHING

Wimbleball Reservoir is producing great sport from both bank and boat as Autumn brings cooler conditions with fish feasting on fry in the margins.

At Bulldog Fishery quality brown trout have been the reward for anglers visiting the lake with good numbers banked along with rainbow trout and spartic’s. Several big brown trout have been stocked recently and are proving surprisingly elusive with anglers glimpsing the fish in the clear water and occasionally hooking big fish that break free or slip the hook after stripping yards of line from the reel. It is always fascinating how big fish can remain uncaught for months even in relatively small waters.

1 Nov 2025

Jamie Steward Wins Combe Martin SAC – Lure League

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Jamie Steward has secured top spot in Combe Martin SAC’s Lure Fishing League sponsored by High Street Tackle Ilfracombe. Jamie will be presented with his prize at a date to be arranged with Danny Watson at High Street Tackle.

Jamies five bass were : –  72cm ,71cm , 71cm, 70cm, 70cm

1st Jamie Steward – Five bass – 354cm

2nd – Mark Drewer – Five bass – 351cm

3rd – Seth Tuson – Five Bass – 347.5cm

4th – Wayne Thomas – Five bass – 318cm

5th – Daniel Welch – Five bass – 302cm

Biggest Bass registered  – Mark Drewer 77cm

31 Oct 2025

Bude canal angling club V Bideford and District Angling Club

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Bude canal angling club V Bideford and District Angling Club

Bideford’s team of 15 ventured across the border to take on the Cornish on their canal and the outcome was very close. Bude scored 234 points to Bidefords 230,.
Our club carried a 30 point lead from the first leg on Tarka swims therefore won overall by 26 points
Conditions on the canal were cold and windy with North Westerly squally showers.
The Bude captain led his team home with a terrific bag of 20lb of bream and skimmers on the second basin.
Our top performance was Keith Copland on the bottom basin.
Big thanks to the lads representing Bideford and a special thank you to Tom Wade Anglers Heaven for supporting the team with a generous bait sponsorships and the Brendon Arms for a great breakfast and a fine after match spread.