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.

 

 

 

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

🎣

31 Oct 2025

An Autumn Day at Wimbleball – Exmoor’s Premier Trout Water

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It had been too long since my last visit to Wimbleball Reservoir and on arrival at the lake shoreline I was shocked to stand at top water level and gaze at the distant boat launching pontoon far away at the water’s edge.

The lake now at less than 30% capacity demonstrates the impact of a dry spring followed by a long dry summer. The recent Autumn rainfall has had little impact so far and we can only hope for a very wet winter to restore the reservoir to full before next Spring. Abstraction from the River Exe will be key for Wessex and South West Water in achieving this goal for the lake is a shared resource that provides water across Devon and Somerset. I believe there are plans to build a new reservoir adjacent to Cheddar Reservoir that will take some of the load off Wimbleball but this is several years away.

There was a brisk North West Wind blowing which would undoubtedly influence where to fish. After loading the boat I headed up to Bessom’s an area that had been producing and is often productive at this time of year.

The road bridge stood high and dry a stark indication of the low level already mentioned. Autumn leaves in shades of bronze stood as a backdrop to the scene. It was indeed well worth visiting the lake to witness the banks revealing scars from its living past before the huge concrete dam held back the River Haddeo that joins the River Exe a mile or so below Dulverton.

The water at this shallow end of the lake was rather murky as a result of recent rain. I thought this could be the reason I could get no action as I searched the water with my flies. I headed to the dam end of the lake and passed the two other boats fishing the lake. I enquired as to success to be told that they too were struggling to find the fish.

I ventured into the deeply wooded Upton Arm hoping to find some shelter but the North West Wind seemed to be increasing in strength making fishing difficult. It was fascinating to explore the steep slopes with the rotting roots of tree’s an eery testament to the valley that was flooded in the late 1970’s.

I felt slightly ill at ease alone in this secluded area and decided to head back up to the dam area where I found more sheltered water. After half an hour or so I still failed to connect with any of the lakes trout. I was using a sinking line with a damsel nymph on the point and a black cormorant on a dropper. This was a combination I felt confident with and my gut feeling was to stick with this and search for fish.

I headed back up the lake again trying the shallow end. It was one of those days when things just seemed hard going. Those days when the wind catches the fly and it ends up stuck right in the middle of your back forcing you to disrobe to remove it. The fly you have just selected and put on the seat blows off into your fishing bag resulting in five minutes playing find the fly.

Deciding on another move I  pulled the starter rope to be met with a brief splutter and total engine seizure. Looking over the back of the boat I spied a short length of rope wrapped tightly around the prop. It was impossible to remove the rope in situation so I had to haul the outboard on to the boat. The rope was solid and there was no way I could untangle it. All I had on me was a pair of line snips totally inadequate for cutting the rope free. Fortunately a friend of mine was within hailing distance and was able to assist cutting the rope free with a pair of robust garden scissors. A valuable lesson was learnt; always carry a knife in your fishing bag just in case you need to cut yourself free. Luck was to some extent on my side though for if this had happened whilst in the Upton Arm my days fishing would undoubtedly have been ruined. As the long row back against the strong wind would have been challenging to say the least.

Persistence will generally pay off and I headed to the North shore where I found better clarity and deep water close to the bank. I stuck to the same fly combination and was encouraged to see anglers in another boat enjoying some success as their rods flexed as a fish splashed in the water.

I felt a momentary tightening of the line that injected a degree of optimism and belief. Five minutes later there came that delightful tug on the line as a rainbow trout devoured one of my offerings. The fish fought hard leaping from the water and giving numerous strong runs that tested both tackle and my nerves.

I was relieved to pull a splendid rainbow of around 4lb 8oz into the net. It had taken the black cormorant on the dropper and I noted that the barbless hook was held by just a sliver of skin in the side of the mouth. I noted that it was now cloudy with light drizzle, the wind had dropped and it was undoubtedly a couple of degrees warmer. A brace of rainbows followed in the next half an hour and with the light starting to fade I called it a day contented with success on a hard day.

These hard days are often more rewarding than those days when fish come easily to the lures.

As I drove away in the fading light a barn owl glided close to the road and I slowed down to watch it settle on an old farm trailer. The privileged sight of this ghostly bird still lingers in the mind as I reflect upon  the day fishing Exmoor’s premier trout water.

26 Oct 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report October 2025

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South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report

October 2025

A month of mixed weather conditions, some days warm and sunny, others wet, windy, and cooler, which, along with cooler nights, has meant that water temperatures are starting to drop, and water levels to slowly rise. Storm Amy helped to stir things up, with strong winds and some heavy downpours making angling conditions challenging.

Fishing:

Kennick – The fishing improved as the month progressed, with anglers averaging 2.3 fish per rod overall. The best locations included Smithacott, The East Wall, The Narrows, Poplar Bay and Bracken Point, with boat anglers doing well in Clampitts and in the deeper central water. Fish proved to be feeding at all depths, so anglers needed to be open-minded to trying a selection of different line methods and tactics. Similarly, a wide variety of fly types all caught fish, depending on the conditions on the day (particularly successful patterns included Black Hoppers, Foam-back Daddies, Sedges, Buzzers, Montanas, Damsels, Diawl Bachs, Cats Whiskers, Orange Blobs, Cormorants and Nomads).

Graham Roberts (from Totnes) and his boat partner caught four rainbows to 4lbs on a sunny day, about 16ºc, fishing deep with lure patterns; in another session they caught thirteen fish to 3lb 12oz, again using fast sinking lines and lures. Andrew Kirchin (from Dawlish) caught two rainbows to 3lb, using foam-back Daddies, while Richard Berrisford caught two rainbows to 3lb using a mini-snake pattern on an intermediate line in one session, and another six fish to 2lb 10oz on a deep-fished Tequila Booby on another visit. For operational reasons, South West Water has recently dropped the level considerably, which has restricted the number of boats available, and left some banks unfishable due to soft mud – the level is now down to 32%. Check the Trust’s website for the latest updates.

 

Burrator – The fishing at Burrator continued to improve, with anglers achieving an overall monthly average of 4.6 fish per rod (with a couple of weeks exceeding six fish). Generally, floating or intermediate line tactics proved to be the most successful. Popular locations included Longstone, Back Bay, Pigs Trough, Sheepstor, Discovery Bay and Pines. Foam Daddies, Hawthorns, Tequila Hoppers, Sedges and Klinkhammers caught surface-feeding fish, while deeper fish were caught on both nymphs (Damsels, Buzzers and Hares Ear Nymphs) and lure patterns (Goldhead Yellow and Orange streamers, Tequila Blobs, Orange Fritz and Cats Whiskers).

 

Gordon McLeod (from Tavistock), caught a bag of twelve fish, which included a cracking 4lb rainbow (a personal best as well as the best fish caught at Burrator this season) on a Candy Blob; Gordon also caught a bag of eleven rainbows to 2lb on another visit using a Tequila Blob. Daniel Forrester (from Hatherleigh) also caught eleven fish to 2lb using a Candyfloss Booby pulled slowly across the surface to imitate floating fry. Water levels are now at 47%.

Stithians – The fishing continued to improve as the month progressed, with anglers averaging well over three fish per visit in two of the weeks. Floating line tactics proved to be the best, with plenty of fish rising to dry patterns (Hares Ear Parachute, Elk Hair Sedge, Beetles, Midge Hoppers and Black Hoppers). Sub-surface feeders were caught on Diawl Bachs, Spider patterns and Damsels, as well as lure patterns (Orange Blobs, Minkies, Cormorants, Black Fritz, Cats Whiskers and Fry Patterns).  Popular locations included The Dam, Mossopps, Goonlaze, Pipe Bay, Hollis, Yellowort and Sluice Bank. John Henderson had an excellent day’s sport, catching five rainbows and twelve browns, with most fish taking surface patterns. Levels are at 50%.

Colliford –  Colliford fished consistently well throughout the month, with anglers averaging 3.2 fish per visit, with Lords Waste, Middle Car Park, Stuffles, Dam and East Bank producing the best sport. Floating line tactics proved the be the best option, with Dry Sedges, Bibio Hoppers, Daddylonglegs, Olive Crunchers, Bobs Bits, Zulu, Bibios, Soldier Palmers, Alexandras and Black and Peacock Spiders all catching well. Chris Tilyard caught seven browns to 12” on Bobs Bits, while Paul Mockford caught four fish to 30cm on a Bibio pattern. Water levels are now at 44%.

Fernworthy – The fishing at Fernworthy proved to be fairly consistent throughout the month, with anglers averaging 1.4 fish per visit. Generally floating lines were preferred, with fish taking a variety of patterns on or just under the surface (Sedges, Black Parachute patterns, Silver Invicta, Kate McLarens, CDC Hoppers, Daddy Longlegs, Soldier Palmers, Hares Ear and Pheasant Tail nymphs). Thornworthy, Dam bank, Picnic area and South Bank proved to be the most productive locations. Levels are at 71% at time of writing.

Low level at the close of season at Roadford

Roadford – The excellent sport continued at Roadford as the season draws to an end, with anglers averaging 3.5 fish per visit (up to 5.8 in one week). Gaddacombe, Wortha, Big Oaks, South Shop, Goodacre and Daveys Bank all proved to be popular locations, with anglers preferring floating line tactics. Successful patterns included Diawl Bach, Soldier Palmer, Zulu, Cats Whiskers, Black Gnats, Black Tadpoles, Spiders, Crunchers and Black Pennels. Dean Boucher (from Gunnislake) caught eleven browns to 16” using a Soldier Palmer and Black Tadpole; he also caught thirteen fish up to 1lb on a previous visit, using pulled wet patterns (again Soldier Palmer and Black Tadpole). Chris Langton also caught five browns. Water levels are now at 60% capacity.

21 Oct 2025

Fluff Chuckers / Arundell Grayling Cup 2025

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Overall Winner of the West Country Grayling cup was Roger Truscott and also winner of the biggest fish of the day with a fine 45cm fish

Overall winner Roger Truscott

Biggest fish of the day. Roger Truscott

Winner of Morning Session Gary Brazier

Runner up Rodney Wevill

Winner of afternoon session Ozzie Gough

Runner up. Graham Alcock Smith

Many thanks to Ozzie Gough for his account of the competition below :-

 

We had an early meet at The Arundell hotel on a cold but thankfully dry autumn day. Meeting with both new and old faces, who had the same keen expression upon their faces. And after a lovely bap we split into groups and sessions, Everyone geared up and hit the river. I pulled home beat for the afternoon session and was paired with a lovely chap named Philip Hoskins. After conducting Philip for his AM session I quickly realised it wasn’t going to be an easy session at all with Phil covering the water thoroughly and only managing a few small par and a lovely but out of season brownie of about 25cm. I geared my self up with 2 methods-euro nymph and Clink’n’dink. After covering water with reasonable efficiency and missing a few bites and with the clock running down. I dialled down my gear for simplicity and with the goal of 1 good grayling I put on a heavier self tied nymph to try get down to the bottom of the pool and after a few casts I got into my first scorable fish which was a lovely 30cm grayling which massively boosted my confidence after a lost grayling and an OOS trouts. After that with not long to go I covered a few more pools but to no avail. We headed up to the hotel as the rain began to come down and met with other anglers and realised the day had been a real struggle for the majority catching a fish or unfortunately blanking. However 1 man did extremely well and landed a 45cm grayling on his first ever session targeting them, so well done Roger and congratulations on winning the event . I was extremely pleased to get second place and was privileged to be a part of the event. A massive thanks to Rodney Wevill for all his hard work setting up such an incredible event. And I cannot wait for the next one.

 

(Above) Ozzie searching the water during the summer months.

2 Oct 2025

Hints of Gold and Autumn hues as the Salmon and Trout season ends with a flourish

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The salmon and trout fishing season on North Devon’s rivers has closed with a flourish as September rains have rejuvenated the rivers to bring a very welcome flush of cleaner oxygenated water. Since late Spring the rivers have languished with low levels and high temperatures resulting in fishing being suspended for an unprecedented number of weeks.

            September rod catches for salmon and sea trout on both the Taw and Torridge undoubtedly make up a significant percentage of the years total with an estimated thirty to forty salmon caught on both rivers throughout the month. This has been great news and a positive end to the season.

            Ian Blewett secretary of the River Taw Fisheries and Conservation Association closed his season in style tempting four salmon from the Taw during the final days of the season.

The historic Little Warham Fishery is changing hands after close to ten years in the custodianship of Anthony Wilmington and Amanda Milner. Anthony and his family are moving to a new location in the Torridge Valley where their deep roots with the river and its fish will continue. In a fitting close to an era Anthony tempted the biggest salmon from the Torridge this year estimated at over 20lb his second fish in a week as the river fined down following the big spate. Tony Bennett and James Crawford also enjoyed success during closing week of the season at Little Warham.

Amanda sent me this lovely account of the final day at Little Warham :-

The fishing was excellent and everyone enjoyed themselves. Lunchtime at the hut was full of reminiscing, and little Brook (now seven!) closed our time at Little Warham with the very last cast of the day.

As you can imagine, it was quite emotional for us both, reflecting on everything we’ve experienced here. From arriving to a house untouched for 50 years, to developing the holiday lets, to all the riverbank conservation and restoration Anthony has carried out — it’s been quite a journey. The fishing has been the icing on the cake, along with the lifelong friends we’ve made. All of this has deepened our connection to North Devon and to the Torridge.

What means the most to us is knowing we leave behind a lasting legacy at Little Warham — not only through the restored banks and healthier waters, but also in the spirit of community and friendship that has grown here. It feels good to know that the work and care invested will continue to benefit others long after our chapter closes.

Our next venture will carry those roots forward. We’ll continue offering holiday lets, while Anthony expands his passion for guiding and tuition on both the Taw and the Torridge — opening the sport up to less able anglers as well. He’ll also be available for consultancy and support to riparian owners, drawing on his hands-on experience with the riverbank restoration and specialist tree operations. And of course, we’ll remain active in campaigning against river pollution, with the support of Fish Legal.

I said to Anthony that he couldn’t have wished for a better fish to mark his last week here — the biggest of the season on the Torridge. Really, you couldn’t ask for more.

Below is a link to my report on visiting Little Warham in 2027.

LITTLE WARHAM FISHERY

Seth Tuson tempted a fine sea trout from a beat lower down the Torridge.

My own river season ended with two sessions in the closing week. The first to a Middle River Torridge beat that I have fished regularly over the past fifteen or so years. The conditions appeared to be perfect with the river carrying a healthy tinge of colour as it fined down following the long awaited spate. It was a delight to drift the fly across familiar lies and I expected a pull at any moment. It wasn’t to be however and I couldn’t help but reflect upon previous September days when I had caught salmon and seen plenty of fish showing. It seems that salmon fishing these days is very much like the National Lottery. You have to buy a ticket to have a chance but winning is so often just a dream.

I closed the season searching the Upper reaches of a Taw tributary where I found feisty wild brown trout with flanks of bronze and olive hues decorated with crimson spots. These jewelled delights have been at my lines end since I was a child and still bring that same sense of joy.

9 Sep 2025

TREVOR TELLING MEMORIAL COMPETITION REPORT 2025

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Six boats went out and 2 anglers fished from the bank. The day started out wet and was held up by an overhead thunder storm with lots of lightening, and no one fancied being fried by wagling a carbon conductor round 🤣🤣. The morning was slow to get going, the fish weren’t sure what the atmospheric pressure was doing. Gusty winds made casting from the boats or bank a challenge but everyone persisted and some were well rewarded. 5 fishermen were actually in their own competition and represented the Wistland Pound fly fishing club. Some entered the TT Memorial match and Colin Combe won boat trophy and a BTL of Jamieson’s whiskey with a total of 5 fish weighing a very respectable 12 lbs 81/2 Oz. His best three for our match came in at 8 lbs 12oz, well done to Colin and the other guys from their club.

The bank fishing was tough due to the low water, steep banks and the prevailing wind. However Andrew Hull ( last years winner) managed to land a lovely 2 lb 10oz beauty whilst Roger Truscott managed to land 3 fish with a total weight of 5lbs 11 Oz. Roger took the bank Trophy and a BTL of Jamieson’s Whiskey. The well known Fly fishing instructor and writer Peter Cockwill who knew Trevor well heard about the competition and asked to come along and regal his stories of teaching Trevor the finer arts of fly fishing when Peter managed the fishing lakes at Wintershall estate in Surrey and Trevor managed the farm, thankyou Peter, a great story and also for donating 2 of his books to 2 very lucky people. One was awarded to Richard Smith for catching his first ever Trout on the fly ( in fact he landed 2 and lost one at the net) and one was also given to Arthur, Trevor’s grandson who one day may even be as good a fisherman as Trevor and keep the spirit and practice of fly fishing in future generations. A total of 26 fish were caught with a total weight of 56 lbs for the day a great effort by everyone. Thanks go to Andrew Sheen, Chris Davis, Richard Smith, Colin Combe, André Muxworthy, Nigel Bird, Dave Mock, Roger Prout. Roger Truscott and Andrew Hull. All great fishermen and regulars of Wimbleball . Special thanks go to Mark Underhill for hosting the competition at his fishery, Karen Telling for closing the match Daughter Charlotte with young Arthur and hubby Mattius ( you never know, we may have a ladies competition next year) for supporting and cheering everyone on. All monies raised will go to the Exeter Hospice care team to help them continue to support sufferers and families thru very difficult times. Looking forward to next year’s match already and working with Jeff Pearce to ensure that even more people come along and enjoy the day. Alan Cross

Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club – Competition Result

1st – Colin Combe 12lbs 8.5 oz

2nd – Dave Eldrid 12lbs 5 oz

3rd -Nigel Bird 7lbs 10oz

4th -Andre Muxworthy 7lbs 8oz

5th -Dave Mock 5lbs 4oz

25 Aug 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report   August 2025

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Another hot dry month means that water and air temperatures have continued to rise, while levels continue to fall. Generally fish have been in the cooler deeper water, and fishing from boats (where available) with sinking or intermediate lines has often been the best option.

Fishing:

Kennick – Rods averaged 2.4 fish per visit, with boat anglers having the edge over bank anglers, managing to access the deeper water locations. Sinking, Intermediate or sink tip lines with a variety of retrieval methods (from slow ‘figure-of-eight’ to a fast pull) proved to be the best tactic, fishing the deep water or near the bottom in most cases. The Narrows, Boat Bay, Clampitts Bay, The East Wall, Smithacott, Oak Tree Point and The Causeway all proved to be popular locations. Some fish would rise to take a dry pattern (Foam Beetle, Daddy or Hopper), but most preferred to feed deeper, taking either Lures (Orange or Tequila Blobs, Green and Black or Orange Fritz, White Minnows, Yellow and Orange FABs) or deep nymphs (Buzzers, Damsels, Montanas and Hares Ears). Andrew Algar caught five rainbows to 3lb 7oz in one session, and seven to 3lb on another, fishing from a boat on both occasions, using dark flies and a slow retrieve on sinking lines. Joseph Croy caught five rainbows to 3lb; Graham Roberts and his boat partner caught nine rainbows to 3lb between them, again fishing the deep water. Water temperatures are now up to 21ºC, with the level down to 57% capacity.

Siblyback – The warmer conditions have proved challenging for anglers, with rods averaging under one fish per visit. A few anglers have found success with a floating line, with the occasional fish rising to a Daddy or Black Hopper, but most fish have fallen to Orange Blobs, Green Boobies or Orange Fritz, as well as some nymph patterns (Buzzers, PTNs, Invictas and GH Montanas), all fished with a medium retrieve on a sinking line. Popular locations included Stocky Bay, Two Meadows, West Bank and the deeper water by the dam. Levels are now down to 56% capacity.

Burrator – Levels were down to 45% capacity by the end of the month, thus opening up additional areas to bank anglers. In spite of the warm conditions, anglers enjoyed some excellent sport, averaging 3.2 fish per visit, which included some great bags of up to ten fish. The best locations included Lowery Point, Longstone, Sheepstor, Bennetts, The Pines and Pig’s Trough. Fish fed throughout the water column, with anglers catching on Floating, Intermediate and Sinking lines, generally using a fast retrieve. Successful dry patterns included Black Gnats, Claret Hoppers, Sedges, Bobs Bits and Foam Daddies. Otherwise, Damsels, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs and Montanas took the sub-surface feeders, as did lure patterns such as Tequila Blobs, Orange Blobs, Vivas, Cormorants and Boobies. Al Green (from Plymouth) caught ten fish in one session, fishing early in the morning, with feeding fish showing on the surface – he fished with floating and intermediate lines and a fast strip or fast ‘figure-of-eight’ retrieve. Richard Peel also netted ten fish from a boat. Kevin Sellar (from Plymouth) caught a bag of nine rainbows, as did Nick Forrester. Levels are at 45% capacity at time of writing.

Stithians – Anglers managed just under one fish per rod, mainly using floating or sink-tip lines, with fish being caught at Pub Bay, Goonlaze, Yellowort, Ray’s Reach and Pipe Bay, generally between four and five feet down. With fish coming up to the surface, Beetles, Black Gnats, Daddies and Hoppers all caught trout, while deeper feeders took Montanas, Diawl Bachs, Buzzers and Soldier Palmers. Levels are now down to 65% capacity.

Colliford – This month anglers averaged just under two browns per visit, with most anglers favouring floating lines with a variety of retrieves. Productive banks included Lord’s Waste, Menaridian, Stuffles and the deeper water by the dam. Dry patterns were popular, with fish taking Beetles, Orange Daddies, Claret Hoppers, Deer Hair Sedge and Dry Red Ants; successful sunk patterns included Soldier Palmers, Peter Ross, Zulus and Black Pennells.

Fernworthy – Anglers averaged 1.2 fish per visit this month, with most fish being caught off Lowton, Permit Hut, Thornworthy, Brownhills and the South Bank. Floating lines proved to be the order of the day, with Sedges, Black Gnats, Daddies and Bibio Hoppers catching rising fish, while Diawl Bachs, Buzzers and Black Pennells took the deeper feeders. There has been a good hatch of buzzers in the evenings. Water levels are now down to 83%.

Roadford – It proved to be a quiet month at Roadford with anglers averaging 0.6 fish per visit. Fish were found at Grinnacombe, Shop Bay, Davey’s Bank and the deeper water by the dam, with nymph and wet patterns catching most fish (Buzzers, Invictas, Black Pennells and Soldier Palmers). Water levels are at 77% at the time of writing.

Please see the Trust’s website (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) for more information on buying tickets, boat availability and booking, and forthcoming events.

 

5 Aug 2025

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR – CHAGFORD

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Dive into an evening of breathtaking cinematography, gripping adventure, and wild natural beauty with The Fly Fishing Film Tour. A must-see for anyone who loves rivers, stories, and the great outdoors. This internationally acclaimed collection of short films captures the thrill, serenity, and soul of fly fishing in some of the world’s most remote and stunning locations. From icy mountain streams to sun-drenched tropical flats, it’s a cinematic journey that goes far beyond fishing. It celebrates human connection, conservation, and the untamed spirit of nature.

Brought to the festival by TACA (Teign Angling & Conservation Association), the evening will open with a brief introduction to local efforts to restore and protect the River Teign, one of Dartmoor’s most cherished rivers. You’ll also have a chance to hear from experts during a post-screening Q&A. This screening is more than just entertainment and much deeper than the pastime of fly fishing – it’s a call to appreciate and protect the wild places we treasure. Expect an inspiring, feel-good atmosphere with stories that will resonate whether you’ve never picked up a fly rod or you live in your waders. Beautiful, moving, and often unexpectedly funny, this is storytelling that casts wide and lands deep.

https://www.thetaca.com/news/the-fly-fishing-film-tour-lands-in-chagford-book-your-tickets-now?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=688c9d25a86dce1ac402114d&ss_email_id=6891c82c73426a61d1444b16&ss_campaign_name=The+Fly+Fishing+Film+Tour+%E2%80%93+Book+Your+Tickets+Now%21&ss_campaign_sent_date=2025-08-05T09%3A00%3A33Z