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.
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.
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.
The Fly Culture Gathering at The Fox & Hounds Eggesford was a simple affair that like many things that work so well masked a great deal of effort from its primary organiser Pete Tyjas. Seventy or so passionate Fly Anglers gathered in a riverside field in mid-summer as the River Taw glided timeless on its journey to the open sea.
Fly Culture is a community that embraces the joys of fly fishing and the pursuit of fish and happiness in wild surroundings. In this modern world it highlights the good that can come from Social Media for much communication is undoubtedly derived from modern media despite the aging demographic.
There were anglers from far and wide at the gathering and it was great to catch up with those that have become friends over the years and make new acquaintances. The first hour of the evening drifted with the current as beer and burgers were relished and conversation’s of life fish and fishing flowed.
Pete then called order as a series of speakers delivered a fascinating narrative that told of small and beautiful trout from Devon’s brooks and rivers. The passion for elusive Atlantic salmon and that magical connection. The art of tempting wily trout and what trout prefer to eat based upon in depth observations. World-wide obsessions with Arctic grayling from Northern waters. Tarpon and bonefish from tropical seas. Fishing, mental health and being with nature.
I left shortly after 9:00pm with plans for next year’s fishing already brewing. So many fish, so much water and so little time as life’s tide ebbs ever faster.
And then there are the lawns, the garage window and the decorating. Still in between jobs I can always enjoy reading Fly Culture and plotting a few more casts.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE….
The rivers are starting to fine down after the rains and there is encouraging news in that a fresh run salmon has been tempted by an angler fishing the River Mole. There are also stories of other fish contacted briefly on the Taw.
I fished a River Torridge beat that I have not fished for two years and relished revisiting an old friend. The river was perhaps a little too coloured but the height was good and it felt good to drift the fly in expectation over familiar lies. Many thanks to my wife Pauline for capturing a few images. The sound of chiff chaffs and woodpeckers provided a pleasing soundtrack to our visit.
The River Taw Fisheries and Conservation Association held their AGM at The Fox and Hounds Country Hotel last Friday. Chairman Andy Grey reported on a disappointing season in 2024 with salmon catches the lowest since 1952. The Environment Agency statistics showed a consistent number of rod hours over recent seasons with an estimated 0.18 salmon per licence holder if my notes are correct. A month into a new season and no salmon have been recorded from the Taw. The Torridge has done rather better with three salmon recorded.
http://www.halfmoonsheepwash.co.uk
The environment was as always at the top of the agenda with the association working extremely hard with the North Devon Catchment Partnership to help raise funding for habitat improvement and enhanced water quality.
Members raised their concerns regarding water abstraction and pollution incidents with the EA officers. It was very apparent that the Environment Agency is understaffed with hard working ground staff covering a very wide geographical area. Agricultural practices and sewage overflows are undoubtedly the main concerns and progress is being made in combatting the issues via education and fines for breaches of consents. The Environment Agency officers present emphasised the importance of reporting any pollution concerns via the EA hotline number 0800 807060. Anglers are very much the eyes of the river and play a vital role in raising awareness.
The number of Environment Agency Fishery officers in Devon now stands at two a reduction from over twenty employed recalled one North Devon water bailiff present at the meeting. Whilst the issues facing rivers have changed to some extent over the decades and focus has moved more towards environmental protection it is obvious that political priority is not on the health of rivers. Observations of local sewage infrastructure indicated that there has been no significant upgrade in the capacity of some rural sites despite extensive housing development. South Molton being a good example of this.
The dedication of local environment officers including Sam Fenner and Harry Chance was noted with those present at the meeting eager to share their observations on the river and its many issues. There is a great deal of work being undertaken to work with farmers to ensure compliance and improved working practices to reduce soil run off and silage spills.
The association are working with scientists to gather vital data using EDNA technology to help build a picture of migratory fish locations including shad, salmon, sea trout, eels and lamprey. This will enable targeted investment over the coming years.
The Torridge Rivers Association held their AGM at the Half Moon Inn at Sheepwash the previous week where the environment was also high on the agenda. The main focus was the associations salmon hatchery that has successfully raised 33,000 swim up fry. These fry have now been stocked out into strategic areas of the Torridge river system.
The RTFCA welcomes new members and has launched a Facebook page and new website to help promote and engage. https://www.rtfca.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RiverTawFisheriesAssociation
RIVER TAW FISHERIES AND CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
NOTICE OF AGM AND ANNUAL FUNDRAISER – FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2025
The RTFCA AGM will be held at the Fox and Hounds Hotel, Eggesford EX18 7JZ on Fri 28 March 2025 commencing at 1845hrs.
Bar facilities and a Finger Buffet will be provided (Members are politely asked to make a donation for the buffet at the event)
Guest speakers will update on some exciting new projects taking place on the Taw catchment.
Some great and rare opportunities for fishing have been very generously provided in the fundraiser. We use all of the money we raise to fund or match fund projects on the Taw catchment.
We would prefer you to attend the AGM and bid on the night (non-members are welcome to attend) but will be offering an opportunity to make a bid online.The list of auction lots is attached
RIVER TAW FISHERIES & CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION – 2025 ANNUAL FUNDRAISING AUCTION
| Lot No
|
Description | Guide Price | Remarks |
|
1 |
A day’s Guided woodland deer stalking in 700 acres of mature woodland near Exeter.
Red and roe; either sex. At a time to suit you and the seasons. Kindly donated by Andy Gray
|
£100 – 150 |
|
|
2
|
A tweed jacket of your choice from Brooke Taverner
Donated by Russell Scott Lawson |
£300 |
|
|
3 |
An evening’s Duck Flighting for 4 to 6 guns at Colleton Manor followed by a warming drink.
Kindly donated by Simon & Grania Phillips |
£160 |
To be taken during the Autumn |
|
4 |
Haunch of Roe Deer Venison.
Kindly donated by Andy Gray.
|
£40 |
Andy will take as many bids at £40 as he is able and will produce the goods! |
|
5 |
A day’s Salmon Fishing for two rods at Upper Weirmarsh, Middle Taw.
Kindly donated by Mark Maitland-Jones.
|
£100 |
|
|
6 |
2 hour Fly Fishing and casting Instruction.
Kindly donated by Bryan Martin (Advanced Qualified Game Angling Instructor) |
£75
|
|
|
7 |
A day’s Salmon Fishing for two rods at Upper Braggamarsh, Middle Taw. This includes Radford’s and the Gutter.
Kindly donated by Alex Gibson |
£100 |
Alex may be convinced to offer another additional day if many bids are received.
|
|
8 |
A day’s Salmon Fishing for two rods on the Kingford Beat, Middle Taw, including the Bend and Buckinghams.
Kindly donated by Simon Hillcox |
£120 |
|
|
9 |
A boxed bottle of Krohn 2016 Vintage Port.
Kindly donated by John Smith.
|
£25 |
|
| 10 | A Magnum of 2021 Cotes du Rhone from M Chapoutier
Kindly donated by Charlie Cotton Bray Valley Wines
|
£25 | |
|
11 |
A day’s trout fishing on the classic and famous chalk stream the Bourne in Hants
Kindly donated by Michael Malyon
|
£200
|
|
|
12 |
An evening/night’s Sea Trout Fishing for one rod at Junction Beat, Middle Taw guided by Richard Nickell.
kindly donated by the Junction Syndicate
|
£75 |
Choice of day – Sat, Mon or Tue. |
|
13 |
A day’s Salmon Fishing in August or September for two rods at Cove on the Exe.
Kindly donated by Michael Malyon
|
£90 |
|
|
14 |
A Silky Pocketboy 130mm Handsaw with case (absolutely ideal for bankwork).
Kindly donated by John Smith
|
£35 |
|
|
15 |
A day’s salmon fishing on the Woolhanger Beats, middle Taw. Includes a guide by Len Francis if taken on a Wednesday
Kindly donated by Woolhanger Estates |
£150 | Nearly 3 miles of fishing above Umberleigh |
|
16 |
A day’s Salmon fishing for two rods on the Lenton Beat of the R Mole
Kindly donated by Mr Andrew Maund
|
£80
|
|
|
17 |
A morning or evening’s Deer Stalking at King’s Nympton Park for a roe buck or doe, or a red deer, stag or hind, according to season, guided by the estate keeper Jerry Weston.
Kindly donated by Lord Lichfield
|
£80 |
|
|
18 |
A day’s Salmon fishing on the King’s Nympton Park Home Beat on the Mole.
Kindly donated by Lord Lichfield
|
£75 |
|
|
19 |
A day’s Salmon/sea trout fishing (Wednesday or Sunday) on the Junction Beat of the R Taw.
Kindly donated by Lord Lichfield.
|
£80 |
|
|
20 |
A side of award winning Blakewell Smoked Salmon.
Kindly donated by Richard Nickell
|
£45 |
|
|
21 |
A Shotgun Service, excluding parts, or Rod Ringing Voucher from Lance Nicholson in Dulverton.
Kindly donated by James Veale |
£60 |
|
|
22 |
A day’s Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing for two rods on the Mole at Alswear.
Kindly donated by George Marsh.
|
£60 |
|
|
23 |
A 2 fish Trout Fishing Evening Ticket at Blakewell Fisheries. Muddiford Nr Barnstaple
Kindly donated by Richard Nickel
|
£35 |
|
|
24 |
A day’s salmon fishing for 2 rods on the Golden Mile and Sheepwash Beats on the River Wye; a night’s self-catering accommodation in the Retreat Fishing Lodge and the services of a resident ghillie can be arranged.
Kindly donated by Ian Thorpe.
|
£150 – 200 |
|
|
25 |
Tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground for two, outside the cricket season, including the Pavilion and Long Room and the Real Tennis Court, to include watching a game of real tennis and having it explained.
Kindly donated by Alex Gibson.
|
£60 |
|
|
26 |
A day’s salmon fishing in August or September for two Rods at Cove on the R Exe
Kindly donated by Michael Malyon.
|
£90 |
|
|
27 |
A nights sea trout fishing at Watertown on the Mole. Days available Sunday or Monday, dates to be agreed by both parties.
Kindly donated by the Brown, Eastwood and Martin families
|
£80 – 100 |
|
|
28 |
A day’s guided fishing on the famous Golden Pool on the R Torridge for salmon, sea trout or trout.
Kindly donated by Peter Twomey
|
£100 |
|
|
29 |
Half a day strimming or chainsaw work 4 hrs.
Within 10 miles of Chulmleigh.
Kindly donated by Eddie Rands
|
£80 |
|
|
30 |
Kit Heath Jewellery to be viewed on the night.
Kindly donated by Richard and Kate Nickell
|
£75 |
|
|
31 |
A day’s guided fishing for one rod on the Glyn water on the R Fowey
Kindly donated by Andrew Maund
|
£80 – 100 |
|
|
32 |
A day’s salmon fishing for two rods on the Bolham beat of the R Exe
Kindly donated by Andrew Maund
|
£80 -100 |
|
|
33 |
An evening’s Brown Trout fishing on the Little Dart
Kindly donated by George Stucley
|
£50 |
If you wish to make an online bid for a lot/item in the fundraising auction then please forward your bid by email to [email protected]
And include:
Title: ie Fundraiser Bid
Name:
Contact Email:
Lot/Ser Number:
Amount bid:
Bids must be submitted by no later than midday on Thursday 27 March 2025. If you are lucky enough to secure the bid then we will be in touch with you by email. The payment will be by BACs (details will be provided to you). On receipt of your payment we will release the contact details to you so that you can arrange your fishing/purchase pick up directly with the donor who will be expecting your call.
March 1st and the commencement of a new salmon season on North Devon’s Taw and Torridge. I joined members of Barnstaple & District Angling Club at Newbridge to celebrate the occasion at their bankside hut. Warm spring sunshine brought smiles and optimism a contrast to last season’s start with a raging torrent of dirty water combined with hail and thunder.
A Hang glider drifted high above in a clear blue sky. We chatted warmly of seasons gone and those who had walked the river banks at this very spot. It was good to share the spring day with a band of fellow piscators those stories of silver bars bringing hope for the season for anglers are an eternally optimistic bunch. A cool beer, hot dogs, Lemon drizzle and a cup of afternoon tea.
The river was running high with that healthy aqua tinge of spring. With the biggest tides of the season any salmon were likely to be well upriver by now but it was perhaps still worthwhile savouring the throb of a spinner as it traversed the currents or the drift of the fly over well-known taking lies.
Daffodils, celandines and primroses brought that touch of yellow to the lanes and river bank. We will soon glimpse the first martins and swallows and who knows perhaps that silver tourist will bring a touch of silver to enrich some lucky anglers life. I look forward to reporting on the first spring salmon of 2025.
Nick Philips took first and second place in Combe Martin SAC’s annual flounder competition tempted flounder of 1lb 4oz and 1lb 3oz. Lenny Lake was third with a flounder of 1lb 1oz. Several bass were also caught the best around 3lb.
