Trout Fishing

We extend a warm welcome to all trout anglers. The range of fishing we offer ensures excellent sport for all abilities. Our still water fisheries are among the best in the west and vary in size from around 50 to over 900 acres!

Our fisheries are picturesque and atmospheric lakes, including countless secluded bays, weedy shores and tree line margins to explore. We boast rainbows, browns and a large number of blues of the highest quality. Traditional fly fishing is the rule at our stocked fisheries, although other methods can be used at our free wilderness trout waters.

Young People and Newcomers

We are working hard to encourage young people and newcomers to take up the sport. Under 18 fish for free with a paying adult and part of their bag limit. Throughout the season, we host open days and events where we offer free fly fishing tuition for all.

Boat Fishing

Boats are available at most of our waters which provide an alternative to bank angling. These must be pre-booked, either by calling 01566 771930 (8.30am - 5.00pm 7 days a week) or online by scrolling to the bottom of your chosen lake page.

You will need to sign a disclaimer before you can take a boat out. Once a year you will need to complete a boat induction – please watch the induction video here.

Access for All

Most of the waters benefit from facilities designed for disabled or wheelchair anglers, either by platforms or Wheelyboats. These boats must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

Clubs

A number of the fisheries have associated local clubs. These are a great way to meet fellow anglers, as well as participating in competitions and social events. We run several competitions during the season - more details of each of these are available on our competitions page.

Environment Agency Rod Licence

Anglers on all our waters must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence which are available from post offices or via the Environment Agency. The only exception may be when attending a bona fide course or a coaching session with a qualified coach – please check beforehand.

South West Lakes Trust

South West Lakes Trust is the managing charity of SW Lakes Trust Fishing. The charity is a member of The Angling Trust. In 2014, the South West Lakes Trust fisheries hosted the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships; Scotland took gold and England won silver.

Reporting an Incident:

South West Lakes Trust manages a portfolio of nearly 50 lakes and other natural resources so it is not always possible for our wardens to be on the scene when issues occur. The very remote and rural nature of our estate, the thing that makes them so special, also means that modern mobile communications don’t always cover the areas we would like them to. This makes getting an immediate response to ongoing incidents very challenging.

Please use this form to report any incidents of poaching, illegal fishing or any other form of antisocial behaviour to the management team so that we are able to take appropriate action.

Complete Form

2024 event calendar

25 February 2024	South West Fly Fair (Roadford)
1 & 2 March 2024	Preview days on rainbow trout waters (season ticket holders)
3 March 2024	Rainbow trout season starts
15 March 2024	Brown trout waters open
17 March 2024	Kennick taster day
30 March 2024	Brown Trout Masters part 1: Colliford
7 April 2024	Snowbee Team of 4 (Siblyback) PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO THE FORECAST HIGH WINDS
14 April 2024	Siblyback taster day
21 April 2024	Kennick Bank Pairs Competition
5 May 2024	Stithians taster day
8 June 2024	Brown Trout Masters part 2: Fernworthy
15 June 2024	Burrator taster day
23 June 2024	Peninsula Classic (Kennick)
30 June 2024	Roadford taster day
12 October 2024	Brown Trout Masters final: Roadford

Latest

Trout Fisheries April Report

The new season is now firmly under way at all of the South West Lakes Trust trout fisheries. Generally the weather for the opening month has been both mixed and challenging to anglers, with strong winds, rain, snow and hail, and cold temperatures.
Invasive Species Week 2024

It's Invasive Species Week from 20 to 26 May 2024 and we've got lots of activities planned to help raise awareness of invasive non-native species and what you can do to help prevent their spread.
Launch Membership Competition Terms and Conditions

Competition details for entering our South West Lakes Trust launch membership competition.
South West Lakes Trust launch membership competition

Looking for new adventures out on the water? Enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a South West Lakes Trust launch membership worth £165! With five lakes to choose from, we are offering an opportunity for you to win time out on the water, with the freedom to return time and time again.

Roadford Fly Fishing Taster Day

Join us at Roadford Lake on Sunday 30 June to have a go at fly fishing with local and experienced guides and anglers. Beginners and established anglers are welcome at this free event!
Burrator Fly Fishing Taster Day

Join us at Burrator Reservoir on Saturday 15 June to have a go at fly fishing with local and experienced guides and anglers. Beginners and established anglers are welcome at this free event!
Stithians Fly Fishing Taster Day

Join us at Stithians Lake on Sunday 5 May to have a go at fly fishing with local and experienced guides and anglers. Beginners and established anglers are welcome at this free event!
Brown Trout Masters Competition

We have teamed up with Fluff Chuckers to organise a Brown Trout Masters Competition, to be held over three dates in 2024 at Colliford, Fernworthy and Roadford.
Kennick Instruction Days

Head to Kennick Reservoir to learn the art of fly fishing, casting, fly choice, knots and fly tying - which also includes a fly tying demo.

Current reservoir levels

See the current water levels in our reservoirs.
Equipment Hire

Experience the ultimate family adventure by exploring the lakes at your own pace. We have a variety of watersports equipment available to hire including; kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and more.
Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor

Wimbleball is a hub of colour and activity throughout all the seasons. Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, there are plenty of ways to get active at Wimbleball. With an array of walking and cycling trails winding around the 530 acre site, and a fantastic range of watersports and other activities available, this is the perfect location to spend a day outdoors – whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging expedition.
South West Lakes Trust Booking Confirmation

Thank you for your South West Lakes Trust booking. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly with details of your booking.
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Self-launch and Launch Membership

Already have your own kit? You can launch your own kayak, canoe, dingy or stand up paddleboard at our lakes! And, if you are a regular visitor, you can even become a member and launch as often as you like at all five activity centres!
Wimbleball Campsite

Experience a family camping holiday like no other at Wimbleball Lake, nestled in the hills of Exmoor National Park. Create the ultimate camping break packed with adventure, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
Roadford Lake, Devon

Roadford Lake sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, close to Launceston on the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards.
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Siblyback, Cornwall

Surrounded by the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is a beautiful 5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake, and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.F