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

Trout Fishing End of Season Newsletter 2020

Introduction

What a year it has been – I hope this finds you safe, well and having spent plenty of time out fishing. I do feel that we have been very lucky to have as much fishing time as we have, considering a lot of other outdoor activities have not been permitted.

I will be sending out a pre-season newsletter in January 2021 with all of the plans for each fishery as we hopefully look forward to a full season of angling. I can assure you we are working hard to improve each and every fishery for your enjoyment next season and I want to thank you for supporting our fisheries during this challenging year.

I wish you an enjoyable and safe Christmas.

Ben Smeeth – Head of Angling

Gooding Glory at Penninisula Classic

Andy Gooding won the Peninsula Classic at Kennick for the fourth year running. Andy’s five Rainbows for 10lb 5oz were enough for him to win a 2021 season permit. Runner up was John Huckings and third was Darren Penfold.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

Kennick

Thank you for everyone’s feedback regarding the quality and power of the fish we have stocked into Kennick this season. The stocking of Rainbows at the minimum of 2lbs in size has been really popular with many anglers commenting they have been stripped to the backing on several occasions!

Rainbows for Christmas!

We are keeping our Rainbow waters open until Christmas. They will close on the 24^th of December.

Permits are available for Kennick, Stithians, Burrator and Siblyback from our website.

The permit rooms are closed until further notice.

Rainbow Round Up

Siblyback and Burrator were absolutely outstanding in the first half of the season. Paul Lee and his daughter caught over 60 Rainbows to his boat in a day at Burrator and Kevin Sellar caught a superb wild 4lb brown!

Siblyback produced some great fishing with George Hext catching the best Rainbow at 8lb 4oz. Stithians was shut during the Hawthorn hatch which always provides the best fishing each year so fingers crossed we are open in 2021 so anglers can take advantage of the feeding frenzy!

Brownies – Roadford at its best

After a very slow start to the season, Roadford was absolutely spectacular for the last few months! The final week of the season produced 100 brownies to 3lbs for just 11 anglers!

Colliford and Roadford produced multiple fish over 2lbs and both fisheries showed signs of returning to the fantastic fishing from many years ago! Definitely worth wetting a fly at both in 2021 and the value of the Castabout season ticket which covers Roadford, Colliford and Fernworthy is indisputable at just over £200 for the whole season.

2021 Pricing and Dates

Great news – our prices will be staying the same for the 2021 season! Season permits are available now and can be purchased as Christmas presents for friends and family.

The 2021 season dates are as follows:

Rainbows:
Kennick and Siblyback – 13 February
Stithians and Burrator – 6 March

Season ticket holders for the Rainbow waters can fish one day earlier than day ticket anglers.

Browns:
Roadford, Colliford, Fernworthy and Wistlandpound – 15 March

Latest

Earth Day 2024

Monday 22 April is Earth Day! The theme for 2024, ‘planet vs plastic’, is aiming to raise awareness about plastic use worldwide and to ultimately reduce plastic use by 60% by 2050. Dartmoor Biodiversity Officer Morwenna discusses the use of plastic tree guards in our work, when they are necessary and how they can be substituted.
Locals month

We are offering 25% off equipment hire in May to our local community as a thank you for your continued support.
Trout Fisheries March Report

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. Fish have been feeding throughout the water column, with some already starting to feed near the surface, and many have been caught using floating line tactics. The very wet winter means that the water levels are full.
World Water Day 2024

Friday 22 March 2024 is the United Nations World Water Day! Dartmoor Biodiversity Officer Morwenna explains some of the projects she’s working on with South West Water to improve water quality at our lakes and reservoirs.

Trout Fisheries March Report

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. Fish have been feeding throughout the water column, with some already starting to feed near the surface, and many have been caught using floating line tactics. The very wet winter means that the water levels are full.
Rainbow Waters Opening Weekend Report

The new season is now firmly under way at the South West Lakes Trust trout fisheries, with the Rainbow waters opening on 3 March (with prior preview days for season ticket holders), and Brown Trout due to open on 15 March.
South West Fly Fair returns to Roadford Lake 25 February 2024

The South West Fly Fair makes a welcome return to Roadford Lake on Sunday 25 February.
South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries December Report

As temperatures fell over the month (with snow for a few days), fishing became more challenging for those brave anglers who ventured out
South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries November Report

Autumn weather conditions have brought winds and heavy rain, with most of the reservoirs now full, and Roadford and Colliford water levels on the rise.
South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries October Report

A mixed month weather-wise again, which included a warm dry week early in the month, followed by a sudden drop in temperatures, bringing conditions back to the seasonal norm. Water levels remain low at many lakes, although they have now at last begun to slowly refill.
SW Lakes Weekly Trout Fisheries Round Up - W/E 8th October

A summary of last week's fishing across the South West lakes Trout Fisheries.
SW Lakes Weekly Trout Fisheries Round Up - W/E 24th September

It’s been a tricky and quiet couple of weeks across the fisheries but last week showed signs of picking up.
South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries September Report

A mixed month weather-wise again, which included one of the hottest, driest recorded September weeks at the beginning of the month, along with some breezy days with showers and cooler winds. Water levels are still generally low, with many lakes still under 70% full.
South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries August Report

The weather was mixed throughout August, with a mixture of wind and rain as well as some warm humid days with the occasional thunderstorm, interspersed with some bright sunny days. Generally water levels continued to fall, although at a fairly slow rate.

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