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.
We are working hard to encourage young people and newcomers to take up the sport. Under 12s may fish for free when sharing their parents’ bag limit. Throughout the season, we host open days and events where we offer free fly fishing tuition for all.
Boats are available at most of our waters which provide an alternative to bank angling. These may be pre-booked and we advise calling in advance to check availability at each fishery.
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.
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 four competitions during the season with two singles, one pairs and one team of four competition. More details of each of these are available on our competitions page.
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 is the managing charity of SW Lakes Fishing. The charity is a member of The Angling Trust. In 2014, the South West Lakes fisheries hosted the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships; Scotland took gold and England won silver.
If you notice any incidents which may be of concern during your visit, including poaching, we would be very grateful if you could complete the short form at the following link, which will help us build a picture of incidents that impact on your fishing, enabling us to address them more effectively over time. Thank you.
Complete Form
Our first full week of fishing has passed at Kennick and Siblyback. The fishing was mixed last week as many anglers battled with the constant wind and rain! The forecast this week is looking really nice – I expect the fishing to match the weather! Read more
We opened Siblyback and Kennick on Friday 12 for season permit holders and it was great to see some hardy anglers braving the conditions! The forecast for this week ahead is looking very good for fishing and we stocked a lot of fish into both the lakes so expect some cracking sport. Read more
A new season is upon us already. Having closed our Rainbow waters at Christmas it’s been a short turnaround this winter. I’m sure you can’t wait to wet a line again, especially with the current health crisis. Read more
With a lot of our staff off now until 2021, that’s it for this season with the catch reporting. I hope you have enjoyed the weekly reports from the fisheries and this weekly summary throughout the year. Read more
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. Read more
There was still some good fishing to be had last week. It’s looking pretty mild the week ahead so a great time to wet a line before we close our Rainbow waters on the 24th of December. Read more
Water temperatures have been falling over all of the sites and, with stocking continuing through the month, the fishing has continued to be good with the fish lying in deeper water as the month progressed. Read more
I hope you’re all safe and well and getting through this pandemic. The good news is we are open up to and including Christmas Eve! If you would like to buy a season permit for 2021 or would like to buy one for a friend or family member for Christmas please call our office on 01566 771930. Read more
A good weeks fishing at Kennick again. Matt Baines and Richard Berrisford tied for top rod with 9 fish apiece last week. Both anglers fished by boat with Richard fishing boat bay and using buzzers a foot off the bottom. His best fish was 3lb 4oz which was also the biggest of the week. Read more