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

Fernworthy Reservoir, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 8EA

Fernworthy Reservoir is a beautiful location comprising meadows, woodlands and moorland. Set on one of the highest points of Dartmoor, scenic lakeside views are complemented by a rich cultural heritage – including ancient stone cairns, Bronze Age hut circles and a submerged clapper bridge.

Fernworthy offers traditional fly fishing for wild and stocked brown trout. Fish up to 4lbs are stocked at an average size of 10-12 inches; however, there is also a good head of wild fish.

Fishing is from the bank only. Traditional dark fly patterns such as black gnats, bibios, beetles, hoppers and sedge patterns are most productive. Fish the margins and walk the banks to cover as much water as you can to locate the fish.

Catch and release is possible but barbless hooks must be used. Otherwise, up to four fish over 10" may be taken in a day.

Day and season permits are available. Why not try our special ‘Castabout’ season permit that covers all our stocked brown trout waters (Colliford, Fernworthy, Roadford, Wistlandpound)?

CLICK HERE FOR AN ANGLERS' GUIDE TO FERNWORTHY RESERVOIR

   

   

Fishery Information

Address: Fernworthy Reservoir, Near Chagford, Devon TQ13 8EA

Fishery Size: 78 acres

Species: Brown Trout (fly fishing only)

Season Date: 15 March – 12 October

Day Permits: Available online or by calling South West Lakes on 01566 771930

Season Permits: Available online or by calling South West Lakes on 01566 771930

Fishery Contact: 01647 252898

Float Tubing: Float tube permits are available to purchase online alongside your permit for £5 per day. View our Float Tubing Good Practise Guidelines

Best Flies: Sedgehog, Black Gnat, Invicta, G&H Sedge, Hoppers, Kate Mclaren

Click here for the trout fishing rules

FIND SEASON DATES AND PRICES HERE

Tuition

Dave Hoskin Tel: 01647 252 244 [email protected]www.dartmoorschoolofflyfishing.com
Richard Jackson Tel: 01647 246 65 [email protected]www.devonflyfisher.com
John Hern Tel: 01392 464917 [email protected]
Andy Watson Tel: 07587 219 213 [email protected]
Dil Singh [email protected]www.dsflyfishing.co.uk
Geoff Stephens Tel: 0774 986 7393 [email protected]www.flyfishingdevon.co.uk

 

Latest Catch Reports:

These catch reports are only possible if you fill in a catch return

fernworthy_weekly_catch_report_14th_april.pdf

fernworthy_weekly_catch_report_7th_april.pdf

 

Directions:

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Whenever you leave the lakes, remember to Check, Clean, Dry

Invasive plants and animals can carry diseases that kill fish. Protect the environment and sport you enjoy by cleaning your kit before and after using the water.

Find out more here

Facilities:

Fernworthy Reservoir facilities include a car park (free to anglers) and toilets.