Coarse Fishing

Our coarse fisheries include over 275 acres of water with fisheries ranging in size from 2 to 81 acres. Our established lakes are located in outstandingly beautiful and secluded rural areas across the South West.

At SW Lakes Fishing we offer more than just great angling, our unique fisheries are matched with a recognised reputation for great fish quality. Enjoy the tranquility that our waters provide with established tree-lined banks, lily pads and weed beds with natural woodlands surrounding the lakes. Our coarse fisheries offer a peaceful setting within picturesque and wildlife-rich surroundings.

Please note at this time our Permit Rooms are closed. Season and Day Permits are available online or by calling 01566 771930 only

Coarse fishing in the South West:

We regularly hold carp and match competitions at Upper Tamar Lake with prize money exceeding £3500. You can book your day or 24 hour tickets, which are available year-round via our online booking system. Season permits are available on 01566 771930.

Facilities include onsite cafes, parking, toilets, showers, wheelchair access platforms, on-site permit rooms and easy access paths and swims.

SW Lakes Fishing is managed by South West Lakes Trust.

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.

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Melbury

Melbury Reservoir, Bideford, Devon EX39 5PW

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Fishery Information
Fishery Map
Venue Records
Directions
Check, Clean, Dry
Facilities
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This picturesque and mature Devon coarse fishery borders forestry and farmland near Bideford in North Devon.

It is well stocked with a good mix of mirror and common carp to 30lb, the perfect spot for your next angling escape.

There are some stunning, highly sought after fish such as ‘The fully scaled’ at over 25lbs and ‘The Train’ at around 27lbs.

Good mixed bags over 50lb of roach, rudd, hybrids and quality bream can be expected to pole, float and feeder.

Perch to just under 6lbs have been caught in the past and in the spring and summer the lily pads and weed provide a terrific haven for the fish and great features to fish too.

Fishery Information:

Address: Melbury Reservoir, Nr Parkham, Bideford, EX39 5PW

Fishery Size: 12 acres

Number of Swims: 15

Species: Carp, Bream, Rudd, Roach, Tench, Perch, Eels

Fishing Times: Open all year, from dawn until dusk for day tickets

Day Permits: Available online from this website

Season Permits: South West Lakes Trust 01566 771930

Contact: 01288 321262

Click here for Melbury Reservoir and South West Water Rules

Find the full price list here

Venue Records:

Common Carp: 29lb
Mirror Carp: 29lb
Bream: 7lb
Perch: 4lb
Eel: 4lb
Roach: 3lb
Rudd: 1lb

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:

Melbury Reservoir facilities include; car park, wheelchair friendly access and toilets

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Upper Tamar Lake, nestled on the Devon and Cornwall border, is the perfect spot for your next angling adventure, voted the second best still water coarse fishery in the UK in 2019! There are three miles of bank to be explored and several bays and attractive marginal areas, which produce plenty of great sport and some lovely peace and quiet.
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Lower Tamar is a stunning coarse fishery and holds specimen fish of each species. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for some peace and quiet and great fishing. The lake is shallow with around nine to ten foot maximum depth with 15 swims to choose from.
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Squabmoor fishery is simply beautiful. Situated on Woodbury Common, which is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), this scenic Devon fishery offers 15 immaculate swims for you to choose from. The shallow end of the reservoir has an attractive area of lily pads which the carp in particular love to patrol.
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With a national reputation for its carp fishing, Jennetts Reservoir is known as a ‘runs' water. This popular Devon coarse fishery holds carp to 32lb which can be caught off the bottom or off the surface.
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This peaceful 7 acre coarse fishery is placed close to the popular coastal resorts of St Ives and Penzance in Cornwall. Bussow has mirror and common carp to 32lbs with a handful of fish over 30lb and really good head of back up 20lb fish.
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Lower Slade, tucked away in the rolling hills of Ilfracombe in North Devon, is a must visit on your next angling escape. This long narrow lake has a great mix of fish species and is a really great venue for the all-round angler or pleasure fisherman.
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Situated just outside of Torrington in Devon, Darracott is a fantastic mixed coarse fishery, perfect for beginners or pleasure anglers. This picturesque fishery has a really good stock of fish and, at 3 acres in size, there are plenty of swims for you to choose from.
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Visit Trenchford Reservoir on Dartmoor and enjoy the spectacular scenery whilst fishing for pike up to 27lb. The reservoir, which is nestled amongst farmland and woodland, offers a peaceful atmosphere for your next angling escape in Devon.

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FAQs

Want to find out more? Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions. If you still can't find what you are looking for, please contact our team who will be happy to help.
Instructor-led Sessions

Learn something new with one of our qualified instructors. Take part in a 'Have a go' session, expand your knowledge by signing up to a course or get involved in one of our weekly clubs. There really is something for all ages and abilities to try.