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

Congratulations to Andy Gooding who has won the Kennick Peninsula classic for the fourth year running. Andy’s five Rainbows for 10lb 5oz was enough to hold off 15 other anglers who competed. Andy caught three fish on a Damsel and two on a black and green lure. The fish were scattered at different depths with some being caught near the surface and others near the bottom of the lake.


Andy Gooding – Peninsula Classic Champion

John Huckings and Darren Penfold both landed four Rainbows to finish second and third respectively.

The best locations on the day were Poplar bay and Clampitts, although there were fish spread around the lake. Black and green seemed to be the favoured colour of fly for the fish on the day.

Results:

1st Andy Gooding 5 fish for 10lb 5oz – winning a 2021 season ticket for Kennick worth £450 and Snowbee Nylon

2nd – John Huckings 4 fish for 8lb 6oz – winning a day and boat permit for Kennick and some Snowbee Nylon


John Huckings

3rd – Darren Penfold 4 fish for 7lb 8oz – winning a Kennick day permit and Snowbee Nylon


Darren Penfold

Largest fish – Phillip Watts 2lb 9oz winning some Snowbee Nylon


Phillip Watts

Best Junior – Jake Heale 1 fish of 1lb 10oz winning some Snowbee nylon


Jake Heale

16 anglers recorded 27 Rainbows and 14 browns (returned) on the day for a rod average of 2.56 fish per person