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. For under 18s, there is a two fish child permit available. 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 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.
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 several competitions during the season - 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.
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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A summary of last week's fishing, including the results of Best of the Best at Burrator on 18th September and re-stockings at Burrator and Kennick. Read more
A quiet week across the fisheries this week, with only a handful of anglers braving the weather. Read more
A summary of last week's fishing: highlights include a rod average of 6.56 and 13 full bags at Colliford, and a total of 38 trout caught at Roadford. Read more
A summary of last week's fishing across the SW Lakes fisheries. Read more
A week of cloud and drizzle producing mixed results across the fisheries this week, with anglers deploying a variety of techniques. Highlights include a rod average of just under 6 at Colliford and a great week for wildlife with one angler being lucky enough to spot three otters at Roadford. Read more
All of the South West Lakes Trust trout fisheries continue to be operated under strict Covid 19 restrictions, in line with the current Angling Trust and Government guidelines. At the time of writing the on-site permit huts are still not yet open, so day tickets, season tickets, and boats should be pre-booked online (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing). Water levels are currently about 90% full. Read more
Anglers have utilised a variety of methods and fly lines to produce some steady fishing across the fisheries despite the lack of visible activity. Highlights this week include 14 full bags and a rod average of just under 5 at Colliford. Read more
Overcast weather and plenty of insect hatches have provided some great fishing across the fisheries this week. Highlights include a rod average of nearly 6 at Colliford and 10 full bags at Kennick. Read more
A summary of last week's fishing. Read more