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 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 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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On Sunday 26th June, 23 anglers gathered for the Peninsula Classic bank competition on what turned out to be another enjoyable and successful day. Read more
A report and pictures from Alan Judd and his friends from Pheasant Fly Fishers (based in Wiltshire) trip to SW Lakes. Read more
A summary of last week's fishing across the SW Lakes fisheries for week ending 19th June, including the results of Round 5 of the Snowbee Top Rod competition held at Kennick. Read more
A breezy week across the South West and our fisheries coinciding with numerous insect hatches has resulted in some fantastic sport, with plenty of surface activity from fish chasing Coch Y Bondus on the water’s surface. Read more
A summary of last week's fishing across the SW Lakes Trout fisheries, for week ending Sunday 5th June. Read more
There was some welcome rain in May which freshened up the water and raised water levels, while some warmer days meant that there was an increase in insect activity and more fish rising to feed from the surface. Read more
A summary of last week's fishing across the SW Lakes Trout fisheries, for week ending Sunday 29thMay. Read more
A summary of last week's fishing across the SW Lakes Trout fisheries, for week ending Sunday 22nd May. Read more
A summary of last week's fishing across the SW Lakes Trout fisheries, for week ending Sunday 15th May. Read more