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

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries November Report

SWLT’s brown trout fisheries are now closed until next March. Rainbow waters remain open until 31st December. Autumn weather conditions have brought winds and heavy rain, with most of the reservoirs now full, and Roadford and Colliford water levels on the rise. 

 

Kennick

The fishing became more challenging as the month progressed, with anglers averaging just under five fish per rod in the first fortnight, dropping down to 1.5 fish in the second. The boats faired marginally better than the bank anglers, with Hawthorn Point, Boat Bay, Clampitts Bay and Smithacott producing the best sport. Early in the month fish were caught on or near the surface using Hoppers and Daddies, or Diawl Bachs and Damsel nymphs, but as the month progressed the fish moved deeper, and sinking lines were needed, fished with either a selection of nymph patterns (again Damsels and Diawl Bachs, Buzzers, and Montanas) or lures (Crunchers, Minkies, Blobs, Bullseyes, and Boobies).

Photo: Martin Williams

 

Siblyback

Two Meadows and Stocky Bay produced the best sport, with fish feeding near the surface, and floating or intermediate lines fished with lure patterns (Cats Whisker, Black Fritz) or sunk nymphs (Goldhead Montana) and a fast roly-poly retrieve producing the best results.

 

Burrator

Anglers averaged just over two fish per rod during the month, with Pig Trough, Longstone, Back Bay, and Bennetts producing the most consistent sport. Fish were not too deep, and intermediate or floating lines with long leaders proved to be most successful, fished with either the occasional dry Daddy, or more often with subsurface nymphs (Damsels, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs, and Monatanas) or lure patterns (Orange Goldhead Fritz and Orange Blobs). Alan Clements (from Plymouth) caught three rainbows to 1lb 13oz in an evening session, using a static dry Daddy or Orange Lures with a medium retrieve. Alan Lawson (from Plymouth) caught three rainbows to 1lb 12oz in a morning session, using an orange and black Stalking Bug and buzzers.

 

Stithians

Anglers averaged just over one fish per visit during the month, with Sluice Bank, Deep Bank, Hollis, and Mossops producing the best fishing. Floating lines with a sink tip were the favoured method, with fish taking Daddies and Deer Hair Caddis from the surface, or sub-surface Nomads, Bibios, Cormorants, and Grizzle Mink patterns.

 

Please see website (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) for more information on buying tickets, boat availability and booking, and forthcoming events.

 

Chris Hall (November 2023)

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