Fishing in the West Dartmoor Area
- mainly the river Tavy

Trying for Trout!

Fishing in the area of West Dartmoor - the villages of Brentor, Mary Tavy and Peter Tavy - is mainly confined to the River Tavy and is rather poor in comparison to the chalk streams in other parts of the Uk. Nevertheless it will usually reward the persistant fisher.
The river Tavy is a beautifully clear river, somewhat shallow and tree encroached in the mid-upper reaches and when in spate is very acidic and beer-coloured due to the peat of Dartmoor.

The main fish caught are small brown trout and peel or migratory trout. Although salmon enter the river to breed they are frequently poached. As the river water is somewhat acid the trout do not grow to a large size. Better fishing can be had at the several large reservoirs which are stocked by the National Rivers Authority.

Fishing in the local waters, whether for game or coarse fish, a licence will be required. This can be obtained from most Post Offices. Special rates for O.A.P's and under 12's do apply. April 1st is the date that the new season for licences begins.
The river Tavy should only be fished with artificial fly. There are several favourites amongst the specialists but any of the dunns seem to do well. Cheese should not be used. It catches too many fish!!!

Tube flies are often used on the lakes and reservoirs where the rainbow is the most likely fish, but the occasional 'brownie' can help fill the creel at these places! Try Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes for reservoir fishing.

There are several private fisheries locally and lakes where a good days sport can be enjoyed. Local Press contains details.
So that you will not be too disappointed at not catching any fish I've set up a few links for you to drool over instead.