Sorenson Flycasting
Fly Fishing in Devon & Southwest
Useful links
I hope the links below are of some help. They are a list of organisations, fishing tackle shops, fisheries and publications both national and centred in the South West England which I use and trust to give you both a good day out, service and advice on all your Fly fishing needs .
Links
- John Dawson
I have worked with, for and alongside John ever since I qualified as a coach during both instruction days, exhibitions, and guided days. John is a real genleman and will enthrol you with his tales of his childhood in Africa and his fishing exploits.John is a very experienced fisherrman and his knowlege of the waters in my region are excellent.. John covers the same area as I do and he is the first person I recommend to my clients if I can not accomodate them myself. He offers a variety of courses including boat courses and Ladies days at Wimbleball. I look forwad to my days working with John as much as I do fishing for myself it is always agood fun.
- Hatswell Meadow
Hatswell meadow is located outside Tiverton and nestles in the beautiful Exe valley the House is set in its own 20 acres and there is a mile of prime river Exe fishery for 1 rod available to residents. This is a stunning setting and base to visit Devon from. With easy access to the North Devon Link road, M5 and beyond Most of Devon is within easy reach.
The river itself has a number of named pools, and this single bank fishery will not disappoint.
Exmoor is on the Doorstep, and the beaches of North Devon and South Devon are but 45 minutes drive. - Environment Agency
The EA look after our river environment and you will need a
national rod licence to fish the rivers and lakes
in the South West. This site will give you all the
information you need. - Salmon and Trout Association
Charitable trust who's aim is the protection of our fisheries and sport.
They liaise with other bodies in the sport as well as Government
for the benefit of game fishing in Great Britain. - Hollies Trout Farm
Two stream fed lakes of 1-1.5 acres set at the foot of the Blackdown
hills near Sheldon. Best Rainbow trout 18lb 12oz, best
Brown trout 11lb 14oz.
This is a sheltered fishery, ideal for the beginner and can be a good
dry fly water. Best Flies Montanna, Damsel, Cats whiskers,
and Black buzzers.
- BellBrook Valley Trout Fishery
3 Specimen and 3 Normal lakes set in a beautiful Devon valley .
Five lakes are terraced and a sixth larger lake sites
a short walk away.
A real gem with self catering caravan and bed and
breakfast accommodation available.
Corporate days available and a wide range of ticketing options.
- Lance Nicholson, Dulverton
A tackle shop in the heart of Dulverton , who can offer all your fishing and shooting needs . The Dulverton Angling Association are run from here, membership of which will give you access to some fabulous beats on the River Exe Barle, and Hadeo offering Brown Trout, Salmon and Grayling. - Blakewell Trout Fishery
To be found on the outskirts of Barnstaple this 5 acre in line fishery with its horse shoe shaped lake has Rainbow Trout to 22lb 11oz and Brown Trout to 8lb 8oz.. The fishery boasts a cafe, tackle shop and farm shop as well as the design and installlation service for any water features you may desire. A very beautiful and well maintained water. - South West Fishing for Life Charity
This is a non profit organisationto help anyone suffering from or recovering from breast cancer. It has been found that the action of flycasting can be beneficial to aid recovery. Set up by Gillian Payne in 2008 the organisation not only aims to provide fishing oportunities but wanst to see this idea spread to other venues.
The charity are supported by South West Lakes Trust who kindly allow them to fish at Wimbleball where they meet once a month in the season.
Patrick at Lance Nicholson is the chairman and can help with any queries you may have and email to patrick@lancenich.f9.co.uk,
Gillian can be contacted on 01398-371244 or by email on holworthy@aol.com.
So if you know someone who may find this useful let them know, they will find a warm welcome and a very social day out. - Wimbleball Lake
374 acres of Rainbow Trout fishing set to the west of the Brendon Hills on the Somerset /Devon border. A Trout Master water with Rainbows to 8lbs. Bank and Boat fishing., home to the Southwest fishing for life Charity. They run various events thorugh out the year. Natural flies always work well. Can look a little daunting but fish can be found in the margins . A very nice water. - Fly Fishing Devon
I qualified as an instructor at the same time as these two instructors/Guides and two nicer chaps you could not wish to meet. They are both very experienced fishermen and specialise on the rivers on Dartmoor Their attention to details and their environmental ethos are excellant. Look at their website it is a hive of information and they have some great packages/offers.
- Holworthy Farm Wimbleball Lake Somerset
Holworthy Farm a 200-acre livestock farm on the banks of Wimbleball Lake,has five bedrooms are all en suite with TV and tea making facilities and views of the lake. Children of all ages are welcome.
They do not allow dogs in the house accept guide dogs. But you may leave them in the car.
Gillian runs the South West Fish for Life charity and has links and discounts at the lake for all activities and on fishing tickets. Ideal location.
- Bryan Martin
Bryan Covers the North of Devon and offers not only a great knowlege of the river Taw and Torridge but also sea fly fishing on the north coast for Bass Mullet and Pollack as well as other species.
Bryan is a very highly qualified instructor being not only an APGAI level coach but also a member of the FFF. This is an instructor that I would go to for help. Watching Bryan Cats is an experience, he is such a good caster it looks almost effortless.
- Anchor Inn Exbridge
The Anchor inn at Exbridge is set on the banks of the river Exe and offers good accomodation and food, fantastic base from which to explore exmoor and the the fishing in both North Devon and West Somerset. The Inn also has access to rights to the river exe on its doorstep which boasts some excellent pools and and runs. It is also within walking distance of Exe valley fishery if stillwater fishing is your aim, which can be seen from thecar park.
The Inn also offers itself as a weddings venue and other functions which can be catered for .
Contact 01398 323433, the address is
The Anchor Inn, Exebridge, Dulverton TA22 9AZ - Leisure Activities
Outdoor Sports - Kayaking, Fishing, Riding, Sailing, Diving ..... if you are looking for something else to try while on your holiday in the south west try this directory
A useful site for anyone looking to take up an outdoor sport,as well being a great resource for the enthusiast.
- West Country RiversTrust
The Westcountry Rivers Trust is charity which was set up in 1995 to preserve, protect develope and improve the rivers, streams, lakes and watercourses in the South West of England. They also provide education and advice on ecology, management and development of waters.
The Trust run a very popular Passport system on many rivers in the region, working closely with fishery owners and other bodies. This system is run on a token basis and includes rivers such as the Dart, Teign and Tamar as well as many others.
If ou are planning atrip to the wets country and fancy fishing some of the rivers on Dartmoor have a look at the website, they also list a number of well qualified guides and instructors.
- Richard Jackson
Richard along with Geoff and Paul qualified at the same time as I did and is a full time coach and guide. He has fished in a number of different countries around the world but is a true Devon boy and is based in Cheriton Bishop. Richards guides on the upper Teign and many other rivers in the Dartmoor and Crediton Area, as well as reservoirs such as Kennick . If you want to try something a little different why not try Sea Trout in the dead of night, if so Richard is your man. Richard also offers a range of tackle to his own exacting standards, as well as Fly tying courses. Check out his web site it offers links to accomodation in his area as well . - Roy Davis
Roy Davis is fly tyer who will tie your flies to your own specifications. I have known Roy for some time through the shows we have done together his work is excellant as can be seen from some of the flies at the 2011 Mid Devon show. He can be emailed on roy.p.davis@btinternet.co or called on telephone 07711568169.
- Nick Hart
Nick Hart is one of the country's best known instructors and guides. He is based at the picturesque Exe valley fishery and can offer individual tuition, courses, and guided fishing trips tailored to you needs. His shop is well stocked with quality equipment and his staff are friendly and happy to offer advice. Worth a visit both to the web site, the shop and the fishery.
Well worth a look at his website as it is very informative full of useful information as well as tempting on the pocket..
Publications
- Get Hooked
This is a guide to angling in the South West of England and lists fisheries, tackle shops, tuition, and accomodation . The guide is published in partnership with the Environment Agency. It has some good articles as well as all the contact names you will need.