Fishing

The Taw is a spate river, meaning it is subject to large and sometimes rapid changes in height based on rainfall. Throughout the year, the river is fed by a spring on Dartmoor, so we have resident brown trout all year round. During, or just after periods of rain, when the river is in spate, salmon will move through the system, when water levels are higher. The increased water and flow causes the water to become cloudy and fishing is generally poor immediately following a large downfall. Three or four days later, as the water clears again is the very best time to fish.

The seasons vary slighting but include fishing for Trout, Sea Trout, Salmon, Grayling.  We are fortunate at Week Mill Farm to own approximately half a mile of beautiful fishing rights on the River Taw, but we also have access to further fishing.  The fishing beats are maintained in a natural state except for some grooming and all fish on the Taw are wild.  We purchased this property as owner Michael Durrell is a very keen fly fisherman and has regular catches throughout the season, as have other regular users.  The Brown Trout tend to be small as the river limits the natural food but fish up to 16” have been caught.

Salmon and Sea Trout are also caught but the Salmon is becoming rare (on average 150 salmon are caught a year on the River Taw). However we do have a specific Salmon pool in which several salmon have been caught.

FIshing costs vary dependant on the timing of your visit so contact us on reservations@chawleighweekmill.co.uk for further details or advice on the fishing available

Other Nearby Fishing Opportunities

We are located near many rivers, reservoirs and fisheries in every direction. Arguably we’re closer to more fishing opportunities than almost anywhere in the country, with more than 20 reservoirs and fisheries within a one hour drive and many nearby rivers. The Fish Pass app allows you to book beats in the South West and our guides have access to other nearby waters if the local conditions aren’t ideal. The Fishing section under Local Area has links to popular fishing opportunities in the surrounding area.

Dogs

Regrettably, dogs are not permitted to accompany you on any of our fishing beats. This regulation is explicitly stated in the Land Registry documents that govern the riparian  rights for Week Mill Beat.