Exe Valley Fishery – Small Stillwater Fly Fishing for Trout

History

Exe Valley is one of the oldest and best loved small stillwater Trout fisheries in the UK, first opening its doors to sport fishing in 1968. It was the late Mrs Ellen Maund who was the brainchild behind the idea of stocking fish into Lobbs Lake for anglers to enjoy. Since then the venue has remained in the same family, with the addition of Anchor Lake during the late 80s. In 2006 Nick Hart opened his shop on the shores of the fishery and began managing the site in March 2011.

The Lakes

Anchor is 2 acres in size with an average depth of 8 feet and operates on a fly only basis. Set in a beautiful location, the lake is fed by the River Barle providing crystal clear water conditions and abundant fly life. A short cast from the banks of the River Exe this is an ideal venue for the novice, although more experienced anglers visit us to sample excellent top of the water sport. Many people have caught their first ever Rainbow Trout on Anchor Lake during a fly fishing course with Nick Hart.

Lobbs is a fun sized lake of half acre lake, offering families with small children the opportunity to have a go at fishing. We often hear the whoops of delight when a youngster hooks their first Trout! Stocked with fish up to 2lbs this is a great place to go fishing for the barbeque and when you need a break, relax on one of our picnic benches while enjoying lunch with your family. Fly Fishing, spinning and bait fishing are all available on Lobbs Lake.

Quality Fish

The working fish farm on site is steeped in history, transporting Trout to venues across the country for several decades. This stock is reared by Fred Bellamy, one of the best fish farmers in the business who can be regularly seen releasing fish into the lakes. The average size on the main Anchor Lake is a solid 2lb 8oz and 4lb to 5lb fish are not uncommon. These full tailed fish are reared in spacious holding tanks and often while swimming against a strong current, resulting in line stripping fighting ability! Since joining the Troutmasters competition we have also been introducing specimen fish to double figures with the current fishery record of 25lb caught by Les Carter in March 2014.

Tactics

A wide variety of techniques will work including floating lines with small Buzzers or Dry Flies. Sunburst Blobs are a favourite pattern fished slow on a long leader and during the cooler months intermediate lines account for their fair share of fish. The Cats Whiskers has accounted for many of our specimen Trout but the record Brown captured by Keith Ratcliffe in April 2011 weighed in at 12lb 4oz and succumbed to a tiny #14 Buzzer!

Facilities

Large car park, toilets, well stocked tackle shop, picnic benches, refreshments, hire tackle & casting tuition.

How to find Exe Valley Fishery