Fishing in Somerset

Somerset is a county located in the South West of England. The county has a rich history, dating back to the Saxon times. Somerset is known for its rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and many lakes and rivers, which offer excellent fishing opportunities. This page will look closely at fishing in Somerset, including some of the best places to go carp fishing and trout fishing.

Carp Fishing in Somerset

Carp fishing in Somerset offers a variety of natural and commercial fisheries for anglers of all skill levels, with numerous lakes and fisheries available for a memorable experience. Here are some popular carp fishing venues in Somerset, including Wimbleball Lake and Hayle Lake:

Wimbleball Lake

As mentioned, Wimbleball Lake is in the stunning Exmoor National Park, providing a picturesque backdrop for carp anglers The lake is stocked with double figure carp, with some specimens reaching over 30 lbs. The venue offers boat and bank fishing, making it suitable for anglers with different preferences.

Hayle Lake

Near Glastonbury, Hayle Lake provides a healthy population of carp for anglers to target. The lake is well-maintained and offers a peaceful fishing environment, making it a popular destination for carp enthusiasts.

Durleigh Reservoir

Situated near Bridgwater, Durleigh Reservoir is a popular spot for carp fishing. The reservoir is well-stocked with mirror and common carp, offering good opportunities for beginners and experienced anglers.

Emerald Pool Fishery

Located near Burnham-on-Sea, Emerald Pool Fishery is a well-maintained complex of four lakes, with one specifically designated for carp fishing. The fishery is home to various carp species, including mirror, common, and ghost carp, providing anglers with an enjoyable and diverse fishing experience.

The Sedges

The Sedges is a fishery near Bridgwater that offers several lakes for carp fishing. The lakes are well-stocked with various carp species and sizes, making them suitable for anglers of all skill levels.

Trout Fishing in Somerset

Trout fishing in Somerset provides anglers with a range of opportunities to enjoy this popular sport amidst the beautiful countryside. There are several well-stocked lakes, reservoirs, and rivers throughout the county where you can target brown, rainbow, and even blue trout. Here are some notable trout fishing locations in Somerset:

Blagdon Lake

Situated in the Mendip Hills, Blagdon Lake is renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. This picturesque reservoir is stocked with rainbow and brown trout and offers anglers boat and bank fishing options.

Chew Valley Lake

Located south of Bristol, Chew Valley Lake is one of the region’s largest and most famous trout fishing destinations. The lake is regularly stocked with high-quality rainbow and brown trout, allowing anglers to catch trophy-sized fish.

Exe Valley Fishery

Near Dulverton, Exe Valley Fishery offers a fantastic fly fishing experience located on the River Exe’s banks. The fishery consists of two lakes stocked with rainbow and blue trout, catering to beginners and experienced anglers.

Sutton Bingham Reservoir

Near Yeovil, Sutton Bingham Reservoir is a popular trout fishing destination. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout and offers both bank and boat fishing options, with fly fishing being the primary method used here.

Hawkridge Reservoir

Situated near Bridgwater, Hawkridge Reservoir is a scenic spot for trout fishing. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow and brown trout and offers a peaceful and enjoyable fishing environment.

Avalon Fisheries

Located near Glastonbury, Avalon Fisheries is a well-maintained trout fishery that provides excellent fly fishing opportunities. The fishery comprises two lakes stocked with rainbow trout, making it a great location for anglers of all skill levels.

River Fishing

River fishing in Somerset offers a diverse range of opportunities for anglers, with numerous rivers providing habitats for various fish species. Somerset’s rivers cater to different angling styles and preferences from tranquil rural settings to urban river stretches. Here are some notable rivers in Somerset for fishing:

River Parrett

The River Parrett flows through Somerset, providing excellent opportunities for coarse fishing. Species of fish such as chub, bream, roach, and pike can be found in the river, along with some stretches offering good barbel fishing. Anglers should look for the best fishing spots for deeper pools and overhanging trees.

River Tone

Flowing through Taunton, the River Tone offers a mix of coarse and game fishing. The river is home to chub, roach, dace, trout, and salmon in some sections. Many angling clubs in the area manage stretches of the River Tone, so be sure to check for permit requirements. It is also a good river for pike fishing.

River Brue

The River Brue is a popular coarse fishing river in Somerset, with abundant roach, chub, and bream. The river also holds some sizeable pike and can be fished at various locations, including public access points and stretches managed by angling clubs.

River Axe

Originating in the Mendip Hills, the River Axe offers excellent fishing for brown trout and grayling. The river also holds a good population of coarse fish such as chub and dace. Some stretches of the River Axe are managed by local angling clubs, while others offer day ticket fishing.

River Frome

Flowing through Dorset and Somerset, the River Frome is known for its game fishing opportunities, particularly brown trout and grayling. In addition to game fishing, the river also offers coarse fishing for species such as chub, roach, and dace.

Other Recommend Fishing Venues

If you’re looking for an excellent place to go fishing for a day, head to the Cheddar Gorge Fishery, which Cheddar Angling Club runs. This venue offers excellent fishing for trout, carp, and tench.

Alternatively, try the Shepton Mallet AA Canal Fishery, a great place for big fish like carp and bream and there’s also some quality roach.

Fishing Clubs In Somerset

NameAddressWebsiteFB
Keynsham Angling AssociationPO Box 137 Bristol Somerset BS31 9AX UKWebsite
Stoke-sub-Hamdon and District Angling ClubBrokenstone Cottage Silver Street East Lambrook Somerset TA13 5HW UKWebsite
Wells and District Sea Angling ClubOxford street Evercreech Somerset BA4 6HT UKWebsite
Clevedon & District Freshwater Angling Club3 Sunnyvale Clevedon Somerset BS21 7XB UKWebsite
Cheddar Angling ClubP O Box 1183 Cheddar Somerset BS27 3LT UKWebsite