Fishing in Cornwall (A List of The Best Places)

Cornwall has long been renowned as a fishing paradise. The county has the best weather in the UK, beautiful scenery, and numerous rivers, lakes, and reservoirs offering a profusion of coarse and fly fishing, making this the perfect destination.

Many lakes and reservoirs in Cornwall offer excellent coarse fishing opportunities, including all of the major rivers in the area, such as the Camel, Fowey, Lynher, Seaton, and Tamar, which are perfect for the keen angler.

Butterwell Farm Fishing

Sea Fishing in Cornwall

The picturesque Cornish coast provides a wide range of angling experiences, from relaxing beach fishing and shore fishing to exhilarating rock and charter boat fishing adventures.

North Cornwall is well-known for its good rock fishing opportunities. Anglers can cast their lines from the rocky outcrops and cliffs, targeting species such as bass, wrasse, flat fish and pollack. St Agnes is a popular destination for rock fishing, with its dramatic cliffs and abundant fish populations. When rough seas churn up the waters, the chances of landing a sizeable catch often increase, making it an exciting time for anglers.

Beach fishing in Cornwall is another popular pastime, providing the chance to catch a variety of flatfish, such as plaice, flounder, turbot, and bass and rays. Holywell Bay, located on the North coast, is a prime example of a beautiful Cornish beach fishing spot, offering plenty of space for anglers to spread out and enjoy a relaxing day by the water.

Boat fishing is another fantastic way to experience Cornwall sea fishing opportunities. By chartering a boat, anglers can access deeper waters, targeting species like cod, ling, and conger eel, typically found further offshore.

Many harbors along the Cornish coast offer boat fishing charters, making it easy for anglers to venture out into the open waters. These charters typically provide all the necessary equipment and expert guidance to ensure a successful fishing trip. Some popular ports for boat fishing include Falmouth, Mevagissey, and Looe on the South coast, and Newquay, Padstow, and Bude on the North coast.

The South coast of Cornwall offers its own unique angling experiences. Cornwall fishing from harbor walls is a popular activity, providing the opportunity to target species like mackerel, mullet, and garfish. Falmouth’s bustling harbor is an excellent spot for this type of fishing, with its long stretch of accessible wall and diverse marine life.

In addition to the locations mentioned above, Cornwall has many other fantastic sea fishing spots worth exploring. On the South Cornwall coast, Porthleven is known for its challenging rock fishing, while Porthcurno offers a beautiful sandy beach for flatfish and bass fishing. The variety of locations and species make Cornwall an unforgettable destination for sea fishing enthusiasts.

Whether you prefer casting your line from a beach, rocky shoreline, or boat deck, Cornwall’s sea fishing opportunities are sure to provide an exciting and rewarding angling experience. The stunning landscapes, diverse marine life, and rich fishing heritage make the Cornish coast an ideal destination for anglers of all skill levels.

Freshwater Fishing Spots In Cornwall

The Fowey River offers opportunities for salmon fishing. Bodmin Moor’s streams and rivers are home to wild brown trout.

Mid-March to mid-October is prime time for trout and sea trout river fishing. Because of the proliferation of winter rainbow trout fisheries, anglers can now access trout water throughout the year. Anglers can salmon fish throughout the winter as well.

You’ll find all the common fish species in Cornwall’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs; however, there are several uncommon species, such as Golden Orfe, Blue Orfe, Green Tench, Crucian Carp, Common Carp, Mirror Carp, Leather Carp, and Grass Carp.

A few of the popular coarse fishing spots in Cornwall:

Mawgan Porth Pools Lake

The established fishery is located north of Newquay, Cornwall, amid a quiet beach community. Wooden platforms and paths go to and from the parking area so that no matter your age or disability, you and your friends and family can enjoy the quiet and beauty of the countryside.

Wildlife abounds in the natural lakes for coarse fishing, including turquoise blue kingfishers and graceful herons. Day passes are £6.00, and we’re open from 7:30 a.m. to sunset. We also rent equipment—fish for carp, bream, tench, blue and golden orfe.

Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays

Free fishing is available to all holiday anglers all year round, but they must have a rod license. Anglers of all ability levels are welcome at the two lakes and private river fishing along the River Camel, ideal for a family fishing vacation. Just come and have some fun; there aren’t many restrictions on what you can or can’t use or when you can or can’t fish.

The top lake is ideal for beginners and youngsters on their first fishing holiday; they can even get on-site fishing lessons. The top lake has carp, roach, and tench. The carp lake is well stocked and has carp up to 20lbs. The spring-fed lake is an idyllic venue with the river Camel running alongside.

Bake Fishing Lakes

Located on 30 acres of the beautiful Cornish countryside, Bake Lakes boasts nine lakes and ponds, making it a one-stop shop for all anglers. Breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil, Bake Lakes is just a few minutes’ drive from Trerulefoot roundabout on the A38 between Saltash and Liskeard in the Cornish countryside.

At Bake Lakes, anglers of all skill levels may enjoy first-class coarse or specimen fishing in various locations and an on-site tackle and bait shop with certified and licensed instruction in coarse fishing.

Gwinear Lakes

In the heart of Cornwall, close by to Newquay, Gwinear has two well-stocked fishing lakes available year-round.

Nearby Cubert and Crantock, which feature numerous pubs, tea rooms, cafes, and small village shops, Gwinear is a short two-mile drive from Newquay. Hollywell Bay, Polly Joke, and Crantock beaches are all within driving distance. You’ll be in the middle of Cornwall’s most gorgeous beaches when you stay at Gwinear, a family-owned and operated campground. In Gwinear, it’s easy to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Cornwall.

The fishing lakes in Gwinear are both well-stocked and open all year round. Since its inception in 1988, our specimen lake has become one of Cornwall’s premier day-ticket fishing destinations. In 2015, we renovated our match and pleasure coarse fishing lake, bringing it back together as a single body of water. Because of the new pegs, fishing at this lake has never been easier or more pleasurable.

Bude Canal

This historic waterway in the picturesque town of Bude on the North coast offers a serene setting for coarse fishing. The canal is home to various fish species, including roach, rudd, bream, tench, and big fish such as carp. Anglers can enjoy a leisurely day of float fishing along the canal’s banks, taking in the beautiful surroundings and abundant wildlife.

Tredidon Barton

Situated near the village of St. Kew, Tredidon Barton is a private fishery comprising two well-maintained lakes, providing a tranquil environment for anglers. The lakes are stocked with various species, including carp, tench, bream, and perch. The well-kept grounds and picturesque setting make this fishery famous for those looking to spend a relaxing day by the water.

Upper Tamar Lake

This large reservoir, located near the border between Cornwall and Devon, offers an expansive area for anglers to explore.

Fly Fishing In Cornwall

Innis Fly Fishery

Ennis Fly Fishery is just a few miles from Cornwall’s famous Eden Project. Hard-fighting Rainbow Trout are stocked weekly in three mature lakes. Innis Fly Fishery is one of Cornwall’s most popular fly fishing destinations for anglers of all skill levels, from complete novices to the world’s best competition fly fishers.

There are many holding tanks at Innis where they raise trout to double-digit specimens. Their system provides the Innis team complete control over the quantity, size, quality, and variety of fish they use to stock each body of water. Their Specimen Lake, Innis Lake, is home to numerous fish in the double digits. They stock Carbis and Sterrick weekly from 2lbs and up.

Colliford Lake

A popular fly fishing spot in Cornwall, Colliford Lake is near the world-famous Jamaica Inn.

In addition, to fly fishing for native brown trout, Colliford Lake is located in a picturesque rural setting. Brown Trout, the lake’s size (900 acres when full), and the absence of other watersports all contribute to Colliford’s distinct character. Season tickets are now available, and a £10 evening ticket is also available for the first time.

The average Trout caught here is between 12 ounces and 1 pound. But each year, a few 3lb fish are caught, and periodically, fly fishermen have taken fish up to 5lbs.

Brown trout fishing is mostly a very mobile activity. It’s impossible to exaggerate the importance of always being on the move and having access to clean water. Fortunately, Colliford has a long stretch of usable bank, so this free-ranging wandering technique is a natural fit. A simple cast and walk are all that is required.

Carp Fishing Lakes In Cornwall

Lower Tamar Lake (Holsworthy)

Lower Tamar Lake is located in Alfardisworthy, about 7 miles from Holsworthy. It is situated on the Devon/Cornwall border.

The 35-acre lake, managed by the South West Lakes Trust, has just 16 pegs, so anglers have plenty of room to cast.

Visitors are not allowed in a nature reserve at the lake’s northern end. Peg 1 on the east bank and “swampy” on the west bank are the best bets for anglers hoping to catch fish in this area. The lake’s record carp was more than 38 pounds, and there is a healthy population of fish exceeding 20 pounds. You can expect a good catch when the fish bite because of the lake’s high stock levels.

Meadow Lakes (St Austell)

Meadow Lakes is near Hewas Water, approximately 6 miles from St Austell.

Meadow Lakes, a family-run, award-winning holiday park in Cornwall, has 56 acres of meadows, trees, and lakes. The four fishing lakes are free for holiday park residents, although day passes are offered for visitors.

Because lakes 1, 2, and 3 are primarily stocked with silver fish and tiny carp, Lake 4 is home to the largest carp on the complex.

Lake 4 has roughly two acres and a tiny island in the middle. This lake’s depths range from 2 to 3 feet in the shallower parts to 14 feet at the deepest. You’ll find plenty of small mirror carp; however, there are numerous double-figure common carp and the lake’s 26lb record ghost carp.

Oakside Fishery (Newquay)

You will find the Oakside Fishery in Whitecross, about six miles from Newquay.

The 3.5-acre lake contains four islands, lily beds, overhanging trees, and reed beds, all surrounded by over 20 acres of farmland.

There is an abundance of 20 lbs plus carp in the lake; however, the record carp caught here was over 30lb. You can fish the lake on day tickets, but you can also buy 24hr tickets if a whole day isn’t enough.

Carp Fishing Holidays In Cornwall

If you take the family on holiday and hope to get in some carp fishing, you’ll never do better than Cornwall. This county offers the best climate in the country and plenty of attractions for the rest of the family while you’re off carp fishing.

If you have a caravan or are considering renting one for your holiday and looking for caravan sites in Cornwall with fishing lakes, look at Meadow Lakes. If you scroll up a little, you’ll find a small section about Meadow Lakes with more information.

White Acres Holiday Park is one of the best venues in Cornwall for combining a family holiday with some excellent lake fishing. You’ll find this venue at White Cross, Newquay, and with 15 lakes spread across 36 acres, anglers can choose from the best coarse fishing available anywhere in the country. Stunning parkland and trees surround the lakes, supplied by underground springs.

However, there are so many attractions for the family, such as an indoor swimming pool, 10 minutes to the beach, family entertainment, and the park is pet friendly.

If you prefer to holiday in St. Ives and want to test yourself carp fishing in St. Ives, pay a visit to Amalwhidden Farm coarse fishery. You’ll find the two lakes in the beautiful area of Towednack, only three miles from St. Ives. The venue boasts two well-stocked lakes. Heron lake has plenty of carp up to 14lb.

Fishing Clubs in Cornwall

Name	Address	Website	FB
Shark Angling Club of Great Britain	The Quay East Looe Cornwall PL13 1DX UK	Website
Marazion Angling Club	St. Erth Lake, Little Mill Lane, St. Erth, Cornwall, TR27 6HJ	Website

Conclusion

Cornwall has many fishing and holiday venues; you’ll be spoilt for choice. When you add in the fantastic weather, beaches, and attractions in Cornwall, it all adds up to one of the best destinations in the UK. One of our top tips would be to contact local angling clubs to find out the best Cornwall sea fishing spots and also a great way to meet others