Venford Reservoir
Venford Reservoir is a fishing beat.
How to book
Fishing details
Venford Reservoir at a glance
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- Difficulty
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- Water type
- stillwater
Fishing methods
Venford Reservoir sits among the craggy hills of Dartmoor National Park, near Holne Moor. It was originally built to supply water to Paignton. A footpath just over a mile long runs right around the water through broadleaf woodland, and the fishing, like Meldon and Avon Dam, is entirely free: a current Environment Agency rod licence is all you need.
Wild brown trout are the only fish here. Fly, spinner and bait are all allowed, and up to four fish over ten inches may be kept each day, though South West Lakes Trust prefers catch and release, using barbless hooks when you do return a fish. Fishing is from the bank only; there is no boat fishing on Venford.
Most of the path is stable underfoot, though five steps partway round and a few rougher sections rule it out for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There is a car park at the reservoir. The season runs from 15 March to 15 October.
Stocking and fish species
Rules and policies
Fishing rules for Venford Reservoir
Up to four trout over 10 inches may be kept each day, though South West Lakes Trust prefers catch and release, using barbless hooks when you do return a fish. Fly fishing, spinning and bait are all allowed. Fishing is from the bank only; there is no boat fishing. A current Environment Agency rod licence is required; no separate ticket or permit is needed. The season runs from 15 March to 15 October.
Amenities
Where Venford Reservoir is
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
50.52308, -3.85629
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FAQ
Venford Reservoir FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Venford Reservoir, from tickets to tactics.
