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.
- Berkley Lake
- Wimbleball Fly Fishery
- Seymour Fishery
- Withy Water
- Summerhayes Fishery
- Turbary Carp Syndicate
- Ashmead Fishery
- Pawlett Ponds
- Thorney Lakes
- Northam Farm Holiday Park
- Lakeside Holiday Park
- Jacklands Fishing Lakes
- Diamond Farm Holiday Park
- Rode Hill Fishery
- Festival Carp Fishery
- Shiplate Farm Fishery
- Emborough Pond
- Box Brook
- River Chew
- Chew Valley Lake
- Huntstrete Lake
- Farleigh Wood Fishery
- Exe Valley Fishery
- River Parrett
- River Avon – Claverton
- River Avon
- Apex Lake
- Clatworthy Reservoir
- Wych Lodge Lake
- West Sedgemoor Drain
- Viaduct Fishery
- Trinity Waters
- The Sedges Fishery
- Maunsel Ponds
- Chard Reservoir Fishing
- Century Ponds
- Burton Springs
- Witham Friary Lakes
- Plantation Lakes
- Bullock Farm
- Avalon Fisheries
- Ash Ponds Fishery
- Acorn Carp Fishery
- Pavyotts Mill Fishery
- Walrow Ponds
- Durleigh Reservoir
- Dunwear Ponds
- Combwich Ponds
- River Tone
- Taunton & Bridgwater Canal
- River Sheppey
- River Brue – Wall Eden Adventure
- Lands End Fishery
- Higher Farm Fishery
- HBS Fisheries
- River Frome
- Follyfoot Fishery
- Emerald Pool Fishery
- Edney’s Fisheries
- Cider Farm Lakes
- Cheddar Reservoir Fishing
- Perry Street Pond
- Barrow Tanks
- Ham Green Lake
- Highlands Lake
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
| Name | Address | Website | FB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keynsham Angling Association | PO Box 137 Bristol Somerset BS31 9AX UK | Website | |
| Stoke-sub-Hamdon and District Angling Club | Brokenstone Cottage Silver Street East Lambrook Somerset TA13 5HW UK | Website | |
| Wells and District Sea Angling Club | Oxford street Evercreech Somerset BA4 6HT UK | Website | |
| Clevedon & District Freshwater Angling Club | 3 Sunnyvale Clevedon Somerset BS21 7XB UK | Website | |
| Cheddar Angling Club | P O Box 1183 Cheddar Somerset BS27 3LT UK | Website |